WHAT IS ACADEMIC CHOICE?

Academic Choice, (AC) is a program within the large school which provides a rigorous college preparatory curriculum and is dedicated to serving students who want to challenge themselves in a traditional academic environment. AC students take English and History with other AC students. All other classes, such as science, math, foreign language, and arts electives, are selected from the full range of courses offered throughout the large school.  Students are encouraged but not required to take AP (Advanced Placement) classes in their junior and senior years; English and History AP courses and courses offered by the African American Studies department are considered to be within the AC curriculum and will receive AC credit. Students who graduate from the program with the completion of all a-g University of California subject requirements and submission of their senior seminar research project will be recognized by Berkeley High with a "Certificate of Completion" issued by the Academic Choice Program. 

IS THIS ONE OF THE SMALL SCHOOLS?

No. Academic Choice is a program within the large school. It does not have a specific theme like the small schools, but instead encourages students to benefit from the full selection of honors, AP, and elective courses offered at BHS.

ARE STUDENTS REQUIRED TO TAKE AP CLASSES?

Students are not required to take AP (Advance Placement) courses to complete AC program requirements, but they are certainly encouraged to take them.  Academic Choice teachers work to ensure that all students are prepared to take AP courses in their junior and senior years.

WHAT DO I GET FROM TAKING ACADEMIC CHOICE CLASSES?

Academic Choice teachers, students, and families strongly believe that the program should reflect our diverse school community and that all students should have the resources to succeed in school and beyond. Academic Choice faculty are experienced and dedicated teachers who know and care about their students.  There are no prerequisites for enrollment in the program, and tutoring through the AP Pathways program is available to provide support for students in Advanced Placement courses.

• AC teachers expect that their students are preparing for study at a four year college or university
• AC Curricular Pathways program in ninth grade science and math prepares students for success in tenth grade
• Academic Pathways tutoring and mentoring support for AP classes
• An AC "Certificate of Completion" awarded upon graduation with the completion of the senior seminar research project and all UC a-g subject requirements
• AC community activities including student retreats, college tours, and forums to assist parents and students in the college application process
• AC parents have an opportunity to be active participants in their student's education at Berkeley High School