High School Academics | La Jolla Country Day School
Source: https://www.ljcds.org/academics/upper-school/curriculum
Archived: 2026-04-23 17:13
High School Academics | La Jolla Country Day School
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Upper School Curriculum
1
/
3
The Upper School offers students a wide range of choices through its core curriculum, electives, and activities, all designed to maintain our mission of educating the whole child.
Our courses prepare students with the discipline and skills to succeed in college and beyond. Learn more about the curriculum in each academic department below.
Browse the
Upper School course descriptions
.
View the
course list by department
.
List of 3 items.
Graduation Requirements
English
(4.0 credits): English I, II, III, and IV required
History
(3.0 credits): A world history and U.S. history class, and a history seminar required
Math
(3.0 credits): Math III required
World Language
(2.0 credits): Two years and through level 3 required
Science
(3.0 credits): Physics, chemistry, and biology required
Fine Arts
(1.0 credit): One year-long course required
Electives
(4.0 credits)
A minimum of 20 academic credits is required for graduation. Students must carry at least five courses per semester. The only exception is for seniors, who can take four courses if all graduation requirements have been met and all four of those courses are Advanced Studies courses.
While these are the minimum graduation requirements, LJCDS recommends four years of math, science, and history, as well as three years of a world language.
Unless otherwise noted, all courses listed are approved by the University of California to meet their minimum admission requirements. The LJCDS graduation requirements are aligned to meet or exceed the requirements of the University of California and California State University.
Additional Requirements
Experiential Education
: Three years of participation
Grade 9 Foundations Course
: With lessons from college counselors, health and wellness teachers, learning specialists, peer leaders, and ninth-grade advisors, this course helps students develop healthy habits and relationships while strengthening executive functioning skills in a supportive, reflective learning environment.
Service Learning
: Four years culminating in a capstone service project
Physical Education/Athletics
: All freshmen must participate in a team sport for one season.
Load
: Each semester, students must enroll in a minimum of five and a maximum of six courses. Students are rarely permitted to enroll in seven courses and must petition their dean for approval, as well as receive approval from the head of Upper School, to do so. No student may enroll in eight courses.
Honors and Advanced Studies Courses
Honors Courses by Subject
Math (3)
: Math I; Math II; Math III BC
Science (6)
: Anatomy and Physiology; Biology; Chemistry; Environmental Systems and Social Justice; Science Research Seminar I; Science Research Seminar II
World Language (5)
: French Intensive; Mandarin III; Mandarin IV; Mandarin V; Spanish Intensive
Design & Innovation (4)
: Applied Engineering; Computer Science; Design to Entrepreneurship; Innovation Technology Studio
The Arts (11)
: Band; Ceramics II; Ceramics III; Independent Filmmaking; Madrigals (Choral); Orchestra; Percussion and World Drumming; Advanced Photography; Advanced Play Production; Studio Art III; Technical Theater
Advanced Studies Courses by Subject
English (6)
: Dystopian Fiction; Native American Literatures; Ethnography as Literature; Modernist Literature; Philosophy; Women’s Voices
History (7)
: U.S. History: American Remix; U.S. History: American Conflict; Government: The United States Supreme Court; African American History; European History: From the Guillotine to the Bomb Seminar; World History: The Eastern Roots of Western History; Psychology
Math (4)
: Calculus AB; Calculus BC; Statistics; Linear Algebra
Science (5)
: Biology; Chemistry; Physics; Neuroscience; Organic Chemistry
World Language (7)
: French Language and Culture; French Literature and Culture; Cultural Topics in French Discourse; Spanish Language and Culture; Spanish Literature and Culture; Cultural Topics in Spanish Discourse; Chinese Language and Culture
Design & Innovation (3)
:
Applied Engineering;
Design to Entrepreneurship; Innovation Technology Studio
The Arts (4)
: Studio Art 2D; Studio Art Drawing; Studio Art 3D; Production Design and Management
Explore Our Curriculum
La Jolla Country Day School
9490 Genesee Avenue
La Jolla, CA 92037
858-453-3440
© 2026 La Jolla Country Day School
Privacy Policy
Country Day Connection Newsletter
Accredited by:
Menu
About
arrow
Welcome
Who We Are
At a Glance
History
Belonging
Faculty & Staff Directory
Security
Directions
Career Opportunities
News & Stories
arrow
Newsletter Archives
Alumni Magazine
Board of Trustees
Admission
arrow
Explore the LJCDS Experience
Meet Our Community
How to Apply
arrow
Early Childhood Center
Lower School
Middle School
Upper School
Tuition and Financial Assistance
Student Ambassador Board Members
Alumni Stories
Informational Events and Tours
International Applicants
Meet the Team
Academics
arrow
Early Childhood Center
arrow
A Distinct Approach
Curriculum
Environment
Sample Schedule
Lower School
arrow
Kindergarten
arrow
A Distinct Approach
Curriculum
Grades 1-4
arrow
A Distinct Approach
Curriculum
Extended Day Option
Middle School
arrow
A Distinct Approach
Curriculum
Upper School
arrow
Curriculum
Advanced Studies
Experiential Education
College Counseling
arrow
3-Year College Matriculation
College Rep Resources
College Trips
FAQs
Service-Learning
Library
Learning Resource Center
Citizenship
arrow
Programs & Annual Events
Speaker Series
Design and Innovation
arrow
Curriculum
Torrey Explorers Fund
Arts
arrow
Performing Arts
Visual Arts
Arts Hall of Fame
arrow
Nominations
Athletics
arrow
Meet the Coaches
Teams
Weekly Home Games
History of Excellence
arrow
Torreys at the Next Level
Hall of Fame
arrow
Inductees
Nominations
Athletics Handbook
Shop Torrey
arrow
Middle School PE Uniforms
Community
arrow
Wellness
arrow
FAQs
Clubs & Organizations
Advisory and Peer Leader
After-School Programs
Lunch
Transportation
All School Calendar
Parent Engagement
arrow
Volunteer Interest Form
Grandparents
Family Handbook
Giving
arrow
Make a Gift
Ways to Give
arrow
Planned Giving
Funding Priorities
arrow
The Hub for Human Impact
Country Day Fund
Financial Assistance
Blue Bash
arrow
Sponsorships
Name a Theater Seat
Your Gifts in Action
Recognition and Giving Societies
Centennial Campaign
Portal
Alumni
arrow
Events
arrow
Alumni Weekend
Reunions
Regional Events
Update Your Info
Class Notes
Alumni Giving
Alumni Awards
Alumni Business Directory
Summer
Calendar
News
Shop Torrey
X
This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. By continuing to use this website, you consent to our use of these cookies.
Upper School Curriculum
1
/
3
The Upper School offers students a wide range of choices through its core curriculum, electives, and activities, all designed to maintain our mission of educating the whole child.
Our courses prepare students with the discipline and skills to succeed in college and beyond. Learn more about the curriculum in each academic department below.
Browse the
Upper School course descriptions
.
View the
course list by department
.
List of 3 items.
Graduation Requirements
English
(4.0 credits): English I, II, III, and IV required
History
(3.0 credits): A world history and U.S. history class, and a history seminar required
Math
(3.0 credits): Math III required
World Language
(2.0 credits): Two years and through level 3 required
Science
(3.0 credits): Physics, chemistry, and biology required
Fine Arts
(1.0 credit): One year-long course required
Electives
(4.0 credits)
A minimum of 20 academic credits is required for graduation. Students must carry at least five courses per semester. The only exception is for seniors, who can take four courses if all graduation requirements have been met and all four of those courses are Advanced Studies courses.
While these are the minimum graduation requirements, LJCDS recommends four years of math, science, and history, as well as three years of a world language.
Unless otherwise noted, all courses listed are approved by the University of California to meet their minimum admission requirements. The LJCDS graduation requirements are aligned to meet or exceed the requirements of the University of California and California State University.
Additional Requirements
Experiential Education
: Three years of participation
Grade 9 Foundations Course
: With lessons from college counselors, health and wellness teachers, learning specialists, peer leaders, and ninth-grade advisors, this course helps students develop healthy habits and relationships while strengthening executive functioning skills in a supportive, reflective learning environment.
Service Learning
: Four years culminating in a capstone service project
Physical Education/Athletics
: All freshmen must participate in a team sport for one season.
Load
: Each semester, students must enroll in a minimum of five and a maximum of six courses. Students are rarely permitted to enroll in seven courses and must petition their dean for approval, as well as receive approval from the head of Upper School, to do so. No student may enroll in eight courses.
Honors and Advanced Studies Courses
Honors Courses by Subject
Math (3)
: Math I; Math II; Math III BC
Science (6)
: Anatomy and Physiology; Biology; Chemistry; Environmental Systems and Social Justice; Science Research Seminar I; Science Research Seminar II
World Language (5)
: French Intensive; Mandarin III; Mandarin IV; Mandarin V; Spanish Intensive
Design & Innovation (4)
: Applied Engineering; Computer Science; Design to Entrepreneurship; Innovation Technology Studio
The Arts (11)
: Band; Ceramics II; Ceramics III; Independent Filmmaking; Madrigals (Choral); Orchestra; Percussion and World Drumming; Advanced Photography; Advanced Play Production; Studio Art III; Technical Theater
Advanced Studies Courses by Subject
English (6)
: Dystopian Fiction; Native American Literatures; Ethnography as Literature; Modernist Literature; Philosophy; Women’s Voices
History (7)
: U.S. History: American Remix; U.S. History: American Conflict; Government: The United States Supreme Court; African American History; European History: From the Guillotine to the Bomb Seminar; World History: The Eastern Roots of Western History; Psychology
Math (4)
: Calculus AB; Calculus BC; Statistics; Linear Algebra
Science (5)
: Biology; Chemistry; Physics; Neuroscience; Organic Chemistry
World Language (7)
: French Language and Culture; French Literature and Culture; Cultural Topics in French Discourse; Spanish Language and Culture; Spanish Literature and Culture; Cultural Topics in Spanish Discourse; Chinese Language and Culture
Design & Innovation (3)
:
Applied Engineering;
Design to Entrepreneurship; Innovation Technology Studio
The Arts (4)
: Studio Art 2D; Studio Art Drawing; Studio Art 3D; Production Design and Management
Explore Our Curriculum
La Jolla Country Day School
9490 Genesee Avenue
La Jolla, CA 92037
858-453-3440
© 2026 La Jolla Country Day School
Privacy Policy
Country Day Connection Newsletter
Accredited by: