Curriculum and Graduation Requirements
Our Approach
Waverly High School is a tightly knit community offering a challenging and engaging college preparatory program. Students thrive in an environment which values inquiry, debate, and critical thinking. Teachers work closely with students to help them develop these habits in all subject areas. At Waverly, we believe that all students can be scholars. Teachers set high standards and encourage students to develop as intellectuals.
Curiosity and a desire to learn are the essential traits of a successful Waverly student. We encourage students to reflect on the world around them, interpret events with a critical eye, and participate in making change. As a school, we seek to equip students with the tools necessary to have their voices heard.
Graduation requirements exceed the minimum entrance requirements of the University of California. The school offers a wide range of courses, including Advanced Placement courses; all courses are approved by the University of California. As a result, Waverly graduates are well-prepared for the college application process. Most important, the teaching habits of the Waverly faculty produce students well-prepared for the academic demands of college.
Graduation Requirements
The high school requires 22 credits for graduation. One credit is the equivalent of a yearlong course. Graduation requirements include:
| English | 4 credits |
| History | 4 credits |
| Math | 3 credits |
| Science | 3 credits |
| Foreign Language | 3 credits |
| Visual/Performing Arts | 2 credits |
| Advanced Coursework | 3 credits |
| Physical Education | 2 years |
| Service Learning | 60 hours |
Several courses can be taken for Advanced Placement (AP) credit. The requirements for AP include an increased and more difficult reading load, additional meeting time with the teacher, and a commitment to intense independent study. Some AP courses require a supplementary summer session. All students enrolled in an AP class must take the AP exam in order to receive AP credit on their transcripts. Furthermore, the teacher of the course must feel confident that a student has worked to the best of his/her ability and that s/he has met the requirements of the course before allowing a student to take the AP exam.
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
A typical four-year program for Waverly students follows the guidelines listed below. All Waverly courses are year-long classes except where noted.
Freshman Year
English I: Ancient Literature
Algebra I or Geometry (Math)
Ancient History
Evolution of the Universe (Science)
French I or II/Spanish I or II
Visual or Performing Arts Elective (University of California Visual/Performing Arts requirement)
Wellness Seminar
Physical Education
Sophomore Year
English II: American Literature
Geometry or Algebra II (Math)
Regular or Advanced Placement (AP) U.S. History
Regular or Honors Chemistry (Science)
French II or III/Spanish II or III
Arts Elective and Enrichment (Waverly requirement)
Wellness Seminar
Physical Education
Junior Year
English III: 2 one-semester classes linked to history classes (combined junior/senior classes)
Algebra II or Pre-Calculus (Math)
History or Social Science: 2 one-semester classes linked to English classes (combined junior/senior classes)
Regular Biology or AP Biology
French III or IV/Spanish III or IV
Arts and Enrichment elective
Wellness Seminar
Senior Year
English IV: 2 one-semester classes linked to history classes (combined junior/senior classes)
Pre-Calculus, Statistics, Calculus, AP Calculus AB, or AP Calculus BC (Math)
History or Social Science: 2 one-semester classes linked to English classes (combined junior/senior classes)
Physics, AP Physics, Neuroscience, AP Environmental Science, or Physiology (courses offered depending on student enrollment)
French IV, V, or AP/Spanish IV, V, or AP
Arts and Enrichment elective
Wellness Seminar
Senior Project