North Coast provides an individualized program and an opportunity for students to experience academic success. Short-term independent study goals are emphasized within the positive, supportive, and flexible program.
Upon registration at North Coast, the student and teacher work together to develop a plan that will best meet the student's needs. Students are then responsible for meeting the requirements of assigned classes and for attending school at least three days per week (unless otherwise approved upon enrollment) for testing and assessment purposes. All students are required to study independently for a minimum of thirty hours each week. Students who wish to attend school more often than the three-days-per-week requirement are welcome to do so. Teachers are available to assist students, to administer tests, and to assign new classes each school day from 7:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Students are usually enrolled in two classes at a time, allowing full effort to be focused on those two classes. Consequently, classes should be completed at a faster rate than the regular semester format. Students who wish to stay on pace with the traditional high schools should complete two classes every two months, including summer. Students who are behind and trying to make up credits should increase their pace accordingly.
North Coast is an independent study high school. It is an alternative to the comprehensive high schools within the San Dieguito Union High School District. North Coast's course of study is consistent with the district's curriculum, but it is designed for students in need of individualized attention and flexibility in scheduling. The school provides an optional way for students to acquire the skills and knowledge all students should gain, while maximizing the opportunities for students to develop the positive values of self reliance, initiative, responsibility, and creativity.
The school provides a supportive learning environment in which the staff
The goal of North Coast High School is to provide an educational program that:
| English | 4 years | 40 credits |
| Mathematics *all students must pass Algebra I |
3 years | 30 credits |
| Physical Science | 1 year | 10 credits |
| Life Science | 1 year | 10 credits |
| U.S. History | 1 year | 10 credits |
| World History | 1 year | 10 credits |
| American Government | 1 semester | 5 credits |
| Economics | 1 semester | 5 credits |
| Health Education | 1 semester | 5 credits |
| Physical Education | 2 years | 20 credits |
| Visual/Performing Art | 1 year | 10 credits |
| Practical Art | 1 semester | 5 credits |
| Electives | 14 semesters | 70 credits |
| TOTAL | 230 credits |
If a student needs a course that is available only at San Dieguito Academy, Torrey Pines High School, La Costa Canyon High School, or Canyon Crest Academy, arrangements may be made to attend that class at one of these schools. The teacher of the class as well as the school administrators at both schools must approve such arrangements.
North Coast teacher/advisors are available to assist their students in the following areas:
In addition, counselor, Terry Hendlin, is available on the Sunset High School campus.
Students wishing to transfer to another school within the district must do so at the beginning of a semester (or quarter for 4 x 4 format). It is the student's responsibility to complete North Coast course work no later than two weeks before the semester or quarter begins and to notify a teacher at North Coast of the intent to transfer.
Students may be granted a work permit, providing them with an opportunity to gain one-the-job experience and desirable work habits. The work experience program allows students to earn elective credit. The student may earn a maximum of 40 elective credits toward graduation. Contact Marilyn Giess for details.
Tests required for all students:
For more information go to: http://www.cde.ca.gov/ta/tg/hs/overview.asp
The following tests are not administered at North Coast. However, information is available.California High School Proficiency Exam (CHSPE)
Students who are 16 or 17 years of age are permitted to take the proficiency exam. The CHSPE was designed for students who desire early entry to college, technical or trade school, or a vocation. Students who successfully pass this exam receive a high school equivalency certificate and may leave school with parental permission. See a North Coast teacher for test dates and more information or log onto http://www.cde.ca.gov/statetests/chspe/ .
General Education Development Test (GED)
Students who are at least 18 years of age are permitted to take the GED test through the adult education program. Students who successfully pass this exam will receive a general education certificate and, with the proper courses, will have the opportunity to earn an adult high school diploma. You may also log onto http://www.cde.ca.gov/statetests/chspe/ for specific information.
SAT code: 050864 (same as Sunset High School)
CHSPE code (CDS number): 37 68346 3730769