Academics

North Hills is committed to preparing high school students for the next step after high school, whether that is a 4-year college, 2-year college or trade school, or the military or the work force. Our students graduate with the skills to succeed as a contributing member of the community.

Graduation Requirements

High School Courses

All core classes at NHCS are approved by University of California and posted on the "a-g" list.

“The intent of the "a-g" subject requirements is to ensure that students have attained a body of general knowledge that will provide breadth and perspective to new, more advanced study. These courses are to be academically challenging, involving substantial reading, writing, problems and laboratory work and show serious attention to analytical thinking, factual content and developing students’ oral and listening skills.” (https://www.ucop.edu/agguide/a-g-requirements/ ) This approval ensures that NH college-prep track graduates have the credits that can provide for acceptance to UC/CSU universities if the student has a competitive GPA. NHCS alumni have attended and graduated from universities such as UC Davis, UC Irvine, UC Berkeley, Cal State Sacramento and Cal State San Francisco, not to mention other private universities and colleges.

Advanced Placement Classes

Advanced Placement courses are college-level courses, and students must meet strict prerequisites to enroll. The staff reserves the right to limit enrollment based upon space availability and teacher discretion. Enrollment in any AP course constitutes a full year commitment. It is strongly recommended that students enrolled in AP courses take the corresponding AP course College Board exam, as a passing grade on this test may provide approval to earn college credit. The exam and payment information is distributed by the course instructor and/or high school counselor. The following courses are offered at NHCS.

• AP Government and Politics United States
• AP US History
• AP English Language and Composition
• AP English Literature and Composition
• AP Statistics
• AP Psychology

Dual Credit Classes

California Community Colleges provide the opportunity for high school students to take classes for a reasonable cost through the colleges and receive high school and college credit. NHCS cooperates with local community colleges to offer dual credit courses. Contact the school counselor for current community college enrollment guidelines.

Testing

PSAT - All 9th - 11th grade students take the PSAT in the fall of each year. There is no additional charge for enrolled students.

Renaissance STAR - All Students take the STAR reading assessment quarterly to establish student reading levels and progress in vocabulary and comprehension

Bell Schedules