Special Programs

VALEDICTORIAN/SALUTATORIAN CRITERIA
The valedictorian of the graduating class will be the student with the highest cumulative weighted grade point average, including Physical Education, in grades 10 through the first semester of the senior year. The salutatorian will be the student who has the second highest grade point average as calculated above.

CALIFORNIA SCHOLARSHIP FEDERATION (CSF)
California Scholarship Federation (CSF) is a statewide honor society established for the purpose of fostering high standards of scholarship, service, and citizenship at the senior high school level. Emphasis is placed upon service to the school and community as well as creating pride in scholastic achievement.

Individual membership is based on grades earned each semester. A point system specified in the State Constitution establishes the membership requirements. Only specific subjects are permitted to count toward CSF membership. Grades of A count 3 points and grades of B count 1 point (AP or Honors designated classes with a grade of A or B will earn an additional point, up to 2 points maximum) with 10 points being the minimum number of points necessary to qualify. These 10 points must be in 5 subjects excluding physical education or office service.

A grade of "D" or "F" in any subject or an "N" or "U" in citizenship automatically disqualifies the student. Membership is for one semester only and students MUST reapply each semester. CSF applications will be available during a membership week directly following the receipt of the semester report card. Retroactive membership may not be granted after the designated membership drive. Students who qualify for CSF in at least four out of six semesters, during grades 10 - 12 (one of which is in the senior year), qualify for SEAL BEARER membership. See the CSF Advisor for list of classes that qualify.

Special Programs

ADVANCED AND HONORS COURSES
Advanced and Honors classes are composed of identified GATE (Gifted and Talented Education) students and high achieving students. Teachers in advanced and honors classes provide a qualitatively different learning environment and curriculum designed to engage, challenge and enrich the courses of these students. These courses require additional time and commitment. Students who take honors courses receive weighted credit at the end of each semester. Special district funding is provided to the school for gifted students in the program.

ADVANCED PLACEMENT PROGRAM (AP)
The AP Program is a cooperative educational endeavor. Based on the fact that many young people can complete college-level studies in secondary school, it represents a desire of schools and colleges to foster such experiences.

The following AP courses are offered at Point Loma High School. These courses prepare the student for the AP Examination which is a product of the Educational Testing Service under contract from the College Board.

AP Art History 1,2
AP Biology 1,2
AP Chemistry 1,2
AP English Language 1,2
AP English Literature 1,2
AP Environmental Science 1,2
AP European History 1,2
AP Human Geography 1,2
AP Music Theory, 1,2 (Offered only when enough students register.)
AP Physics C: Mechanics 1,2
AP Psychology 1,2
AP Spanish Language 1,2
AP Spanish Literature 1, 2 (Offered only when enough students register.)
AP Statistics 1,2
AP Studio Art: 2-D Design 1,2
AP Studio Art: Drawing 1,2
AP U.S. History 1,2
AP World History 1,2

STUDENTS WHO ARE ENROLLED IN AP COURSES ARE RECOMMENDED TO TAKE THE AP EXAM FOR THE RESPECTIVE COURSE.

ADVISORY SUPPORT
Point Loma High School's Advisory Bell Schedule includes a Study Hall/Tutorial period for all 9TH grade students and those students whose GPA falls below targeted cut points, or who don't meet other academic and citizenship grade requirements. This Advisory period is mandatory and is 25 minutes in length on most Tuesdays and Wednesdays. It offers subject-specific tutoring, as well as time for students to complete homework. Advisory supports all students at PLHS.

AVID PROGRAM (ADVANCEMENT VIA INDIVIDUAL DETERMINATION)

COLLEGE, CAREER TECHNICAL EDUCATION (CCTE)

COLLEGE COURSES
Students entering their senior year may apply for several college courses: Math 150-151 (calculus) and Political Science & English from Mesa as well as UCSD Biology.. These classes are available to students who demonstrate high ability and achievement in social studies or pass the Math 150-151 qualifying examination. Community college instructors teach these courses on the Point Loma High campus. Students completing these courses earn high school and college credit. Students who elect to take community college courses must adhere to all community college rules, regulations, and policies.

ENGLISH LANGUAGE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM

The English Language Development (ELD) Program is for students who are increasing their English-speaking proficiency. Point Loma High School offers sheltered English, social studies, science, and math sections. Grade 9 English Learner students who need English support are enrolled in an ESL block or receive an additional hour of English instruction. Students in all grades who are in their first three years of English language development are also enrolled in this ESL block. Additionally, there is an English Learner Support Teacher on campus full-time to support all English Learners in all of their core academic coursework.

iHIGH Online Courses
iHigh's method of instruction is independent study/home study. All students have a supervising teacher who facilitates enrollment, distributes materials, coordinates students' studies and collects student work. The parent, student and supervising teacher sign agreements that outline what is to be studied and when the work is due. Students also have subject expert teachers who teach study groups and assess student work. Students may attend study groups on campus for additional direct instruction, collaborative learning and enrichment. Parent involvement and collaboration is a key factor in helping students to achieve and be successful.

NJROTC PROGRAM (NAVY JUNIOR RESERVE OFFICERS TRAINING CORPS)

The students in the Navy Junior ROTC program will:

  • Gain insight into ethical values and principles that underlie good citizenship, including integrity, responsibility, and respect for constituted authority.
  • Develop leadership potential with attendant skills to live and work cooperatively with others.
  • Develop self-discipline, responsibility and accountability for oneself.
  • Learn about the educational and vocational opportunities afforded by the military forces.
  • Develop the basic skills necessary to function effectively as a member of a team.
  • Become familiar with the history, purpose, and structure of the Department of Defense.
  • Appreciate the importance of physical training in maintaining good health.
  • Refine skills of logical thinking and communicate effectively both orally and in writing.

SEMINAR PROGRAM
The Seminar Program is a specialized education program designed for highly gifted secondary students who are identified by the school district for program participation. In grade 9, students take Seminar English 1,2 and are encouraged to take Advanced Placement Human Geography 1,2. In grade 10, students take Seminar English 3,4 and Advanced Placement World History 1,2 or Advanced Placement European History 1, 2. All courses incorporate differentiated instructional strategies and include seminar discussions, individual and small group projects and cultural enrichment activities. Seminar Program placement is determined by the Board of Education policy.

SPECIAL EDUCATION PROGRAM
The Special Education Program offers a continuum of programs and services based on student need for those students with IEP's.

Options in addition to mainstream general education classes include:

  • Collaborative classes for students needing additional support via a Special Education teacher or Para-educator within the general education environment.
  • Support classes for students needing additional re-teaching and review for academic general education classes, via small group instruction, outside of the general education environment.
  • Multi-Level and Applied classes for students needing intensive instruction for reading, writing, and/or math, via small group instruction, outside of the general education environment.
  • Career Technical Education classes for students needing to be taught vocational skills that will help them to transition from school to meaningful careers and/or provide on/off campus paid/unpaid work experience opportunities.
  • Functional Skills classes for students needing to be taught skills that are being used in daily activities within the domestic, community, recreation, vocational, and core focus areas based on the California state alternative standards via small group instruction, outside of the general education environment.
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