High School Academics | La Jolla Country Day School

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Upper School Curriculum

The Upper School offers students a wide range of choices through the core curriculum, electives and activities 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 or click here for a PDF of all Upper School course descriptions.

Explore Our Curriculum

Department

Graduation Requirements

English: 4.0 credits

I, II, III, IV required

Math: 3.0 credits
Algebra II required

Social Science: 3.0 credits
One year of world history, one year of U.S. history and one year-long Humanities seminar

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 are required for graduation. Students must carry at least five courses per semester per year. The only exception is for seniors, who can carry four courses if all graduation requirements have been met and all four of those courses are AP courses. Sixteen of the 20 minimum credits must conform to the above graduation requirements; the remaining four credits can be taken in any department. The La Jolla Country Day School graduation requirements are aligned to meet or exceed UC/Cal State University requirements.

Additional Requirements

Experiential Education/College Trips participation
Service-Learning: Specific requirements by grade level
Physical Education/Athletics: All freshmen must participate on a team sport for one season.

Load: Each semester, a student must carry a minimum of five courses.
Students can carry a maximum of six courses per semester.

Exception: Seniors may take four courses if all are AP classes and they have permission from the director.

I think, rather, that putting together a balanced schedule of classes is an important ingredient in every student’s recipe for happiness and ultimate success. I want to help students create balance and put themselves in a position to be happy, successful and the best version of themselves."

Dave Jenkins, Assistant Head of Upper School for Student Life and College Counseling

Service-Learning

Social responsibility is an integral part of the philosophy of LJCDS. The school mentors students to become lifelong service leaders who act with honor and integrity. Upper School students demonstrate community engagement and service-learning by participating in a variety of service opportunities both on campus and in local and global communities. Our model provides a foundation for giving back beginning with school-sponsored opportunities in partnership with local nonprofits and culminating in independent service projects and reflection in the senior year.