Academics

“A man who dares to waste one hour of time has not discovered the value of life.” -Charles Darwin, naturalist

Graduation Requirements

College Admission - A-G Requirements

Grade Point Average

AP Exams & Courses

The Advanced Placement Program® (AP) courses allow students the opportunity to take college-level courses in a high school setting with high school teachers at their school site.

GPA & Rank Calculation

G.P.A. and class ranking in the Kern High School District is based on a 4.5 scale and not a 5.0 scale. To discover the weight of Honors and AP grades use the chart and formula listed on the Grade Point Average (G.P.A.) and Rank in Class flier

CAASPP & EAP

The Early Assessment Program (EAP) in California helps high school juniors evaluate if they are ready for college-level English and mathematics before their senior year. The EAP is fully integrated into the 11th-grade CAASPP exams (specifically the Smarter Balanced tests for ELA and math). You don't take an extra test for EAP; it is embedded within CAASPP. The Early Assessment Program and CAASPP exam results have no impact on the admissions process. These results are used to place students in appropriate writing and math courses during their first year of college AFTER they are admitted.

Standardized Testing

PSAT

The PSAT is a College Board practice exam designed to help students prepare for the SAT and measure their college readiness. Additionally, when taken during the junior year, it serves as the official qualifying test for the highly competitive National Merit Scholarship Program.

SAT

The SAT is a standardized test that may be required or optional to apply to some private and out of state colleges. The test will evaluate a student’s college readiness and should be taken in the spring/end of the junior year and possibly again early in the fall of the senior year. Fee waivers are available for low income students, talk to your counselor for more information. To register for the SAT click here.

ACT

The ACT is a standardized test which can be taken instead of or in addition to the SAT. The test will evaluate a student’s college readiness and should be taken in the spring/end of the junior year and possibly again early in the fall of the senior year. Fee waivers are available for low income students, talk to your counselor for more information. To register for the ACT click here.

California Scholarship FEderation (CSF)

CSF membership is based on the type of classes you take and the qualifying grades earned each semester. In order to become a member, the student must submit an application each semester the student is eligible. A point system specified in the CSF state by-laws establishes the membership requirements. To secure eligibility for CSF membership, a student must earn points from pre-approved course lists. The majority of the required membership points must come from A-G accepted course work. Life Membership, or Sealbearer status, is achieved by students qualifying four or more semesters in the last three years of high school, with one semester earned during the senior year. A grade of a D or F will disqualify the student for that semester. For more information, talk with you school site counselor.

National Honor Society (NHS)

Students in grades 10-12 in a school that has National Honor Society chapter is eligible for consideration for membership. All membership selection is handled through the local school site chapter. NHS is more than just academic recognition. The NHS chapter establishes guidelines for selection that are based upon a candidate’s outstanding performance in the areas of scholarship, service, leadership and character. Specific standards for these four criteria may vary from one school to the next. Please see your counselor for more information.

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