Academics

The San Luis Coastal Unified School District believes strongly in affording a solid academic preparation for all students who graduate from the District’s high schools. Specific courses are required by both District policies and State laws.

Pacific Beach Continuation High School Graduation Requirements:

• Students must earn the minimum credits needed for graduation (listed below)
• Students must complete Algebra I within their mathematics courses at middle school or high school.
• Student must complete a 3 credit Portofolio project which includes Community Service.
• Students must earn 3 hours of Community Service for every quarter enrolled, up to12 hours maxiumium. 

SPECIFIC SUBJECT AREAS REQUIRED FOR GRADUATION

More than 30 PBHS students have been participating in a new program that combines instruction in several academic subjects with hands-on experience creating, tending and harvesting a school garden. Teachers Anne Wilder and Terry Jacobsen have been collaborating with volunteers from the non-profit organization, Central Coast Grown (CentralCoastGrown.org), to engage students with learning the biology of plants and the principles of sustainable agriculture or “agro-ecology” in the classroom and with putting that knowledge to work in the field. “The field” is located a few minutes’ walk from the school on City Farm, the City of San Luis Obispo’s Calle Joachin Agricultural Preserve. While learning, students have succeeded in transforming a quarter-acre patch of brick-hard clay soil into a productive and beautiful garden providing local organic food.

The Farm Program offers all students the opportunity to learn science, English, economics, history and math at the same time they enjoy growing and eating (and eventually selling) organic vegetables. In cooperation with SLO City Farm, we have access to one acre of prime organic farm land, only a few minutes walk from campus. Students work the soil, plant and maintain the vegetable crops, and harvest the fruits of their hard work.

This course is intended to provide students with basic knowledge of tools, materials, and their general application for various construction trades by utilizing project based assignments.  This course will provide hands-on entry level construction experience in a simulated work environment on campus. 

The school yearbook is created during one quarter, providing students with the opportunity to earn credits in a job skills based course. Microsoft Publisher is used to create page templates and increase the student knowledge base. Yearbook class qualifies for elective credit, which is required for graduation.