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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, click here for a PDF of all Upper School course descriptions, or view just the course list by department here.

List of 4 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

    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. 

    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 UC/Cal State University requirements.
  • Additional Requirements


    • Experiential Education: Three years of participation
    • Health and Wellness: One semester
    • Service Learning: One independent service project in senior year
    • Physical Education/Athletics: All freshmen must participate in a team sport for one season.
    • Load: Each semester, a student must enroll in a minimum of five or a maximum of six courses. Students are rarely permitted to enroll in seven courses and must petition their dean and receive approval from the head of Upper School in order to do so. No student may enroll in eight courses.
  • Service Learning

    Social responsibility is an integral part of LJCDS’ philosophy. 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 during students’ senior year.
  • Honors and AP Courses

    Honors Courses by Subject 
    Computer Science: Computer Science 
    Design & Innovation: Innovation Technology Studio, Advanced Innovation Technology Studio, Design to Entrepreneurship, Advanced Design to Entrepreneurship, Applied Engineering, Advanced Applied Engineering 
    Math: Math I, Math II, Math III, Linear Algebra
    Science: Biology, Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Neuroscience, Environmental Systems, Anatomy and Physiology, Research Seminar
    History: U.S. Government and Politics, Psychology
    Art: Band, Ceramics II, Ceramics III, Independent Filmmaking, Madrigals (Choral), Orchestra, Percussion & World Drumming, Advanced Photography, Advanced Play Production, Production Design & Management
    World Language: French Intensive, French Literature and Culture, Mandarin III, Mandarin IV, Mandarin V, Spanish Intensive, Spanish Literature and Culture

    AP Courses by Subject
    English: English Literature & Composition, English Language & Composition 
    History: U.S. History, European History, World History, African American Studies 
    Math: Calculus AB, Calculus BC, Statistics 
    Science: Biology, Chemistry, Physics 2 
    Art: Studio Art: 2D Design, 3D Design, or Drawing 
    World Language: Chinese Language & Culture, French Language & Culture, Spanish Language & Culture 

    LJCDS has partnered with One Schoolhouse to offer additional options. This virtual opportunity is primarily to resolve a schedule conflict or if students have exhausted a subject's academic offering on campus. 

Explore Our Curriculum

La Jolla Country Day School

9490 Genesee Avenue
La Jolla, CA 92037
858-453-3440

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