Graduation Requirements

Subjects NCS Performing & Fine Arts Academy General Education Requirements Basic California H.S. Diploma Requirements California State University & University of California Entrance Requirements
English 4 years (40 credits) 3 years 4 years
Math 3 years (at least 30 credits and one upper division math course (Geometry)
  • Algebra 1
  • Geometry
  • Algebra 2
2 years (Including Algebra 1)
  • Algebra 1
  • Algebra 2
  • Geometry
  • 4th yr. recommended
Social Studies 3.5 years (35 credits)
  • World Geography (5)
  • World History (10)
  • US History (10)
  • Government (5)/Economics(5)
3 years (inc. US History & Geo.; World History.& Geo.;Gov/Econ.) 2 years
  • 1 year U.S. History or U.S. History/Govt;
  • 1 year World History, Cultures, Geography
Science 2 years (20 credits)
  • Biology (10)
  • Chemistry (10) or Physical Science (10)
2 years (biological and physical)
  • 2 years of lab science
  • 3 yr. recommended (biology, chemistry, physics, A&P, AP Chem, AP Bio)
Foreign Language 2 years (20 credits)
  • Spanish or French(2 years of same language)
  • 2 years foreign language or
  • 2 years of art
  • 2 years of same language
  • 3rd yr. recommended
Arts Courses and other Electives* 90 (at least 70 credits MUST be in the Visual and Performing Arts; at least 2 arts courses must be in the same discipline, one of which must be a level II course)

Health (5)

  1 year (a-g) approved arts course and
1 year college preparatory electives
Physical Education 2 years (20 credits) 2 years Not required
Senior Project 1 year (10 credits) Not required Not required
Total Credits 270 credits** 130 credits** 150 credits

* Waivers may be granted for students who enroll at PFAA after their sophomore year.

** Beginning with the graduating class of 2006, all students must also pass the California High School Exit Exam (CAHSEE) in order to receive a high school diploma.