Pacifica Christian High School

College Preparatory Curriculum

The Pacifica college preparatory program readies students for future study at top universities, with a well-balanced and rigorous academic curriculum and graduation requirements that exceed the minimum University of California standards. The academic program leads students on a four-year journey through the humanities, sciences, and the arts while integrating faith into the curriculum when appropriate. This path focuses on the Great Conversation of the Western tradition utilizing the tools of inquiry and rhetoric. It also develops a student’s analytical, problem-solving, entrepreneurial, and technological skills, preparing him or her for a vital role in the 21st Century economy. Pacifica is committed to promoting and encouraging an authentic joy of learning helping students develop a vision for the future and the courage to enact that vision. We seek to build lives of faith, character, meaning, and direction that not only open possibilities for the future but form good people who will flourish for a lifetime.

Select a Department

Department

Graduation Requirements

In order to qualify for a diploma from Pacifica Christian High School each student must meet the following requirements.

Complete no less than 230 semester credits (235 semester credits for AP European History students) of classroom or supervised activities in grades 9-12 with passing grades (D- or better). For classes to be recognized for University of California credit, a grade of C- or better is required. Satisfactory attendance and good citizenship are reflected in academic grades and credits completed.
Complete the following subject matter requirements in grades 9-12 with passing grades.

Pacifica’s required coursework exceeds the minimum requirements for entrance into the University of California System, California State University System, and most private colleges and universities.

List of 9 items.

English

History

Science

3 years / 30 Semester Credits

Required courses:
Course Semesters Credits
Biology / Honors Biology 2 10
Chemistry / Honors Chemistry 2 10

Choose one of the following courses for the third year:
Course Semesters Credits
Physics 2 10
Anatomy and Physiology 2 10
Environmental Science 2 10
AP Biology 2 10
AP Chemistry 2 10
AP Physics 2 10
Mathematics

3 Years / 30 Semeste Credits of Sequential Courses

Course Semesters Credits
Algebra I 2 10
Geometry / Honors Geometry 2 10
Algebra II / Honors Algebra II 2 10
Pre-Calculus / Honors Pre-Calculus 2 10
AP Calculus AB 2 10
AP Calculus BC 2 10
AP Statistics 2 10
Foreign Language

2 Years / 20 Semester Credits of Sequential Courses

Course Semesters Credits
Spanish 1 or Latin 1 2 10
Spanish 2 or Latin 2 2 10
Spanish 3 or Latin 3 2 10
Latin 4 Honors 2 10
AP Spanish Language IV / AP Spanish Literature 2 10

Visual & Performing Arts

Theology/Philosophy

Physical Education / Team Sports

2 Years / 20 Semester Credits
Pacifica Electives
3 Years / 30 Semester Credits

In addition to the one year requirement of a UC approved Visual and Performing Arts elective, students must complete an additional 30 semester elective credits. Classes which exceed the minimum graduation requirements may be considered as electives. Students may choose to take classes from the following departments:
- Foreign Language
- Theology
- English
- Math
- Physical Education
- Science
- History
- Visual and Performing Arts (either UC approved or not)
- Other Electives

Signature Programs

List of 4 items.

Philosophy & Theology

The Pacifica Center for Philosophy and Theology offers classes in philosophy and theology in partnership with top scholars from around the country. Learn more about the program.
The Minchin Center for Innovation

The Minchin Center for Innovation program offers classes in entrepreneurship, economics, personal finance, and leadership. Learn more about the program.
Engineering & Technology

This program partners with Project Lead the Way to provide students with a variety of classes in engineering and computer science. Learn more about the program.
Visual & Performing Arts

Pacifica’s Visual and Performing Arts program, PACARTS offers a rich variety of classes in studio arts, film, theater, voice, music, and dance. Learn more about the program.

Honors & AP Courses

List of 8 items.

English

Honors Ancient Literature and Composition
Honors World Literature and Composition
AP Language and Composition
AP Literature and Composition
History

Honors Ancient/Medieval History
Honors US Government
Honors Foundation of the 20th Century
AP European History
AP US History
Science

Honors Biology
Honors Chemistry
AP Biology
AP Chemistry
AP Physics
Mathematics

Honors Geometry
Honors Algebra II
Honors Precalculus
AP Calculus AB
AP Calculus BC
AP Statistics
Foreign Language

Honors Latin 4
AP Spanish Language and Composition
AP Spanish Literature and Composition
Theology

Honors Old Testament
Honors New Testament
Business/Entrepreneurship

AP Micro Economics
AP Macro Economics
Visual and Performing Arts

AP Studio Arts
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A Typical 9th Grade Program Includes:

English 9 or Honors English 9
Ancient History 9 or Honors Ancient History 9
Biology or Honors Biology
Mathematics: Algebra I, Geometry, or Honors Geometry
Latin or Spanish (I or II or III)
Old Testament or Honors Old Testament
Elective: Visual Arts and Performing Arts, STEM, or Minchin Center
Physical Education: Dance, Athletics, or Independent P.E.

Core Values

A rigorous, college preparatory curriculum, preparing students to excel at any college in the country
A curriculum founded on the great conversation of Western Civilization where all topics, both secular and theological, are explored
Use of Socratic Seminar and discussion with a focus on writing, speaking and listening
Teaching based on inquiry, rhetoric, and higher-level thinking skills
The integration of faith and learning into the classroom when appropriate
A high level of engagement between students and teachers
Customization and personalization for each student
Opportunities for involvement in athletics, arts, leadership, and co-curricular activities that strengthen a student’s educational experience
Joy and interest in learning. Education as an end to itself
A commitment to truth, beauty, and goodness
An authentic, relational community that pursues grace and truth
A school for all neighborhoods where students come together from all religious, socio-economic, ethnic, and political backgrounds to journey together toward a common goal.