Financial Algebra

Seniors • A–G Math or Elective Credit • Financial Literacy Focus
Course Overview A senior-level math course focused on real-world financial literacy and decision-making skills students will use after high school.
Major Topics
  • Budgeting & banking (checks, accounts, inflation, auto loans)
  • Employment & income (paychecks, FICA taxes, job readiness)
  • Investing & retirement basics
  • Taxes, credit cards, and credit scores
  • Behavioral finance and post-high-school planning
  • Financial aid, scholarships, grants, and life after graduation
Best Fit For Students Who:
  • Are seniors preparing for life after high school
  • Want practical math applications
  • May not be pursuing advanced math but still need A–G or elective credit
Counselor Notes: Strong option for seniors needing a meaningful fourth year of math or elective credit. Emphasizes real-world skills over abstract math.

Mathematical Reasoning with Connections (MRWC)

4th Year Math • A–G “c” (Advanced Math) • College-Readiness Course
Course Overview MRWC is a fourth-year high school math course designed to prepare students for the rigor and expectations of college-level mathematics without remediation.
Prerequisites
  • C or better in Integrated Math 1–3 (or Algebra 1–2 & Geometry)
  • SBAC score of 2 or higher
College Placement Benefits
  • Validates a D in lower-level math with a C or better in MRWC
  • Approved for direct placement into college-level math, statistics, or quantitative reasoning
Approved Colleges
  • Norco, RCC, MVC, Chaffey, SBVC
  • CSU San Bernardino, Pomona, Long Beach, San Jose
Counselor Notes: Excellent option for students who struggle in traditional math sequences but need to avoid college remediation.

AP Calculus: AB vs BC

Feature AP Calc AB AP Calc BC
Honors Course Yes Yes (Accelerated)
Pace Fast Very Fast
AP Credit Typically 1 college calculus course Often 2 calculus courses (AB subscore included)
Best Fit Strong math students Highly motivated, fast-paced learners
Counselor Notes: BC is not “harder,” but covers more material at a faster pace. Students coming from Pre-Calc Honors with A’s are best suited for BC.

AP Statistics

A–G Math • Weighted • College-Level Statistics
Course Overview AP Statistics focuses on data analysis, probability, experimental design, and statistical inference.
Best Fit For Students Who:
  • Are interested in social sciences, health, or business
  • Prefer reasoning and interpretation over algebra-heavy math
  • Plan to attend a 4-year college
Counselor Notes: Writing-heavy course. Strong choice for seniors not continuing calculus.

High School Statistics

Math Course • Data Analysis Focus • Non-AP
Course Overview High School Statistics focuses on collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data rather than primarily solving equations. Students learn how to understand and evaluate real-world data.
Key Skills
  • Reading and creating graphs and charts
  • Calculating mean, median, and standard deviation
  • Understanding probability and chance
  • Using data to make predictions and informed decisions
Why Take Statistics?
  • Prepares students for college majors such as business, psychology, nursing, sociology, and engineering
  • Builds critical thinking and data literacy
  • Applies math to real-life situations (sports, science, surveys, research)

AP Art History 1A–1B (Advanced Placement)

Grades 11–12 • Year Course • 10 Units • AP
Prerequisite “C” or better in Language Arts 2A–2B
Course Overview A one-year course designed to mirror an introductory college Art History course. Students study architecture, sculpture, painting, and other art forms within historical and cultural contexts, with an emphasis on aesthetic appreciation and analysis.
Best Fit For Students Who:
  • Enjoy history, culture, and visual analysis
  • Are strong readers/writers and can manage AP-level workload
  • Are interested in humanities majors (history, art, architecture, design, etc.)
Counselor Notes: Students are encouraged to prepare for the AP Art History exam. Strong option for students looking for an AP humanities course.

AP Computer Science A (Advanced Placement)

Grades 11–12 • Year Course • 10 Units • AP
Prerequisite Algebra 2 completion or Integrated Math 3
Course Overview An object-oriented computer programming course taught in Java. Content aligns with AP Java curriculum and includes deeper study of algorithms, program methodology, data structures, classes/objects, arrays (1D & 2D), inheritance, code reusability, and polymorphism.
Best Fit For Students Who:
  • Enjoy problem-solving and logical thinking
  • Can persist through debugging and multi-step tasks
  • Are interested in CS, engineering, or STEM fields
Counselor Notes: This is a true programming course (coding-intensive). Students should expect regular practice and troubleshooting.

AP Computer Science Principles (Advanced Placement)

Grades 9–12 • Year Course • 10 Units • AP
Prerequisite Passing Integrated Math 1
Course Overview A first-semester equivalent college computer science course focused on big-picture computing concepts. Topics include (but are not limited to) binary conversion, numbering systems, binary encoding, internet networking, algorithmic thinking, cybersecurity, privacy and crime, abstraction, strings, loops, arrays, and big data structures.
Best Fit For Students Who:
  • Want an entry point into computer science
  • Are curious about how technology and the internet work
  • May not have prior coding experience but can manage AP expectations
Counselor Notes: Good “first AP” option for students interested in tech. Broader conceptual focus than AP CSA (Java).

Graphic Design 1A–1B

Grades 9–12 • Year Course • 10 Units • VAPA / CTE
Course Overview Students explore graphic communication from idea development through final print-ready execution. The course emphasizes the elements and principles of design, creativity, and professional communication. Students create digital drawings, logos, advertisements, posters, letterheads, and more using Adobe and Microsoft tools.
Student Products / Skills
  • Digital design and layout fundamentals
  • Branding: logos, ads, posters, and print materials
  • Creative process: concept → draft → final product
  • Software skills (Adobe/Microsoft)
Counselor Notes: Meets District Fine Arts graduation requirement and the UC/CSU “F” requirement for acceptance.

Graphic Design 2A–2B

Grades 10–12 • Year Course • 10 Units • Advanced Design
Prerequisite Graphic Design 1A–1B
Course Overview An advanced course with continued study of design elements and principles as they apply to the creative process. Students expand technical skills and explore artistic skills both with and without computer use. Students who gain proficiency may have opportunities to create real design products (logos, brochures, posters, mailers, etc.) for various groups.
Best Fit For Students Who:
  • Want to build a stronger design portfolio
  • Enjoy creative projects with real-world applications
  • May be interested in design-related careers
Counselor Notes: Meets District Fine Arts graduation requirement and the UC/CSU “F” requirement for acceptance.

Visual Arts Pathways (Counselor Reference)

The Visual Arts Pathway allows students to progress from introductory courses to advanced and AP Studio options while earning recognition at graduation.

Tier 1 – Intro Level (Grades 9–12)

Goal: Choose an area of interest

  • AP Art History (counselor approval)
  • Digital Photo I
  • Video Production
  • Graphic Design I
  • Animation I
  • Drawing & Painting I
  • Ceramics I

Tier 2 – Upper Level (Grades 10–12)

Requirement: B or better in a Tier 1 course

  • Digital Photo II
  • TV Production (Shark TV)
  • Graphic Design II
  • Animation II
  • Digital Art for Illustration
  • Drawing & Painting II
  • Ceramics II

Tier 3 / 4 – Advanced & AP Studio (Grades 11–12)

Requirement: B or better in Tier 1 and Tier 2 courses

  • AP Studio 2-D Art & Design
  • AP Studio Drawing
  • AP Studio 3-D Art & Design

Teacher approval and application required

Pathway Completion & Recognition:
  • 3-Course Pathway (1 Cord): 2 Intro + 1 Upper Level course (B or better)
  • 4-Course Pathway with AP (2 Cords): 2 Intro + 1 Upper Level + 1 AP course (B or better)

Students earn a Visual Arts Certificate Award and Graduation Cords upon completion.

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