Charter Schools

Q: What is the process for charter schools to establish an "a-g" course list?

A: Start-up charter schools wishing to establish an "a-g" course list should follow the same procedures as other new schools. These procedures are described in the letter from Director of Admissions Susan A. Wilbur.

Conversion charter schools are handled differently because they typically open with 12th graders who may be applying to the University. UC typically allows conversion charter schools to retain their old "a-g" course list for a year or two until they are able to become accredited (or a candidate) and establish their own "a-g" course list. However, conversion charter schools should notify UC immediately once the charter agreement is authorized by the district, county or state board of education so that UC high school articulation staff is aware of the conversion and can ensure that their Seniors are not disadvantaged in the application and admission process.

Q: Can charter schools simply add to their "a-g" course lists any courses that were already UC-approved for other schools in the district that has authorized its charter?

A: No. Since charter schools have substantial autonomy to design and offer courses that differ from those courses offered at other schools in the district, charter schools are required to submit complete outlines/course descriptions for all courses that are being considered for UC approval.

Q: Does UC recognize narrative evaluation or do students need to receive letter grades for their coursework?

A: As UC eligibility and admission is based partially on grade point average (GPA), students must receive letter grades for all "a-g" approved courses. UC campuses do not request, nor review narrative evaluations for students.

Q: How does UC treat non-traditional curriculum, such as interdisciplinary, integrated and/or project-based coursework?

A: UC faculty has established clear guidelines that indicate the coursework students are expected to complete in order to be prepared to succeed at the University of California. The course requirements are divided by subject area ("a-g" requirements). Schools are free to offer curriculum in whatever format they feel is appropriate, but students will ultimately be expected to demonstrate completion of the "a-g" subject area requirements to be eligible for admissions. Some charter schools have successfully presented their non-traditional curriculum to UC for "a-g" course approval. (See Project-Based Course Resources.)