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OPPORTUNITIES TO GET AHEAD IN ACADEMICS

Accelerated/Honors Classes

Advanced courses/honor classes are available for students seeking for a more rigorous path.  Accelerated courses will be marked with an "A" (e.g. English 1A, Math 2A) and honor classes explicitly state "honors" on transcripts. Keep in mind that accelerated courses offer no GPA boost and honors classes offer a 1.0 GPA boost. Be strategic about the accelerated/honor classes you take; the rigor might be too much to handle so early in your high school career and may hurt your GPA. That being said, if you like a challenge, enroll in the course. They are great at developing good study habits and prepare you for AP classes (most classes ask for a pre-requisite in an accelerated/honors course).

Courses Offered:​

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English courses

  • English IA (substitutes English I)

  • English IIA (substitutes English II)

  • Honors English (substitutes English III)

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Mathematics courses

  • Math IIA (substitutes Math II or Math I)

  • Math IIIA (substitutes Math III)

  • Honors Pre-Calculus (substitutes Pre-Calculus)

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Science courses

  • Honors Chemistry (substitutes Chemistry)

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Advanced Placement (AP)

Advanced Placement (AP) classes are accelerated courses administered by Collegeboard to prepare high school students for the rigor in collegiate courses. APs look attractive on college admission profiles because it demonstrates your ability to challenge yourself academically. APs at Milpitas High qualify for one additional GPA point (A = 5, B = 4, C = 3, etc). In May, a nationwide exam is distributed to students who are interested in receiving college credits, meaning you can avoid taking the class in college. Exams are $100; however, if you qualify for reduced/free lunch, exams are discounted (Prices are subject to change, see www.collegeboard.org). You can enroll in AP classes by obtaining an AP Agreement form for the upcoming year from the office. These will be distributed during February when counselors meet with students to enroll in classes for the following year. 

AP Courses Offered:

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  • Art (2D and 3D Design)

  • Drawing

  • Music Theory

  • English Literature and Composition

  • American Government and Politics

  • Macro & Microeconomics

  • Psychology

  • World History

  • US History: Modern

  • Calculus AB

  • Calculus BC

  • AP Computer Science

  • AP Statistics

  • AP Physics 1 & 2

  • AP Spanish Language

  • AP Chinese Language

  • AP Biology

  • AP Chemistry

  • AP Environmental Science

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Community College

Since the opening of the San Jose City College Extension (SJCCE) across the street from Milpitas High, it has been easier more than ever to enroll in community college classes to receive high school credits. Students will enroll in CC college courses for multiple reasons, such as getting ahead in classes, substituting an AP class for the same amount of credit, receiving General Education (GE) credits, or simply because the class is interesting. The SJCCE was made to increase accessibility to high school students and offers multiple amenities, including a free textbook service for classes that are offered at the SJCCE and rental space. Among San Jose City College are other community colleges such as Mission College, Evergreen Valley College, Foothill College, and De Anza College. You can enroll in CC by obtaining an R-40 form in the counselor's office.

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