Incoming 9th Course Selection 25-26

Welcome Class of 2030 Titans!

Welcome To Your 2026-2027 School Year Preparation Guide. We're excited to guide you as you start planning for the upcoming school year!

In this newsletter, you'll find a variety of information and resources to help you choose your 9th grade courses. The Course Offerings document outlines the courses available for your grade level, and it's yours to keep for your records. After selecting your courses on the Course Offerings, you'll fill out a Course Request Form (CRF) and submit your choices online.

We are a trimester school that allows students to take up to 15 courses per school year. Each trimester containing 4 classes equals a full schedule, however a student can take up to 5 classes per trimester. A schedule of 4 classes would contain one period as an "off-roll". This period allows students extra study time while participating in sports, music, work, and other extra-curricular activities.

Please see important information and announcements below and know that we are here to support you every step of the way!

Learn about our Titan Counseling Team and find important information HERE

Course Selection Presentation

Step 1 - Review Course Offerings to determine options for 9th grade. Talk with your current teachers to help you choose appropriate courses. Also discuss your course choices with your parents to help you create a balanced schedule.

Step 2 - Complete your grade level Course Offerings to select courses for next year.

Step 3 - Enter Course Requests in Synergy

Portal opens Wednesday, March 18th and closes Wednesday, April 1st.

Helpful Instructions can be found HERE

Step 4 - Return Course Request Form (CRF)

Use your Course Offerings to complete your CRF.

Return your Course Request Form (CRF) to your middle school by the designated deadline.

Students keep the Course Offerings for their records.

*In August / during Registration, students will receive a list of their scheduled courses.

(Transfer Students & New To PUSD Students Please See Section At End Of Newsletter)

Please view our presentation on Completing The CRF Here

Optional: 8th Grade Family Q&A Sessions (Zoom)

Counselors will be offering brief family appointments for questions about course selections on Tuesday, March 24th and Wednesday, March 25th, 2026.

In order to provide all families with the ability to have their questions answered, families are limited to one 10-minute appointment slot.

Sign up HERE

Find Your Counselor

A - Dat: Ms. Karly Wardwell

Dau - Hil: Ms. Jerrah Smith

Him - Mel: Ms. Monica Taylor

Mem - Sam: Ms. Blanca Arreguin

San - Z: Ms. Jerilyn Padua Reyes

Students are assigned a counselor based on their last name. For example, if your last name is Johnson, you will fall into Him - Mel with Ms. Taylor.

2026-2027 Course Offerings and Course Request Forms (CRF)

Students RETURN the CRF to their current Middle School.

Students are to KEEP the Course Offerings for their own records.

CRF Instructions:

CRF Instructions

CRF Instructions - Spanish

Off-Roll Permission Form:

Off-Roll Permission Form - Print and Return to your Middle School (Only if selecting an off-roll for the 2026-2027 school year)

Course Request Portal Open March 18 - April 1

Click to enter your 15 courses plus 3 alternates.

New Courses

Japanese 1-2
AP English Seminar
Advanced Swimming
Fitness and Conditioning

Math Recommendations

Poway High School Course Sequence for Math

How to Access Course History?

Students can access their Course History online in Synergy. Click here for instructions.

Interested in getting a jump start in a career field?

You may want to check out CTE courses offered at PHS and in other schools within PUSD.

Please visit the PUSD CTE Website for more information or see your Counselor with any questions.

CA State Seal of Biliteracy

The California State Seal of Biliteracy is a form of recognition from the State Superintendent of Public Instruction of graduating high students who have attained a high level of proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing in one or more languages in addition to English. It recognizes the value of biliteracy as a 21st century skill.

Students only apply in the spring of their senior year of high school. For additional questions, please visit the CA State Seal of Biliteracy page on our website or speak with your counselor.

AVID - Achievement Via Individual Determination

An internationally recognized program designed to prepare students for success in high school and beyond. The goal of AVID students is to attend and graduate college. Please reach out to Ms. Lockie or your counselor for more information. We would love for you to join our AVID family!

Poway Virtual Courses (PVC)

PVC courses are offered through PUSD and NOT have live instruction. These courses do require weekly assignments that must be completed on time. Click here for PVC course offerings.

Keys to success in this format:

You are able to manage your time well, are responsible and organized.
You are self motivated and can focus well on your own, without teacher reminders.
You advocate for yourself when you meet unexpected challenges.

Taking Courses Outside of PUSD

Always see your Counselor first!

PHS website has more detailed information.

PHS Outside Course Permission Form

Some classes will not meet graduation requirements, not earn you credits.

NCAA

If you are interested in pursuing collegiate sports, please remember to review NCAA eligibility requirements and plan accordingly.

NCAA Information

Current PHS NCAA Core Course List Enter CEEB Code 052533

Click here for Poway High Athletics Information.

UC/CSU Admissions

UC Admissions

CSU Admissions

Poway High courses approved for UC/CSU eligibility. Visit the UC/CSU A-G Course list. Search by our CEEB code: 052533

Fire Science & First Responder Courses at MCHS

More information about Fire Science & First Responder courses offered at Mt. Carmel HS.

Please contact your Counselor if you are interested in enrolling.

Repeating a D Grade

4 year colleges and universities do not accept "D" grades. In most cases, you will need to repeat any A-G class in which you earned a grade of "D" or "F". If you cannot fit a repeat class into your trimester program, you should see your Counselor to ask about summer school.

What exactly is a College Elective?

Category G, in the A-G requirements, the College Elective requirement. A college elective can be a specific class like Psychology or it is a course that exceeds the minimum number of coursework in a certain subject area. For example, if 3 years of math are required, the 4th year of math can count as the College Elective (G).

ACT or SAT?

In this time of Covid, many colleges and universities, including University of Ca and Cal State University systems will not use SAT or ACT scores for admissions decisions. Check each college/university website for the most current policy.

Register for the SAT here or the ACT here.

Course Request Process for Students with Intra-District Transfers

The District Transfer Window is from February 1 - February 28. Make sure you apply before it closes.

Apply at www.powayusd.com/apps/pages/faqs-on-residency-and-transfer-requests

Intra-District Transfers

If you are at your middle school on an Intra-District Transfer, you still need to reapply if you do not live in the boundary of the school you want to go to. If you are in the process of getting an Intra-District Transfer, please complete the Course Request Form and Online Registration for the school you are slated to attend.

AND

Please complete the Course Request Form for the school you are applying for an Intra-District Transfer to attend next year.

AND

At the top of both Course Request Forms write that you are applying for an Intra-District Transfer and the school you are hoping to attend.

AND

Turn in both worksheets and submit courses online by the due dates.

Example: If you are slated to attend Westview, but would like to come to Poway: you will fill out Westview's Course Request Form and Online Course Selection; then you will also fill out Poway's Course Request Form. At the top of the form(s) write that you applied for an IDT to Poway High. Be sure to submit everything by the due dates.

Course Request Process for Students with Inter-District Transfers

The Inter-District Transfer Window will be open February 1, 2026.

For students who live outside the PUSD boundaries and would like to attend a PUSD school, the PUSD Office will accept Inter-District Attendance Permit transfers for the 2026 - 2027 school year starting on February 1, 2026. Please email them to transfers@powayusd.com

According to the District Instructions for Inter-District Transfers, you may not know if you are approved until just before school starts in August. Be sure to follow any enrollment / registration requirements for your home school, in case your transfer is denied.

More information and directions available at www.powayusd.com/apps/pages/faqs-on-residency-and-transfer-requests

Example: If you are slated to attend Ramona High School, but would like to come to Poway, you will apply for an Inter-District Transfer. This includes current PUSD students that are at a PUSD Middle School needing to re-apply at the High School level.

Course Request Process for Students New To PUSD

The New Student Enrollment Portal will open on Monday, February 2nd at https://powayhigh.powayusd.com/apps/pages/enrollment

For students who live in the Poway High School PUSD boundaries, are not currently attending a PUSD school, and would like to attend Poway High School beginning their 9th grade year.

Example: You currently attend St. Michael's school and will be joining us at Poway High School for your 9th grade year.