High School Graduation Requirements
There have been changes in graduation requirements over the last couple of years. We have broken down the new graduation requirements based on graduating class. In addition to passing the California High School Exit Exam, students must enroll in at least four academic classes per semester for at least the first two years, and must complete the following course work and additional requirements in order to receive a diploma:

Class of 2013

     English                          4 years (40 credits)
     College Prep Mathematics         2 years (20 credits)
     Social Studies                   3 years (30 credits)
     Laboratory Science               2 years (20 credits)
     Health/Life Skills 21st C        1 year (10 credits)
     Physical Education               2 years (20 credits)
     Applied Technology               1 year (10 credits)
     Visual and Performing Arts       1 year (10 credits)

            Elective Credits                          Must total 70 credits

Total Credits                                              230 credits

Additional Requirements
        Foreign Language             2 years of same foreign language for college
                                                     entrance
        Community Service          50 hours (5 hours for 9th ,10 for 10th,
                                                     15 for 11th, 20 for 12th)
        Transition Services\           4 years
         Service Learning

Class of 2014-15

     English                          4 years (40 credits)
     College Prep Mathematics         2 years (20 credits)
     Social Studies                   3 years (30 credits)
     Laboratory Science               2 years (20 credits)
     Health                           1 semester (5 credits)
     Physical Education               2 years (20 credits)
     Applied Technology               1 year (10 credits)
     Visual and Performing Arts       1 year (10 credits)

            Elective Credits                          Must total 75 credits

Total Credits                                              230 credits

Additional Requirements
        Foreign Language             2 years of same foreign language for college
                                                     entrance
        Community Service          50 hours (5 hours for 9th ,10 for 10th,
                                                     15 for 11th, 20 for 12th)
        Transition Services\           4 years
         Service Learning

Class of 2016 and beyond*

     English                          4 years (40 credits)
     College Prep Mathematics         2 years (20 credits)
          Algebra 1; Geometry; Algebra 2
     Social Studies                   3 years (30 credits)
          World History; US History
     Laboratory Science               2 years (20 credits)
          Biology; Chemistry or Physics
     Language other than English      2 years (20 credits)
     Visual and Performing Arts       1 year (10 credits)

     Elective Credits            Must total 60 credits
     Health                           1 semester (5 credits)
     Physical Education               2 years (20 credits)

Total Credits                                              210 credits

Additional Requirements
        Community Service          50 hours (5 hours for 9th ,10 for 10th,
                                                     15 for 11th, 20 for 12th)
        Transition Services\           4 years
         Service Learning

*If your child resides within a district other than LAUSD, please consult with your district representative for detailed graduation requirements.

The most selective colleges in the United States have the expectation that students will take the “Magic 20” courses in high school, that is, four years of course work in each of the five major areas of study. These include English, foreign language, mathematics, science, and social studies. As a college preparatory school, North Hills Prep School believes that students should be aware of that expectation.

Electives
THG’s North Hills Prep’s electives change, but several are offered regularly, including Culinary Arts; World Languages (American Sign and Spanish); Guitar; Music Ensemble; Music Appreciation; Performance; Photography; Computer Graphics and Animation; Art; Film Production; and Desktop Publishing.

Developmental Reading
Our Developmental Reading program is designed to assist students whose decoding and comprehension abilities fall below the norm for their grade level. Since reading ability is central to student success, it is important that this skill be addressed as early as possible. Students referred to this program are assessed to determine skill level and areas of need, then are placed in either one-period or two-period programs.

Tutoring
Tutoring is available at Nutrition, Lunch, and under certain circumstances after school between 3 p.m. and 4 p.m.

Homework Page
THG’s North Hills Prep’s Homework Page is an invaluable tool for parents to keep up with their student’s assignments. Accessed through a link on the NHP website, it is updated at least weekly by teachers. Parents can follow topics covered in class each week and view student’s assignments.

Communication
THG’s North Hills Prep encourages communication between home and school. In addition to the Website and homework page, teachers and staff are available through email. THG’s North Hills Prep’s staff responds to communication within 24 hours. In addition, the Director of Administration & Enrichment, Head of School, and the Director of Student Development are always available by phone.

Assessment
In addition to traditional Report Cards at the Quarter and Semester, THG’s North Hills Prep provides parents with bi-weekly progress reports. We have found this helps the school, the student, and parents monitor student progress more closely and effectively, and gives the student frequent feedback to help ensure that performance is leading towards passing grades.