Academic Information
Counselor Appointments
Please contact your future counselor by clicking the link below. Select the counselor based on the first letter of your last name.
A-G Requirements
The A-G Requirements are a sequence of high school courses that students must complete with a grade of "C" or better to be minimally eligible for admission to the University of California (UC) and California State University (CSU) systems.
(A) History/Social Science: Two years, including one year of world history, cultures, and historical geography and one year of us history or one-half year of us history and one-half year of civics or American government.
(B) English: Four years of college preparatory English that include frequent and regular writing, and reading of classic and modern literature.
(C) Mathematics: Four years are recommended by Shadow Hills High School, however three years of college preparatory mathematics are required that include the topics covered in elementary and advanced algebra and two- and three-dimensional geometry.
(D) Laboratory Science: Four years are recommended by Shadow Hills High School, however two years of laboratory science are required providing fundamental knowledge in at least two of these three disciplines: biology, chemistry, and physics.
(E) Language Other Than English: Four years are recommended by Shadow Hills High School; however, two years of the same language other than English are required.
(F) Visual & Performing Arts: One year, including dance, drama/theater, music, or visual art.
(G) College Preparatory Elective: One year chosen from additional "a-g" courses beyond those used to satisfy the requirements above, or courses that have been approved solely for use as "g" electives.
4 Year Plan
All students at Shadow Hills are on a 4x4. Meaning we take 4 years of Math, English, Social Science, and Science with a recommendation of 4 years in World Language.
9th Grade
Pre-AP English I
Math 1 or Compacted Math
Conceptual Physics
AVID/Intro to Ethnic Studies
Foreign Language
P.E. 1
Elective
10th Grade
English 2
Math 2 or Compacted Math 2
Chemistry
World History
Foreign Language
P.E. 2
Elective
11th Grade
English 3
Math 3
Biology
US History
Foreign Language
Elective
Elective
12th Grade
English 4
Advanced Math or Financial Literacy
Anatomy
Gov/Econ
Foreign Language
Elective
Elective
GPA Information
The Grade Point Average (GPA) is the average of all your grades throughout your four years of high school. It is used as a tool to determine how successful you were overall in your academic venture. At Shadow Hills HS, the GPA is reported each grading period, however, the only grades that go on the transcript are the final semester grades. Keep in mind however; it is only one of many tools that colleges/universities use to determine eligibility for admission. Remember, it is the RIGOR that counts in every course offered at Shadow Hills High School.
Weight Factors
Unweighted GPA: A student’s GPA that uses a traditional scale of averaging grades, with no “weight” or points added for grades in Honors/AP classes. The highest unweighted GPA possible is a 4.0.
Weighted GPA: A student’s GPA that adds “weight” or points to Honors/AP level classes. Regular classes are given points using the traditional scale. This makes it possible for students taking advanced classes to receive higher than a 4.0 GPA. This GPA is used for calculating Latin Honors received at our graduation ceremony.
GPAs Posted: On a student’s transcript both types of GPA (Unweighted and Weighted) are posted.
Purpose
College Admissions: Differs by institution, however, they typically utilize Cumulative Weighted GPAs.
SHHS Honor Roll: Calculated using a student’s Current Weighted GPA.
SHHS Senior Scholars: Calculated using a Senior’s Cumulative Weighted GPA (based on 7 semesters).
SHHS Athletics: Unweighted Current
NCAA (College) Athletics: Unweighted Cumulative
Selecting Classes
Counseling will host a guidance lesson for selecting next year's schedule.
Counselors will meet one on one with students to plan for next year's schedule.
Log onto their Student Vue account during the following days to select their courses for the 2023-24 school year:
Opening in May, exact dates will be posted closer to this time
Draft 2022-2023 Shadow Hills High School Course CatalogCourse Request Changes
Students with a schedule conflict or an incomplete schedule should report these issues to the counselor. Students are to attend all classes as scheduled until counselor submits a call slip. Parent permission may be required for some course requests/schedule changes. Per Board Policy, we will not make changes starting the sixth week of school.
Schedules at Shadow Hills High School will be changed for the following reasons:
A student requires a Teacher/Office Aid Contract
A student has completed a scheduled course in summer school.
A student is missing a core course on their schedule.
A student is missing a required course for graduation (Seniors only).
A student did not pass the second semester of a course and is scheduled into the next course.
A student does not have 7 periods on their schedule.
Schedules WILL NOT be changed for the following reasons:
The student wants a different teacher.
The student does not like the elective they previously selected.
The student wants a class in a different period.
The student wants a class with a friend.
Outside Course Work
Outside courses include college/university and Internet/media-based courses.
Prior approval is necessary for all outside courses!!
An outside course may be taken for the following reasons:
Making up a failed course
Schedule Conflict
Retaking to improve grade
Career Technical Education course
Enrichment*
Criteria: Outside courses may not replace courses offered at the school.
Credits earned must be through an accredited program.
The student must be capable of learning the material with minimal assistance, and demonstrate adequate preparation in the discipline to be studied.
Appeals: The steps for parents/guardians appealing the counselor decision are first through the principal/designee and then the Assistant Superintendent, Educational Services. If a student requests credit from Extension Courses taken prior to enrollment in the district, a course outline must be submitted to Educational Services to insure that the course meets state/district standards.
Once approved, SHHS will post/award the credits as appropriate. Courses outside of the district are generally fee-based.
Institutions: BYU INDEPENDENT STUDY PROGRAM 1-800-914-8931 www.elearn.byu.edu
These classes are offered online through BYU as a way of fulfilling high school graduation credit requirements. Online classes are suggested ONLY when student’s schedules are considered impacted. Please note that two online classes are required to fulfill one high school class. It is advised that students research their college of interests’ entrance requirements before pursuing these options these classes may not meet college entrance requirements. See your counselor for enrollment information or to discuss class options and costs. COURSES AND FINAL EXAMS MUST BE COMPLETED BY THE LAST FRIDAY OF MAY.
Institutions: COLLEGE OF THE DESERT
With prior permission from the Assistant Principal of Counseling/Curriculum and a signed Special Admission form, SHHS students in good academic standing may benefit from taking college level courses at COD. An application may be downloaded from www.collegeofthedesert.edu/students/admissions. Students will be expected to pay tuition and related college fees, and are not eligible for financial aid.
Online Registration
For beginning of next school year: All students' families need to complete the online registration through Parent Vue each year.
If this is a mid-year request or you have questions, please contact our counseling specialist, Monica Guiza, (760)393-5400, ext 44130.
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