Why A–G Matters in Middle School
Setting the Foundation for High School, College, and Beyond
At César Chávez Middle School, we believe it’s never too early to start preparing for your future — and that includes getting ready to meet A–G requirements, the courses high school students must complete to be eligible for admission to California’s public universities (such as CSU and UC schools).
What Are A–G Requirements?
A–G refers to a specific sequence of college-prep high school courses. To attend a four-year public college or university in California, students must pass each of these courses with a grade of “C” or better:
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A: History/Social Science
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B: English
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C: Mathematics
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D: Laboratory Science
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E: Language Other Than English
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F: Visual and Performing Arts
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G: College-Preparatory Elective
Required vs. Recommended
While some A–G classes are required for high school graduation, colleges expect students to go above and beyond by taking additional recommended courses. That’s why it’s important to plan early.
Why Start Preparing in Middle School?
Middle school is where students build the habits, skills, and foundation needed to thrive in high school A–G courses. Here's how you can get a head start:
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Focus on Math and English – these subjects are core to success in high school.
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Develop strong study and organization skills.
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Explore electives and extracurriculars that align with your interests.
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Talk to your counselor about your academic goals and future plans.
Start Now for Success Later
Preparing for A–G requirements in middle school sets you up for more opportunities in high school—like advanced courses, honors classes, and dual enrollment. And ultimately, it opens the door to college, career pathways, and a future full of possibilities.
