---
title: "Academics"
url: https://excelsiorschool.com/academics/
date: 2018-03-14
modified: 2026-07-27
lang: en
author: "taykuen"
description: "Academics ACADEMICSExcelsior School is a small, boarding high school that offers a rigorous, college-preparatory education. Our school, a WASC accredited institution, has established an excellent track record of graduates matriculating..."
categories:
  - "English Pages"
word_count: 2168
---

# Academics

## Academics

## ACADEMICS
Excelsior School is a small, boarding high school that offers a rigorous, college-preparatory education. Our school, a WASC accredited institution, has established an excellent track record of graduates matriculating at distinguished colleges and universities. Our alumni have attended many of the prominent colleges in California and other states, including Berkeley, UCLA, USC, Brown University, Pepperdine University, New York University, and Syracuse University., among others. Our school’s curriculum is designed to develop an awareness of student potential. Commitment to community service and individual responsibility are also strongly emphasized to raise responsible members of the community. An in-depth, enriched curriculum and a growing number of extracurricular activities allow students to become critical thinkers and productive communicators. A close-knit community forms due to the low student-to-teacher ratio.

The Excelsior School curriculum is varied and challenging, providing a strong college-preparatory program in various fields of study: English, history, mathematics, computer science, science, foreign language, art, performing arts, and physical education. Advanced Placement preparation is available in English, History, Math, and Science. The Excelsior faculty employs a wide variety of teaching methods. All courses emphasize reading, writing, and research skills, and some courses include educational field trips to local museums, theaters, and historical sites. The visual and performing arts are an integral part of the Excelsior experience. Each student is required to enroll in at least one full-year studio art course and one music course before graduation, and many students choose to take additional electives in these fields.

The college counseling program is committed to the careful matching of each student with a school that is particularly appropriate for each individual. Excelsior recognizes that each student is unique — that student has his/her own educational and professional goals, academic strengths, financial resources, and preference for certain geographical locations. Each student is advised to pursue a course of study that emphasizes his/her particular talents and strengths. SAT prep is provided for all students. Students have access to teachers and administrators to go over all aspects of the college application process. Help with personal statements is also part of the curriculum for seniors. The school arranges for universities to come to visit and talk about their corresponding schools. We arrange visits to universities for interested students as well. Our goal is for all students to attend the college of their choice.

![Tutoring](https://excelsiorschool.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Study.jpg)
![Science Teacher](https://excelsiorschool.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Chem-Class.jpg)
![English Class](https://excelsiorschool.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Classrom-1024x678.jpg)
![Graduation Picture](https://excelsiorschool.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/GraduationPic-1.jpg)
![Science Lab](https://excelsiorschool.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Chem-Lab-1024x768.jpg)
![Painting](https://excelsiorschool.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Painting-1024x1024.jpg)
![Physical education](https://excelsiorschool.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/PE-Class.jpg)
![theater arts](https://excelsiorschool.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Filming-1024x768.jpg)

## GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS

| High School

Graduation
Requirements | Minimum Credits for
Graduation | Recommended for
College Bound |
| ------------------------------------- | ------------------------------ | ----------------------------- |
| Subject | Course Requirements | Required Semester
Credits | Required Semester
Credits |
| English: | 4 years of English | 40 | 40 |
| Social Science:  | 3 years of social
science

1 year of World
History

1 year of United
States History

1 semester of
American Government

1 semester of
Economics | 30 | 40 |
| Mathematics:

  | 3 years of math

Algebra 1/Integrated
Math 1 and Geometry

Algebra II/Integrated
Math 2 or higher level courses. | 30 | 40 |
| Science:

  | 2 years college prep
laboratory science

Including both
biological and physical sciences | 20 | 20 |
| Fine Arts: | 1 year of fine arts | 10 | 10 |
| Foreign Language: | 2 year foreign
language | 20 | 20 |
| Physical Education: | 2 years of physical
education | 20 | 20 |
| Electives: | 50 units of credit

Student may select
elective courses in the following areas: art, business, consumer and
homemaking education, English, foreign language, mathematics, music,
industrial technology education, physical education, reading,
science, and social science. | 50 | 50 |
| TOTAL: | 220 | 240 |
| Pass the high school proficiency examinations |
 **CREDITS**

Five semester credits are granted for successfully passing a course one semester.  No credit is earned for courses which are repeated if credit has been previously granted or for courses in which an "f" grade is received.

## UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA ENTRANCE REQUIREMENT
University of California
Requirements
(starting 2003)
(A-G Requirement)
A-F/G Subject Requirements:

a) College Prep English: 4 years
English that includes frequent and regular writing and reading of classic and modern literature. Not more than two semesters of ninth–grade English can be used to meet this requirement.
b) Mathematics:
3 years (4 recommended) (Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II)
c) History / Social Science: 2 years required
Includes one year of U.S. History and one year of World Studies.
*d) Lab Science: 2 years (3 recommended)
CP Integrated Science I, II, and III (Biology, Chemistry, Physics), physiology
e) Language (other than English): 2 years (3 recommended) (Must be the same foreign language)
f) Visual and Performing Arts: 1 year
Students must complete a year-long approved course from a single visual and performing arts subject area (dance, music, visual arts, or drama/theater.)
g) College Preparatory Electives (1 year required)
Additional courses taken in subject requirement a-f above. They are to be chosen from the following subject areas: social science, English, advanced math, laboratory science, foreign language, and visual and performing arts. Also selected elective courses listed on the UC approved list.

SAT I or ACT required
Students must submit test scores for either the SAT 1 or ACT.

* The Science College Requirements must satisfy 1 year life science and 1 year physical science.

![University of California](https://excelsiorschool.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/uc-logo1.jpg)
![Brown University](https://excelsiorschool.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/CSU-Logo.jpg)

## CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY ENTRANCE REQUIREMENT
**California State University
**** Requirements (starting 2003)
**** (A-G Requirements)
**

|   |
| --- |
| Students must complete the following minimum requirements:

**a)** **College Prep English**: 4 years
English that includes frequent and regular writing and reading of classic and modern literature. Not more than two semesters of ninth–grade English can be used to meet this requirement .

** b) Mathematics ** : 3 years
(Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II)

** c) History / Social Science ** : 2 years required
Includes one year of U.S. History and one year of  World Studies.

** *d) Lab Science ** : 2 years
Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Physiology

** e) Foreign Language ** : 2 years
2 years same language

** f) Visual and Performing Arts ** : 1 year
Students must complete a year-long approved course from a single visual and performing arts subject area (dance, music, visual arts, or drama/theater.)

** g) Elective Course: 1 year
** (includes any subjects a-f above and selected college prep elective courses

** SAT I or ACT required
**Other requirements include:
• Graduation from high school
• An eligibility index that places applicants among the top one-third of California's public high school graduates.

**GPA                       SAT                        ACT
**Above 3.0              qualifies with any score
2.80                         660                          14
2.60                         820                          18
2.40                         980                          22
2.20                         1140                        26
2.0                           1300                        30 |

| ## EXCELSIOR SCHOOL

### UC/CSU-Approved Courses List |
| ------------------------------------------------------ |
| **a-History / Social Science - 2 years required **
Two years of history/social science, including one year of World History, Cultures or Geography; and one year of US History or one-half year of US History and one-half year of American Government/Civics |
| **Course Title** | **Transcript Abbreviation(s)** | **Category** | **Honors Type** | **Course Notes** |
| AP European History ![](https://excelsiorschool.com/img/icon_goldstar.gif?ln=images) | AP Euro | World History / Cultures / Historical Geography | AP | |
| AP Government and Politics United States ![](https://excelsiorschool.com/img/icon_goldstar.gif?ln=images) | AP GovPol US | Civics /
American Government | AP | |
| AP Human Geography ![](https://excelsiorschool.com/img/icon_goldstar.gif?ln=images) | AP Human Geography ![](https://excelsiorschool.com/img/icon_goldstar.gif?ln=images) | World History
/ Cultures / Historical Geography | AP | |
| AP United States History ![](https://excelsiorschool.com/img/icon_goldstar.gif?ln=images) | AP US Hist | U.S. History | AP | |
| AP World History ![](https://excelsiorschool.com/img/icon_goldstar.gif?ln=images) | AP World Hist | World History
/ Cultures / Historical Geography | AP | |
| Honors American Government | Hon Gov | Civics /
American Government | H | Semester |
| Honors American History | Hon US Hist | U.S. History | H | |
| Honors World History | Hon World Hist | World History
/ Cultures / Historical Geography | H | |
| U.S. Government & Politics | U.S. Gov | Civics /
American Government | | Semester |
| U.S. History AB | US Hist | U.S. History | | |
| World History A&B | World Hist | World History
/ Cultures / Historical Geography | | |

**b-English - 4 years required **

Four years of college preparatory English. Students may only use 1 year of ESL/ELD, SDAIE, or Sheltered English.

| **Course Title** | **Transcript Abbreviation(s)** | **Category** | **Honors Type** | **Course Notes** |
| ---------------- | ------------------------------ | ------------ | --------------- | ---------------- |
| AP English Language and Composition   ![](https://excelsiorschool.com/img/icon_goldstar.gif?ln=images) | AP Eng Lan | English | AP | |
| AP English Literature and Composition   ![](https://excelsiorschool.com/img/icon_goldstar.gif?ln=images) | AP Eng Lit | English | AP | |
| English 10AB | | English | | |
| English 11AB | | English | | |
| English 12AB | | English | | |
| English 9AB | | English | | |
| English AB (H) ![](https://excelsiorschool.com/img/icon_goldstar.gif) | | English | H | |

**c-Mathematics - 3 years required, 4 years recommended **

Three years of college preparatory mathematics that includes the topics covered in Elementary Algebra/Algebra 1, Geometry and Advanced Algebra/Algebra 2. Approved Integrated Math courses may be used to fulfill part or all of this requirement.

| **Course Title** | **Transcript Abbreviation(s)** | **Category** | **Honors Type** | **Course Notes** |
| ---------------- | ------------------------------ | ------------ | --------------- | ---------------- |
| Algebra IAB ![](https://excelsiorschool.com/img/icon_bluediamond.gif?ln=images) | | Algebra 1 | | |
| AP Calculus AB   ![](https://excelsiorschool.com/img/icon_goldstar.gif?ln=images) | AP Calculus AB, Calculus AB | Advanced Mathematics | AP | |
| AP Statistics   ![](https://excelsiorschool.com/img/icon_goldstar.gif?ln=images) | AP Stat | Statistics | AP | |
| AP Calculus BC   ![](https://excelsiorschool.com/img/icon_goldstar.gif?ln=images) | AP Calc BC, Calculus BC | Advanced Mathematics | AP | |
| AP Computer Science A   ![](https://excelsiorschool.com/img/icon_goldstar.gif?ln=images) | AP Computer Science A | Advanced Mathematics | AP | |
| Geometry AB ![](https://excelsiorschool.com/img/icon_bluediamond.gif) | | Geometry | | |
| Intermediate Alg./Trigonometry AB ![](https://excelsiorschool.com/img/icon_bluediamond.gif) | | Algebra 2 | | |
| Math Analysis AB | | Advanced Mathematics | | Pre-Calculus |
| Pre-Calculus A&B | Pre-Calculus | Advanced Mathematics | | |

**d-Laboratory Science - 2 years required, 3 years recommended **

Two years of laboratory science, including two of the three fundamental disciplines of Biology, Chemistry and Physics. This requirement can also be met by completing the latter two years of a 3-year Integrated Science program.

<

| **Course Title** | **Transcript Abbreviation(s)** | **Category** | **Honors Type** | **Course Notes** |
| ---------------- | ------------------------------ | ------------ | --------------- | ---------------- |
| AP Biology   ![](https://excelsiorschool.com/img/icon_goldstar.gif?ln=images) | AP Bio | Biology /
Life Sciences | AP | |
| AP Chemistry   ![](https://excelsiorschool.com/img/icon_goldstar.gif?ln=images) | AP Chem | Chemistry | AP | |
| AP Computer Science Principles   ![](https://excelsiorschool.com/img/icon_goldstar.gif?ln=images) | AP Computer Science Principles | Computer Science | AP | |
| AP Environmental Science   ![](https://excelsiorschool.com/img/icon_goldstar.gif?ln=images) | AP Env Sci | Interdisciplinary Sciences | AP | |
| AP Physics 1   ![](https://excelsiorschool.com/img/icon_goldstar.gif?ln=images) | AP Physics 1 | Physics | AP | |
| AP Physics 2   ![](https://excelsiorschool.com/img/icon_goldstar.gif?ln=images) | AP Physics 2 | Physics | AP | |
| AP Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism   ![](https://excelsiorschool.com/img/icon_goldstar.gif?ln=images) | AP Physics C: E & M | Physics | AP | |
| Biology AB | Biology | Biology /
Life Sciences | | |
| Chemistry AB | Chem | Chemistry | | |
| Honors Biology   ![](https://excelsiorschool.com/img/icon_goldstar.gif?ln=images) | Biology (H) | Biology /
Life Sciences | H | |
| Honors Physics   ![](https://excelsiorschool.com/img/icon_goldstar.gif?ln=images) | Physics (H) | Physics | H | |
| Physics - Lab | Physics | Physics | | |

**e-Language Other than English - 2 years required, 3 years recommended **

Two years of the same language other than English.

| **Course Title** | **Transcript Abbreviation(s)** | **Category** | **Honors Type** | **Course Notes** |
| ---------------- | ------------------------------ | ------------ | --------------- | ---------------- |
| Chinese I AB ![](https://excelsiorschool.com/img/icon_bluediamond.gif) | Chinese I AB | LOTE Year 1 | | |
| Chinese II AB | Chinese II AB | LOTE Year 2 | | |
| French IAB ![](https://excelsiorschool.com/img/icon_bluediamond.gif) | French I | LOTE Year 1 | | |
| French IIAB | French II | LOTE Year 2 | | |
| French IIIAB | French III | LOTE Year 3 | | |
| Latin I IAB ![](https://excelsiorschool.com/img/icon_bluediamond.gif) | Latin I | LOTE Year 1 | | |
| Latin II IIAB | Latin II | LOTE Year 2 | | |
| Spanish IAB ![](https://excelsiorschool.com/img/icon_bluediamond.gif) | Spanish I | LOTE Year 1 | | |
| Spanish IIAB | Spanish II | LOTE Year 2 | | |
| Spanish IIIAB | Spanish III | LOTE Year 3 | | |

**f-Visual & Performing Arts - 1 year required **

| **Course Title** | **Transcript Abbreviation(s)** | **Category** | **Honors Type** | **Course Notes** |
| ---------------- | ------------------------------ | ------------ | --------------- | ---------------- |
| Advance Video Production | | Theater | | |
| Advanced ACTING | | Theater | | |
| AP Music Theory ![](https://excelsiorschool.com/img/icon_goldstar.gif?ln=images) | | Music | AP | |
| Art History & Analysis AB | | Visual Arts | | |
| Basic Video Production | | Theater | | |
| Beginning ACTING | | Theater | | |
| Beginning Painting | | Visual Arts | | |
| Digital Media | | Visual Arts | | |
| Digital Photography | | Visual Arts | | |
| Drawing AB | | Visual Arts | | |
| Intermediate ACTING | | Theater | | |
| Intermediate Video Production | | Theater | | |
| Introduction to Music Theory | | Music | | |
| Photojournalism | | Visual Arts | | |
| Theater Arts 1 | | Theater | | |

**g-Elective - 1 year required **

One year (two semesters), in addition to those required in "a-f" above. All courses must be listed under "a-f" above with the exception of courses marked with a blue diamond (![](https://excelsiorschool.com/img/icon_bluediamond.gif)) in Mathematics, Language Other than English, and VPA; plus the following:

| **Course Title** | **Transcript Abbreviation(s)** | **Category** | **Honors Type** | **Course Notes** |
| ---------------- | ------------------------------ | ------------ | --------------- | ---------------- |
| Academic English Language Development (AELD) | AELD | English as a
Second Language (ESL) / English Language Development (ELD) | | |
| Accounting | | Mathematics | | |
| AP Macroeconomics ![](https://excelsiorschool.com/img/icon_goldstar.gif?ln=images) | | History /
Social Science | AP | Semester |
| AP Microeconomics ![](https://excelsiorschool.com/img/icon_goldstar.gif?ln=images) | | History /
Social Science | AP | Semester |
| AP Psychology ![](https://excelsiorschool.com/img/icon_goldstar.gif?ln=images) | | History /
Social Science | AP | |
| Art Appreciation | | Interdisciplinary | | |
| Art History | | Interdisciplinary | | |
| Basic Web Design | | Interdisciplinary | | |
| Computer Science (Programming) AB | | Mathematics -
Computer Science | | |
| Creative Writing AB | | English | | |
| Economics | | History /
Social Science | | Semester |
| Environmental Science | | Science –
Biology / Life Sciences | | |
| Film and Television | | Visual &
Performing Arts | | |
| Financial Literacy | | Mathematics | | |
| Honors Economics ![](https://excelsiorschool.com/img/icon_goldstar.gif?ln=images) | | History / Social Science | H | Semester |
| Intro. to Anthropology | | History /
Social Science | | |
| Introduction to Business | | Interdisciplinary | | |
| Java Script | | Interdisciplinary | | |
| Journalism | | English | | |
| Physical/Earth Science AB | | Science –
Physical Sciences | | |
| Psychology | | History /
Social Science | | |
| Introduction to Sociology | | History /
Social Science | | |
| Web Development | | Interdisciplinary | | |
| World Geography and Cultures | | History /
Social Science | | |

![Excelsior School](https://excelsiorschool.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/school-logo-nav.jpg)
![Social Studies](https://excelsiorschool.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Social-Studies-K.jpg)
![English Honors](https://excelsiorschool.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Language-Arts-9-Honors.png)
![](https://excelsiorschool.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/language-arts-7.jpg)
![Pre-Calculus](https://excelsiorschool.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Pre-Calculus.png)
![AP Calculus (AB)](https://excelsiorschool.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Calculus.png)
![](https://excelsiorschool.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Chemistry.png)
![AP Physics 1](https://excelsiorschool.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/AP-Physics.png)
![Spanish 3](https://excelsiorschool.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Spanish-3.png)
![](https://excelsiorschool.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Beginning-Painting.png)
![](https://excelsiorschool.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Film-and-Television.png)
![](https://excelsiorschool.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Theater.png)

## UNIVERSITY ACCEPTANCES

### Excelsior School helped me achieve my dreams and get into the university of my choice.

![UCLA](https://excelsiorschool.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/UCLA-small.png)
![UC Berkeley](https://excelsiorschool.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Berkeley-small.jpg)
![Brown University](https://excelsiorschool.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Brown-small.jpg)
![New York University](https://excelsiorschool.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/NYU-small.png)
![UC Irvine](https://excelsiorschool.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/UCI-small.jpg)
![University of Southern California](https://excelsiorschool.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/USC-small.jpg)
![Columbia University](https://excelsiorschool.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Columbia-small.jpg)
![Ohio State University](https://excelsiorschool.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Ohio-small.jpg)
Excelsior School students have been accepted to many acclaimed universities throughout the United States. Below is a list of just some of the schools students from Excelsior have attended.

- Brown University- Columbia University- University of California Berkeley- University of California Irvine- University of California Los Angeles- University of California Riverside- University of California Santa Barbara- University of Southern California- University of Colorado- Cal Poly Pomona- Pennsylvania State University- New York University- Michigan State University- The Ohio State University- University of Rochester- Pepperdine University
![Cal Poly Pomona](https://excelsiorschool.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/CalPoly.jpg)
![Syracuse University](https://excelsiorschool.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/syracuselogo.jpg)
![Pepperdine University](https://excelsiorschool.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Pepperdine-150x150.png)
![Cap](https://excelsiorschool.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Cap2-300x213.jpg)

## COLLEGE COUNSELING
The college counseling program is committed to the careful matching of each student with a school that is particularly appropriate for each individual. Excelsior recognizes that each student is unique — that student has his/her own educational and professional goals, academic strengths, financial resources, and preference for certain geographical locations. A full-time college counselor directs an intensive counseling program which begins as soon as a student enrolls in the Upper School. Each student is advised to pursue a course of study that emphasizes his/her particular talents and strengths. All sophomores and juniors take the PSAT. SAT I and SAT II tests are taken when appropriate in the sophomore, junior and senior years. During the spring of the junior year and fall of the senior year, students meet in a monthly class with the counselor to go over all aspects of the college application process.

Early in the senior year, there is a college night for senior parents. In the fall, seniors visit colleges, arrange interviews and prepare applications and essays.

Students also have access to extensive computer resources for researching colleges.

## REQUEST A TRANSCRIPT
To obtain official transcripts of your academic records from the Registrar’s Office, you must complete **[Transcript Request Form](/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/TranscriptRequestForm.pdf)**.

Important Notice

Please be advised that not all schools accept electronic transcripts. It is your responsibility to select the appropriate transcript option. If you order incorrectly, you are responsible for reordering and paying for any shipping fees.

- Transcript is covered by the **one-time document fee** (shipping charges may apply).- All fees associated with your transcript order are non-refundable.

** Request a Transcript**

Select A Delivery Option
Regular Service $20
Expedited Service $45
Internatonal Service $135

![](https://excelsiorschool.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/pixel.gif)