NEW SCHOOLS: Creating Your "A-G" Course List

In December 2002, the UC faculty established a policy that requires both public and private schools to be accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC), or candidates for accreditation, in order to establish an approved "a-g" course list. It is advised that new schools begin the process for WASC accreditation as early as feasible. To file for "candidacy status" with WASC, contact Christine Lunny or Marsha Carroll at (650) 696-1060.

Before establishing an UC-approved "a-g" course list, a school must be assigned a school code (CEEB/ATP code) by The College Board. To request a school code from the College Board an institution must (1) teach at least through the 10th grade, or provide evidence that a 10th grade will be added within the next 12 months; (2) have a course of study that leads to a diploma or GED; and (3) have a minimum of 10 students enrolled in grades 9-12. To request the necessary form, schools can call the College Board in New Jersey, at 609-771-7091, send a request by fax to 609-771-7766, or send an e-mail request to codecontrol@ets.org.

Finally, after completing the above steps, UC asks that new schools complete the New School Survey [MS Word] and return it by fax to Nina Costales at (510) 987-9522. If you have already received your WASC accreditation or candidacy, please include a copy of the WASC letter as well. Based on that information, UC staff will determine if the school is eligible to establish a list. If/when you receive positive response, you can begin to compile your list using the "course description template" available on this web site to develop course descriptions that thoroughly describe the course content and student expectations. Although the preferred submission date is February for the coming academic year, UC accepts submissions all year round.