Students must complete 220 credits to earn their high school diploma; including 165 required courses in English, mathematics, science, social science, world language OR arts, health, and physical education. 

The 165 required courses include: 

• 4 Years of English
• 3 Years of Social Science (History)
• 3 Years of Math (to include Alg 1)
• 3 Years of Science
• 2 Years of PE (4 semesters)
• 1 Year of World Language, Fine Arts, or Career Technical Education
• 1 Semester of Health

Students must also complete 55 additional elective units. 

Students earn 5 credits per class with a passing grade of A, B, C or D.
A grade of “F” must be repeated in order to graduate and earn a diploma.

Additional Graduation Requirements:

• Earn a total minimum GPA of 1.75 or greater.
• Pass the writing proficiency.
• Submit verification of a minimum of 8 hours of community service.

The SVUSD High School Planning Guide is given to each student through their grade level guidance lessons throughout the year. Specific dates for presentations and corresponding parent nights can be found on the guidance calendar.

Information in the guide includes, but is not limited to: graduation requirements, a-g (4 year college eligibility requirements), various 4 year college systems (CSU, UC, private/independent schools) community college information, and career planning resources.

During grade 9, all freshmen will meet with their school counselor for an individualized meeting. The primary goal of this meeting is to increase students' career awareness and to make informed decisions regarding their future post-secondary goals, educational and career. School Counselors will work with students to devise a Four Year Personal Learning Plan. The plan is meant as an ongoing project which spans from grade 9 through grade 12, allowing students to keep track of their graduation requirements as well as requirements necessary for college admissions.

Courses chosen for the plan purposes are not locked in and may change as student interests, availability and prerequisite criteria are met.

Here is a blank copy of a useful form for parents and students to carefully plan and track the courses need for graduation and to properly position students for their post-high school goals.

• 4 Year Plan Form
• 4 Year Plan Form - Spanish