ACADEMIC PROGRAM
Vincere!
The academic program at Arroyo Pacific Academy is developed with the success of each student in mind. We understand that a flexible, student-centered approach is best for developing strengths, supporting growth, and addressing individual goals. Our program is accessible to students who come from a variety of educational backgrounds.
The Academy follows the guidelines of the California State Frameworks and the Content Standards adopted by the California State Board of Education, and is WASC accredited. Courses are offered within the following curriculum tiers: General Middle School, General High School, College Prep, and Premier Scholar.
Classes are completed in a quarter system format, with the first two quarters comprising the Fall Semester, and the second two quarters comprising the Spring Semester. Most students take four courses and one study hall period each quarter. The quarter system improves focus and develops greater interest in each course. Study hall provides time for students each day to complete homework at school while teachers are available for assistance. The After School Program provides additional tutoring and enrichment programs from our teachers free of charge.
CURRICULUM & SUPPORT LINKS
School Supply List
School Supply List (in Chinese)
Graduation Requirements
Student Learning Outcomes
Typical Class Schedule
Gifted Student Extension Program
After-School Program Free Tutoring
Middle School Academic Bulletin
Academic Bulletin & Curriculum Guide
College & University Acceptances
GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS
Arroyo Pacific Academy's mainstream academic program is college preparatory and students are expected to maintain at least a C (2.0) average in all academic subjects. The school's Assisted Learning Program and English Language Development Program offer courses within the school's general high school curriculum tailored to the specific needs of those students who meet the criteria for entrance. These courses meet the requirements for earning a high school diploma in the State of California.
The University of California "a-g" entrance requirements are the highest standard used by most high schools in California for measuring college readiness. UC entrance requirements are listed next to each department below for reference. All the school's mainstream core courses are UC approved. It is important to note that there are many higher education options other than the University of California system, each with their own standards for entrance. General high school courses which are not currently UC approved may be considered satisfactory for entrance by other colleges and universities in the United States. In addition, some students may wish to pursue military, fine arts, vocational, language, or career-oriented paths after high school. The school's program supports these paths while maintaining the option for traditional higher education choices.
Students complete 250 units for graduation. Each subject completed with a passing mark is equivalent to five units per semester. Accepted transfer credits can be applied toward graduation requirements. The school may waive or modify certain requirements when deemed necessary to meet specific student needs or circumstances.
Department (click for details) Graduation Requirement UC "a-g" Entrance Requirement
ENGLISH 40 Credits (4 years) UC "b": 4 years required
MATHEMATICS 30 Credits (3 years) UC "c": 3 years required, 4 years recommended
SCIENCE 40 Credits (4 years) UC "d": 2 years required, 3 years recommended
SOCIAL STUDIES 40 Credits (4 years) UC "a": 2 years required
MODERN LANGUAGES 20 Credits (2 years) UC "e": 2 years required, 3 years recommended
VISUAL & PERFORMING ARTS 40 Credits (4 years) UC "f": 1 year required
TECHNOLOGY & APPLIED ARTS 10 Credits (1 year) UC: no requirement
PHYSICAL EDUCATION / HEALTH 10 Credits (1 year) UC: no requirement
COLLEGE & CAREERS 10 Credits (1 year) UC: no requirement
ELECTIVES 10 Credits (1 year) UC "g": 1 year required
CURRICULUM & STUDENT SUPPORT PROGRAMS
Students may take courses within the following curriculum tiers: General Middle School, General High School, College Prep, and Premier Scholar. Placement in a particular level for a particular course is based on previously completed coursework, demonstrated student need, and post-secondary goals. While the curriculum in each tier is parallel, in that each level of the course has similar goals and objectives, the level of instruction varies by methodology, degree of difficulty, and depth and breadth of concepts explored. Teachers pay particular attention to the various learning styles and needs of each student and provide a learning environment that is supportive and encouraging.
Premier Scholar Program
Students who take Advanced Placement (AP) courses are eligible for enrollment in the Academy's Scholar Program. Qualified local students may apply for the Premier Scholar Program Scholarship. Advanced Placement courses are generally equivalent to first-year university level courses, may earn course credit at their future university for students who take AP Exams in May, and offer students the following benefits:
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Allows high school students to take courses that are challenging, rigorous and in-depth, exactly the kinds of courses they will experience once at university.
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Prepares students to succeed in university programs.
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Potentially enables students to pursue a double major at university, to study or travel abroad, or to undertake a combined Bachelor's and Master's Program through the credits they earn for their AP achievements.
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Allows students to take more advanced courses in disciplines where they have received a firm grounding from AP.
Visit College Board AP Central for more information on AP services for students, University AP Credit & Placement Policies, and AP Course Home Pages.
College Prep Program
The college prep curriculum is designed for students seeking preparation for higher education. Courses in this program are best-suited for students seeking to attend four-year universities. In the State of California, the University of California "a-g" entrance requirements are seen as the highest standard for college readiness. All the school's mainstream core courses are UC approved and are listed in the school's departmental graduation requirements. The list can also be found by visiting the UC a-g Course Listing on the UC website.
The UC standard is used to indicate academic qualifications that would be accepted by any college or university. It is important to note that there are many higher education options other than the University of California system, each with their own standards for entrance. General high school courses which are not currently UC approved may be considered satisfactory for entrance by other colleges and universities in the United States.
Assisted Learning Program
Sometimes the most brilliant and intelligent students do not shine in standardized tests because they do not have standardized minds.
- Diane Ravitch
Recognizing that some students have mild learning differences that impact their ability to benefit from traditional methods of instruction, the Assisted Learning Program is designed to respond to the needs of students who learn differently or who can benefit from reasonable accommodations to support academic progress. Students whose courses are designated as assisted learning in high school may be eligible for educational services at the college and university level. This program is not a special education program, and the school cannot provide all possible accommodations; however, students from a variety of educational backgrounds can benefit from the program as they prepare for college and careers.
Students who qualify for basic accommodations may take courses in the school's general high school, college prep, and premier scholar programs. Students who qualify for significantly modified curriculum with an assisted learning designation take courses in the school's general high school program.
Students who have the proper documentation within three years current, including evaluations by a licensed educational psychologist, psychologist, psychiatrist, or developmental pediatrician, may apply to have their courses designated as assisted learning. The assessments must be in an official report, state the standardized scores achieved for each of the tests, identify the qualifying diagnosis and the data that supports the clinician's diagnosis. This evaluation is the cornerstone to an effective plan of supportive education for the student.
A student with documented disabilities may be eligible for accommodations during College Board Exams (AP, PSAT/NMSQT, and SAT). All of the school's assisted learning documentation is required prior to application for College Board accommodations. The College Board SSD Accommodations Request process can take seven weeks, so parents are urged to plan well ahead. An Eligibility Form must be submitted for each student requesting accommodations. This form can be obtained by contacting the school's Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD) Coordinator. One form per student can authorize testing accommodations across College Board programs (AP, PSAT/NMSQT, and SAT). A student will only need to submit a new form if he or she changes schools. If a student needs different accommodations, the SSD Coordinator must submit an Accommodations Change Form.
ELD Program
Our international students who are English language learners enroll in English Language Development (ELD) courses as part of their overall academic program to build English language proficiency and academic content knowledge. ELD methodology recognizes that language modalities (speaking, listening, reading, and writing) develop interdependently and, therefore, should be integrated to promote overall skill development.
Our ELD courses offer opportunities for international students to excel in academic, cultural, and social development promoting successful, productive members of their school and community. The Academy recognizes the linguistic, academic, and cultural diversity of its students and strives to support all English language learners so they attain their personal goals during and after high school. The interaction among local and international students in high school is a significant advantage in preparation for the multicultural college and career experiences of this generation. The interaction among international students can foster support and motivation for the shared experience of studying abroad.
Students who test above ELD Level III (based on the EDGE Program assessment scale) at admission are eligible for college prep courses in English Literature and Social Studies. Students who test at ELD Levels III and below are eligible for English Literature and Social Studies courses tailored to the student's English proficiency level in the general high school program. ELD Program courses incorporate curriculum, methodology, and instruction based on Specially Designed Academic Instruction in English (SDAIE) methods to support both content mastery and English language development. As students advance levels in the ELD program they can become eligible for UC approved English Literature and Social Studies courses. Students who transfer to our school and are placed in the ELD Program may find upon graduation that language schools attached to universities and/or two-year college programs offer the best path to a four-year university in the United States.
Gifted Student Extension Program
Gifted middle school students enrolled at a local school, online school, or who are home-schooled, may apply to take advantage of the Academy's individual courses, including AP courses. Generally this opportunity is granted only to students whose parents have met with a counselor familiar with gifted student needs, and who have support from their parents and current school. The Academy recognizes the needs of those advanced students who are ready for a greater challenge than the standard grade level content may offer.
High school students who wish to take primarily Honors and Advanced Placement courses may apply for the Premier Scholar Program.
After School Program
Free tutoring is available to all students during our Period 6 After School Program Schedule, which runs Monday through Thursday from 2:45 to 3:45. Any student can go any day to get help with any assignment from any teacher. Each teacher is available two days a week, either Monday/Wednesday or Tuesday/Thursday. Students may be assigned to Period 6 if the school, parents, and student determine it will be helpful to academic success. In this case daily attendance will be taken.
Academic Honors
Students have a variety of opportunities to earn academic honors each semester, at graduation, and from AP Exam scores. Students who consistently perform at a high academic level and who demonstrate outstanding citizenship and service to the community may be invited to join the National Honor Society.
Semester Awards include:
Academy President's First Honors (semester GPA of 3.5 or above)
Academy President's Second Honors (semester GPA of 3.0 - 3.49)
Outstanding Improvement Award (improvement over previous semester of 0.5 GPA or more)
ELD Achievement Award
Conversational English Mentor Program Leadership Recognition
AP Potential Recognition
Scholar Program Recognition
Graduation Awards include:
General Excellence and Merit Awards
Departmental Excellence and Merit Awards
Service Award
Citizenship Award
Scholar Athlete Award
Spirit Award
Vincere Award
NHS Lifetime Membership Chords
United States Presidential Awards for Educational Excellence
College Board AP Scholar Awards include:
AP Scholar
AP Scholar with Honor
AP Scholar with Distinction
General High School Program
The general high school curriculum is designed for students seeking academic development commensurate with the standards for a high school diploma in the State of California. Courses in this program may be best-suited for students seeking two-year college, vocational, language school, or career-oriented options upon graduation.
International students in the English Language Development Program who place at ELD Level III or below (based on the EDGE Program assessment scale) at admission can benefit from English Literature and Social Studies courses in the general high school program tailored to support language advancement toward college prep.
College & Career Counseling
The Academy has a full-time, on-campus College & Career Counselor available to all students and parents. We support students seeking a variety of post-secondary options, including four-year universities, two-year colleges, language schools, vocational training, and career opportunities. Each of these paths is valued and can be explored in our College Center to meet the needs and goals of each student. Visit our Counseling page for more information.
Academic Advising
In order to support academic success our full-time faculty members also act as Academic Advisors, each with a cohort of students to advise throughout the year. These cohorts generally match the Study Halls in period 5 so that each Study Hall teacher can meet daily with his or her students to review and support academic progress.
After registration each family meets with the Vice Principal to develop an academic plan. Students meet with the College Counselor and Vice Principal each year to assess progress.
Home School Extension Program
Approved home-schooled high school students may apply to take individual courses at the Academy to supplement their academic program. The most common courses taken include Advanced Placement, Visual & Performing Arts, and Technology & Applied Arts courses.
Typical Class Schedule
Below are examples of typical class schedules for students in each grade level. Schedules can be adjusted to include Advanced Placement courses or English Language Development courses as needed. Transfer students may have adjusted schedules in order to provide credits needed for graduation. Some students may request to substitute an additional course for Study Hall.
GRADE 9
Fall Quarter I and Spring Quarter I:
English I
Math (based on placement)
World Arts
Health & Fitness
Study Hall
Fall Quarter II and Spring Quarter II:
Physical Science
World History I
Language I (based on choice)
Information Technology
Study Hall
GRADE 10
Fall Quarter I and Spring Quarter I:
English II
Biology
Language II (based on choice)
Band I
Study Hall
Fall Quarter II and Spring Quarter II:
Math (based on placement)
World History II
Media Production I
Speech
Study Hall
GRADE 11
Fall Quarter I and Spring Quarter I:
English III
Math (based on placement)
Performing Arts I
SAT Preparation / College & Careers
Study Hall
Fall Quarter II and Spring Quarter II:
Chemistry
U.S. History
Digital Audio I
Elective
Study Hall
GRADE 12
Fall Quarter I and Spring Quarter I:
Physics
Government / Economics
Psychology
Elective
Study Hall
Fall Quarter II and Spring Quarter II:
English IV
Visual Arts I
Graphic Design
Elective
Study Hall