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Welcome Future Falcons!

Class of 2029

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Torrey Pines High School Counseling Office

Counselors:

Natalie Seward

Julianne Velasco

Chanelle Lary

Christina Hooton

Toni Zurcher

Jennifer Magruder

Sally Gervasini

Counseling Office Support:

  • Counseling Assistant Mrs. Daher
  • College & Career Tech Mrs. Chen
  • School Social Worker Ms. “Ky” Sheils
  • Student Support Facilitator Mrs. Galli

Administration Office:

  • Registrar Ms. Margiotta

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How Can Counselors Help You?

Academics

We can assist in helping you keep up with your grades, graduation requirements and guide you in exploring courses that peak your interests and reflect your strengths.

Social/Emotional Needs

We are able to assist you with any issues that may arise with family, friends,

personal, etc.

College & Career

We want to help you with your academic goals, personal needs and future plans!

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Tips on how to be Successful at TPHS

Visit the Counseling Website Often

Check out the Future Falcons Resources Page

Get to know

your Counselor and Teachers

Follow @TPASB and @tphscounseling

on Instagram

Review Freddy’s Flier

Join Clubs!

Over 150 available or create your own

Attend

Athletic, Music and Theater Events

Stay Informed!

Access

Tutoring Opportunities

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SDUHSD Graduation Requirements

  • Complete a minimum of 230 Credits

Students earn 5 credits each semester for a total of 10 credits per

year long course

  • Complete All Subject course requirements

  • Pass Integrated Math 1 with a D or Better

Can be met in middle school

  • Enrollment in Health Course

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High School Graduation Requirements

Subjects

Minimum Requirements

History/Social Science

30 CREDITS = World History, US History, Government/Economics

English

40 CREDITS = English 9, English 10, English 11, English 12

Math

30 CREDITS = Minimum Integrated Math 1

Science

20 CREDITS = Biology (Life Science), Chemistry (Physical Science)

Physical Education

20 CREDITS = Must complete Health requirement, Athletic PE = 5 credits per season

Visual/Performing Arts

10 CREDITS

CTE/Practical Art

10 CREDITS

Electives

70 CREDITS

TOTAL

230 CREDITS

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UC/CSU Eligibility Requirements

Courses

Minimum Requirements of College Prep Classes

A. History/Social Science

2 years: World History, US History/Government

B. English

4 years: English 9,10,11,12

C. Math

3 years (4 recommended): Int Math 1,2,3

D. Laboratory Science

2 years (3 recommended): Must be a lab science

E. Foreign Language

2 years (3 recommended): Must be the same language

*Student with competency in a language other than English may qualify for an exemption

F. Visual/Performing Arts

1 year: Any College Prep course from Art, Music, or Theater

G. College Prep Elective

1 year: Any College Prep Elective

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Course Selection Guidelines

  • In order to promote wellness, students must take a minimum of 5 classes and are not required to take 7 classes per year. Students have the option to select an unscheduled period(s).
  • Courses may be cancelled due to insufficient enrollment or staffing restrictions.
  • Students are requesting courses only for the entire year, not periods or teachers. No schedule changes will be made to change class periods, to balance days, or accommodate for off-campus classes, extra-curricular and/or athletics.
  • 12th graders may be given preference in elective classes and courses required for graduation.

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9th Grade Courses

9th graders will take the following required courses:

  • English 9
  • Math
  • Biology: The Living Earth
  • Physical Education/Health

And then choose any three additional courses

  • Elective
  • Elective
  • Elective or Unscheduled Period

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Sample Schedule

*Please note 1st period meets daily. This could also be an unscheduled period

where students start each day at 9:35 am.

Cardinal Day

1.3.5.7

Gold Day

1.2.4.6

1 *Math

1 *Math

3 Science

2 Elective

5 World Language

4 Year One PE

7 English

6 Elective

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Bell Schedule

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Before Choosing Your Courses

  • Review the Helpful Resources under Step 1 of the Course Selection webpage where you will find FAQ’s, CTE Pathways and more!

  • Read the Course Profiles for class descriptions and expectations.
  • Review College Prep vs. Honors/AP Courses - What’s right for me?
  • Make thoughtful and informed decisions. Keep your hobbies, extra-curricular and family commitments in mind when choosing your course to create a school life balance.

  • Talk to your current teachers and counselor. They are a GREAT resource!

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English 9 or 9 Honors with Ethnic Studies

  • English 9 with Ethnic Studies and English 9 Honors with Ethnic Studies are offered as alternatives to English 9 and English 9 Honors courses at the 4 comprehensive high schools. All courses are based on the CA English 9 ELA standards.
  • The pilot course opportunity allows students to experience the Board-Approved Ethnic Studies Units as a part of the English course, and to provide feedback to further develop and enhance the course.
  • The English 9/9 Honors with Ethnic Studies Frequently Asked Questions has been developed specifically for incoming 9th-grade students to help inform their English course selection for the 2025-26 school year.
  • Ethnic Studies is not a CA graduation requirement for fall 2025 9th grade who will graduate in the Class of 2029.
  • Students will fulfill English graduation and college eligibility requirements with either course taken.
  • CSU/UC a-g admission requirements do not include Ethnic Studies currently.

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Courses Requiring an Application or Audition

  • AVID
  • ASB*
  • Leadership
  • Yearbook*
  • Intermediate/Advanced Dance
  • Music Program

Application Here

Application Here

Application Here

Application Here

Information at TPHS Dance Company Website

Information at TPHS Music Program

*If you are interested in applying for ASB or Yearbook , please complete the application. These courses are not listed on the Course Selection Contract form or in Aeries. Please select your three elective choices and if you are approved we will place you in the course.

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2025-2026

Get it Here

Applications are due April 11th!

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CTE Pathways

Career Technical Education (CTE)

pathways are a great way to discover interests, explore careers, be prepared for college,

and demonstrate a depth of interest in a field on your college applications.

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Introducing our new CTE Pathway!

Professional

Theatre

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Professional Theatre Pathway

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Courses

Intro to Professional Theatre

Intermediate Professional Theatre

Introduction to Professional Theatre is the foundation course of the Professional Theatre Pathway. Within a collaborative setting, students will study improvisation and theatre games, public speaking, acting for theatre and film, stage combat, dramatic and sketch comedy writing. This course is designed for all students, ranging from those who have participated in theatre previously to those who have never stepped onto the stage. Because actor training is also life training, students will enhance their interpersonal and professional skills while collaborating to create complete productions.

Intermediate Professional Theatre progresses through theatre history in a performance driven, collaborative manner. Students explore a vast

breadth of theatrical styles, ranging from the foundation of theatre in storytelling and Shakespeare to contemporary theatre, musical theatre, and film. Based on personal interest, students may narrow their exploration to either musical theatre or standard theatre. Foundational principles of actor training are combined with advanced techniques such vocal training, character development, and heightened-language text analysis.

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Students in this pathway will work in one of the most advanced high school theatre environments in San Diego.

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Proscenium Stage

Our Proscenium Stage is a state-of-the-art facility that seats up to 400. With a professional lighting and sound system, an attached scene shop and dressing rooms, there is no limit to what our students can create in this incredible space!

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Experimental Theatre Space

Our ETS is an upgraded take on the old “black box” style theater environment. The smaller space is perfect for more intimate performances and allows the audience to feel more immersed in the art.

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Our

TP Music Program

is adding new classes this year too!

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MIDI

(Recording Arts)

Musical Instrument Digital Interface

Did you know that most music today is created and produced using MIDI? MIDI is integral to music production, allowing precise control, sequencing, and synchronization of instruments and software.

Musicians use MIDI controllers like keyboards, drum pads, and fader banks to interact with virtual instruments and DAWs (Digital Audio Workstation), enhancing their creative capabilities. MIDI is utilized by most music producers, DJs, film scorers, and musicians worldwide!

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IF YOU LOVE MUSIC AND BEING CREATIVE, THIS CLASS IS FOR YOU! NO PRIOR EXPERIENCE NEEDED!

Here are a few examples of student work created after only 6 short weeks of class!!

Musical Instrument Digital Interface

Musical Instrument Digital Interface

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“INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC”

Course Profile

(click here)

Do you want to learn how to play an instrument? Do you already play an instrument and want time to further your skills? If so, this is the class for you!

All students are welcome and encouraged to take Instrumental Music! You will accomplish your goals through generous amounts of practice time and one-on-one instruction in our beautiful state-of-the-art music classroom!

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Important Reminders

  • You are choosing a yearlong schedule, so select carefully! Think about your full year ahead and what your school/life balance will look like.

  • Be thoughtful about choosing alternates, and remember no elective changes will be made after the start of the school year or at the semester.

  • Students may only choose courses - not periods or teachers. We cannot change class periods to balance days or accommodate off-campus classes, extra-curricular and/or athletic activities.

  • Check the SDUHSD Summer School website for up to date information and for current course offerings.

  • If you are planning to take an off campus course over summer, you must turn in an Off Campus Permission form to TPHS by May 9, 2025 for prior approval. See the SDUHSD Off Campus Course website for details.

  • Students will be able to view their 2025-2026 class schedule in the Aeries portal in August.

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Tips for Wellness and Balance

#1

#2

#3

#4

This is YOUR journey through the high school experience!

Be mindful of homework loads by reviewing course profiles. Remember, there are only

24 hours in a day!

Remain open-minded about trying new courses and exploring new interests!

Your High School years go by quickly so enjoy them!

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Congratulations!

You may now move on to

Return to the Google Site to continue your course selection process!