Graduation & College Requirements

GRADUATION & Minimum College Requirements

Graduation and College Requirements, click here for the PDF Below

FAQ  Graduation & College Requirements

How many credits are required to graduate from Menlo-Atherton? 

• 220 credits are needed to earn an M-A high school diploma.

 

Which classes meet the Visual and Performing Arts graduation requirement?

• Courses offered at M-A that meet the Visual and Performing Arts requirement change slightly from year to year, depending on student interest and staff availability.  They usually include:
  • Performing Arts Classes: Advanced Band, Jazz Band, Orchestra, Choral, Guitar, Drama, Stagecraft
  • Visual Arts Classes: Drawing and Painting I-II, Art Studio I-II, Ceramics I-IV, Digital Photography, Art Studio, or AP Art Studio (2D, 3D, and Photography)
• Please see the current course offering list.  

 

Which classes meet the Career Technical Education (CTE) requirement?

• Classes that meet the CTE requirement change slightly from year to year, depending on student interest and staff availability.  They usually include:
  • Digital Filmmaking, Adv Digital Filmmaking, Digital Com & Video, Digital Journalism I - III, Digital Photo & Design, Digi 3D Modeling & Anim, Adv Digi 3D Modeling & Anim, Graphic Design & Prod-P, Foods & Nutrition, Culinary Arts, Intro to Mobile Apps Development, AP Computer Science - Principles and Java, and Biotechnology.
  • Please see the current course offering list.  

 

How can students earn Physical Education (PE) credits after their 9th-grade year?

• Take the PE-2 class at M-A. Sign up with your School Counselor before the spring priority deadline. 
• Play 3 seasons of any M-A sport during 10th, 11th, or 12th grade.  Be sure to meet the eligibility criteria and complete the sports packet on time.

For the TWO options below, a SUHSD Single-Credit Dual Enrollment Form is required PRIOR to enrolling in the course. Please speak to your School Counselor before enrolling.

 

• • Take PE courses through local community colleges.  Search under Kinesiology-Fitness for a list of available courses.  The course must be a physical fitness course.  Course offerings are available online and may vary each semester/quarter (Fall/Winter/Spring/Summer).
    • • • Canada College - www.canadacollege.edu 1-3 units = 5 M-A credits
        • Skyline College -  www.skylinecollege.edu 1-3 units = 5 M-A credits
        • College of San Mateo - www.collegeofsanmateo.edu 1-3 units = 5 M-A credits
        • Foothill College - www.foothill.edu 1 unit = 1 M-A credit 

 

• • Take a PE course through an online program.  The course must be a physical fitness course.  See Schools/Programs/Institutions Used for Concurrent Enrollment. NOTE: Not all schools on this list offer physical education courses.

How can a student make up Life Skills? 

• Attend summer school.
• Participate in the SUHSD online credit recovery program in summer or during the school year (if possible).
• Take an approved course(s) through a WASC-accredited school/program following the Single-Credit Dual Enrollment policy. 

 

What is the lowest grade a student can earn and receive credits towards high school graduation?

• The lowest grade a student can earn is a  D-.  

 

What is the lowest grade a student can earn to meet a college entrance requirement (A-G course)?

• The lowest grade a student can earn is a C-. 

 

How many credits should a student have at the beginning of tenth grade?

• A minimum of 45 credits. To be considered on track, students should have  60 credits.

 

How many credits should a student have at the beginning of eleventh grade?

• A minimum of 105 credits. To be considered on track, students should have at least 120 credits.

 

How many credits should a student have at the beginning of twelfth grade?

• A minimum of 150 credits. To be considered on track, students should have at least 180 credits.

 

How can a student recover credits?

• Attend summer school if the course(s) needed are offered.
• Retake the course the following semester or year (not possible for English or social studies/history courses)
• Participate in the SUHSD online credit recovery program in summer or during the school year (if possible).
• Take course(s) through a local community college or through a WASC-accredited school/program following the Single-Credit Dual Enrollment policy.

 

What options are there for students who are significantly behind in credits?

Students who are at least 16 years old may be eligible to: 

• • • Transfer to Redwood High School (SUHSD continuation high school) 
    • Take the California Proficiency Exam (HiSet)

Students who are 18 years old can:

• • • Take the California Proficiency Exam (HiSet) or GED 
    • Attend the adult school and take HiSet or GED preparation classes
    • Take courses to earn an Adult School Diploma, if eligible.