Academics

High School Graduation Requirements

To ensure a robust and comprehensive high school experience, each student is expected to spend the full four years in high school. Students must be enrolled full-time in their senior year to receive an ACS diploma. Attending summer school or carrying more than a normal load during the regular school year should be regarded as an enrichment of the student’s education rather than an accelerated program.

Seniors will not be awarded a diploma and may not be allowed to participate in the graduation ceremony until they have completed all requirements and accumulated the total credits necessary. Students who wish to receive an Ambassador Christian School diploma must be enrolled to complete the credit requirement for graduation.

The Board of Trustees have approved the graduation requirements, and a diploma will be granted to all students who have acquired 230 units of credit from the adopted Course of Study during grades 9-12. Beginning with the 2013-14 school year, students completing the 12th grade will be required to take at least one AP course during their four years as a condition to receiving a diploma.

ACS students must complete a minimum of 230 credits (48 semesters) for graduation. Each successfully completed semester course is worth 5 credits. Any student who has not received credit for a subject (“F” or “I”) must make up the proper credit.

ACS does NOT grant graduation credit or waivers for any AP scores. *The four semesters of a World Language must be in the same language. For example, a student must take Spanish I and Spanish II. The Fine Arts requirement must be fulfilled by a single, year-long course. Elective courses include advanced study in academic disciplines such as math, world language and science. Electives are selected in consultation with the Academic Counseling Department and depend on the academic program pursued.

Colleges recognize a C or higher as a passing grade. UC DOES NOT recognize grade improvement on a C or higher grade. A grade of D will earn credits toward high school graduation but WILL NOT meet the requirements for college admission. The UC’s and CSU’s “weight” only specific underlined courses on Ambassador’s school’s UC Accredited Course List.

Visit https://doorways.ucop.edu/list/site where “weighted” classes are starred.
For more detailed information on admission to UC: www.universityofcalifornia.edu/admissions.
For more detailed information on admission to CSU: www.csumentor.edu/planning/high_school

UC Freshman Admissions Requirements

Subject Requirement (A-G)
To meet minimum admission requirements, you must complete 15 yearlong high school courses with a letter grade of C or better — at least 11 of them prior to your last year of high school.

A. History – 2 years
Two years of history, including one year of world history, cultures or historical geography (may be a single yearlong course or two one-semester courses), and one year of U.S. history or one-half year of U.S. history and one-half year of civics or American government

B. English – 4 years
Four years of college-preparatory English that include frequent writing, from brainstorming to final paper, as well as reading of classic and modern literature. No more than one year of ESL-type courses can be used to meet this requirement.

C. Mathematics – 3 years (4 recommended)
Three years of college-preparatory mathematics that include the topics covered in elementary and advanced algebra and two- and three-dimensional geometry. A geometry course or an integrated math course with a sufficient amount of geometry content must be completed. Approved integrated math courses may be used to fulfill part or all of this requirement, as may math courses taken in the seventh and eighth grades if the high school accepts them as equivalent to its own courses; also acceptable are courses that address the previously mentioned content areas and include or integrate probability, statistics or trigonometry. Courses intended for 11th and/or 12th grade levels may satisfy the required third-year or recommended fourth-year of the subject requirement if approved as an advanced math course.

D. Science – 2 years (3 recommended)
Two years of college-preparatory science, including or integrating topics that provide fundamental knowledge in two of these three subjects: biology, chemistry, or physics. One year of approved interdisciplinary or earth and space sciences coursework can meet one year of the requirement. Computer Science, Engineering, Applied Science courses can be used in area D as an additional science (i.e., third year and beyond).

E. Language other than English – 2 years (3 recommended)
Two years, or equivalent to the 2nd level of high school instruction, of the same language other than English are required. (Three years/3rd level of high school instruction recommended). Courses should emphasize speaking and understanding, and include instruction in grammar, vocabulary, reading, composition and culture. American Sign Language and classical languages, such as Latin and Greek, are acceptable, as are Native American languages. Courses taken in the seventh and eighth grades may be used to fulfill part or all of this requirement if the high school accepts them as equivalent to its own courses.

F. Visual and performing arts – 1 year
One yearlong course of visual and performing arts chosen from the following disciplines: dance, music, theater, visual arts, or interdisciplinary arts — or two one-semester courses from the same discipline is also acceptable.

G. College preparatory electives – 1 year
One year (two semesters) chosen from courses specific to the elective (G) subject area or courses beyond those used to satisfy the requirements of the A-F subjects.
(source) 

Note: Students who meet the requirements for UC admissions will also meet the requirements for CSU admissions.

Ambassador Christian School A-G Planning Chart (9th & 10th Grade)

Ambassador Christian School A-G Planning Chart (11th & 12th Grade)

Standard Diploma

College Prep Diploma

AA Degree