Academic Plan

Four-Year Academic Plan

University High School Graduation and College Requirements (A-G) for 9th through 12th grade
Subject / Requirement 9th Grade 10th Grade 11th Grade 12th Grade
(A) Social Science: 3 years
CSU: 2 yrs | UC: 2 yrs
History 20 & History 21 Honors U.S. History
AP U.S. History
AP Economics
AP U.S. Government
(B) English: 4 years
CSU: 4 yrs | UC: 4 yrs
Honors English 9 Honors English 10 AP English Language & Composition AP English Literature & Composition
(C) Math: 4 years
CSU: 3 yrs | UC: 3 yrs required, 4 yrs recommended
Integrated Math I Integrated Math II Advanced Math
AP Statistics
AP Calculus AB
AP Calculus BC
AP Statistics
AP Calculus AB
AP Calculus BC
Advanced Math
Math 77 / Math 81
(D) Science: 3 years
CSU: 2 yrs lab science | UC: 2 yrs required, 3 yrs recommended
Honors Physics Honors Chemistry Biology 10 & Biology 12 Optional Science Course
(E) Language: 3 years
CSU: 2 yrs same language | UC: 2 yrs required, 3 yrs recommended
Latin I Honors Latin II Language other than English (1 of 2 semesters) Language other than English (2 of 2 semesters)
(F) Visual & Performing Arts: 4 years
CSU & UC: 1 yr
Musicianship I & Performing Group Musicianship II & Performing Group Musicianship III & Performing Group
AP Music Theory
Musicianship IV & Performing Group
Optional Music 9
(G) College Prep Elective: ½ Year
CSU & UC: 1 yr
Ethnic Studies Course (one semester)
Physical Education: 4 years
Not a college requirement
Physical Education 9 Physical Education 10 Physical Education 11 Physical Education 12
  • Red font indicates college courses through Fresno State. One semester course through Fresno State equals one year of high school.

  • UHS does not allow students to take summer school in lieu of courses offered above or for course advancement.

University High School

Graduation Credit Requirements

Credit Requirement: 275

All students are required to complete the following with a grade of "D" or higher.

Community service requirement: Students are required to do 80 hours of community service by the time they graduate.

  • English: 40 credits

  • Mathematics: 40 credits

  • Foreign Language: 30 credits

  • Science: 30 credits

  • Social Science: 30 credits

  • Performing Groups: 28 credits

  • Musicianship: 20 credits

  • Physical Education: 20 credits

  • Humanities: 5 credits

  • Electives: 32 credits

Freshman Year

BUILDING STRONG FOUNDATIONS

Freshman year is all about discovery. Students explore their strengths, values, and goals through reflective activities, journaling, and collaboration—building self-awareness and a strong foundation for high school and beyond.

Stylized black and white silhouette of a flying phoenix with outstretched wings.

Sophomore Year

STRENGTHENING THE PATH FORWARD

Sophomore year helps students explore their role in the world around them. Through collaborative projects, community engagement, and self-reflection, students deepen their understanding of how their actions, choices, and talents impact others—building responsibility, empathy, and purpose.

Silhouette of a stylized bird, possibly a phoenix or eagle, with outstretched wings against a black background.

Junior Year

PREPARING WITH PURPOSE

Junior year is about charting the path forward. Students focus on goal setting, college and career exploration, and planning for their future—developing clarity, confidence, and the skills to take the next steps toward success.

A stylized illustration of a bird, possibly a phoenix or similar mythical bird with outstretched wings.

Senior Year

FINISH STRONG. AIM HIGH.

Senior year is about taking action and making it happen. Students finalize college and career plans, complete applications, and develop the skills and confidence to successfully launch into their next chapter.

Silhouette of a phoenix with outstretched wings on a black background.

UHS Signature Program

40 Books

The 40 Books Program deepens learning beyond the classroom. Over four years, students read, analyze, and discuss one book each month in English courses. The texts—classic and contemporary fiction and nonfiction—offer diverse cultural, historical, and literary perspectives. Core criteria ensure consistency and representation in selection, while classroom activities sharpen analytical skills, strengthen Socratic seminar participation, and improve writing across disciplines. By graduation, each student has built a personal library of 40 books explored and shared within the UHS community.

Graduation Requirements

Academic Commitment & Student Life

Four people with different skin tones holding their fists together in a square shape. They are wearing yellow and orange wristbands with the messages '#schoolchoiceweek' and 'LOVE MY SCHOOL!!'.

Code of Character

As a college-integrated campus, UHS holds students to a higher standard of maturity and conduct. All students sign a Code of Character each year and participate in our Character Education Program, supported by a Teacher–Student Committee that promotes positive behavior and a respectful campus culture.

Three young girls and an adult man standing on a stage, holding certificates of achievement, smiling for a photo.

Extracurricular

UHS students typically take 8–10 classes per semester, with many on campus from 8-5pm each day. Because of the academic intensity, several of our most competitive programs—such as Academic Decathlon, Science Olympiad, Speech & Debate, Mock Trial, and Math Team—meet in the evenings, after school, and on weekends. Participation requires a high level of commitment and passion

UHS students in 'Honor Commission 2023-2024'.  Behind them is an orange poster with a question about cans. Two other girls are approaching from the left, with backpacks and casual summer clothing, on a sidewalk near a parking lot with trees and cars.

Community Service

In addition, UHS has a community service graduation requirement. Students complete 80 hours of community service by graduation, encouraging civic engagement, responsibility, and meaningful connection to the broader community.