Outside Credits Towards Graduation

Acceptable Credits

Credits towards SMHS graduation may be earned in the following manner:

• Successful completion of courses offered during the regular school year or summer sessions.

• Transfer of units from accredited private or other public schools.

• Approved correspondence courses.

• Transfer of units from a community college. (See section which follows.)

• Independent study as authorized by the California Administrative Code.

Click here for the Request for Outside Credit Form

Community College Credits

Community college courses may be transferred to SMHS as follows:

• 2-3 unit community college class = 5 credits at SMHS.

• 4-5 unit community college class = 10 credits at SMHS

• Any class which is fewer than 2 units at a community college may not be transferred to SMHS for credit, except when combined with other related classes with the approval of a counselor and principal’s designee.

Click here for the Palomar College K-12 Special Admission Approval Form

Credit Limitations

The following limitations apply unless prior approval for exception is granted by the principal:

• While attending SMHS, a student may apply no more than 30 credits from off-campus sources (community college, adult school, college, and university or correspondence classes) towards graduation. A request for outside credit form must be completed and filled out by the counselor prior to enrolling in any course outside of SMHS (with the exception of Palomar College or Mira Costa College).

• Work Experience Education is an elective class offered by Palomar College. This class combines class instruction with paid employment. Successful completion of the course requirements allows a student to earn 5 elective credits each semester; a total of 20 credits for 4 semesters. Learn more about Work Experience

• Courses in religion may not count as credits towards graduation.

• Courses identified as repeatable may be taken multiple times for credit.

• Students earning a grade of D in a college prep A-G course may repeat the course for additional credit providing that they earn a grade of C or higher the second time through. The initial course with the D grade will be applied as elective credits for graduation purposes