There is plenty of curiosity surrounding the many, many types of classes offered here at Granite Bay High School. Here is a guide that explains each class simply and attentively. Each of these classes can be looked at in even more depth under the Academics tab on the GBHS website.
Dual Enrollment
Dual Enrollment classes, listed as DE, are the result of a partnership between Sierra College and GBHS. When taking a DE class, your curriculum is that of Sierra’s, however all classes are held and taught here. Once you pass, the semester’s credits transfer to your Sierra College transcript, exempting you from taking the class there. These credits will overtake any credits you earn from the AP tests.
Advanced Placement
The Advanced Placement Program, listed as AP, was established in 1952 by the College Board, a non-profit organization. These courses mimic the diligence of college-level classes. At the end of each school year, each student can opt-in to the correspondent AP test for $95 or more. To pass, the student must score a three or higher on the one to five scale. Once you pass the credits transfer to your Sierra College transcript, but can be overtaken by any DE course in the same subject. Even so, the AP classes are graded higher than regular classes, giving you a grade boost.
Career Technical Education Pathways
Also known as CTE Pathways, these classes “(prepare) students for the world of work by introducing them to workplace competencies…” California Department of Education says on their CTE General Public Face Sheet. They focus on separate industries such as design, engineering and business. Our CTE Pathways consist of Professional Photography, Art and Media.
International Baccalaureate
This scary-looking word is the full name for the IB program we offer here at GBHS. IB courses promote open-mindedness through in-depth curriculum and open-ended exam questions. Contrary to AP courses, which last for a semester, some IB classes last a year-long. IB is split into Higher Level and Standard Level (HL and SL). HL courses are 240 hours of study while SL courses are only 150 hours. “Students decide at the end of junior year (and confirm at the beginning of senior year) the level for each exam. In general, HL exams are more rigorous than SL exams” as stated on the International Academy website.
College Preparatory
College Preparatory classes, or CP, are standard courses to prepare students for college-level classes. Here at GBHS, we offer CP English 9, CP English 10 and CP English 11. Although AP courses have a similar effect, CP courses are much less rigorous and do not offer college credit.
Next Generation Science Standards
Next Generation Science Standards, or NGSS courses, are science-specific standard classes, like NGSS Biology. They lay the fundamentals for our more advanced classes, such as AP Chemistry, AP Biology and AP Physics. Stated on the Next Generation Science Standards website, they teach through a three-dimensional plan that “… build(s) a cohesive understanding of science over time.”
