Southwest High School

Understanding Graduation vs. A-G College Requirements

At Southwest High School, students must complete 220 credits across various subjects—including English, math, science, PE, and electives—to earn a high school diploma. However, meeting graduation requirements alone does not guarantee eligibility for admission to a four-year university.

To be eligible for UC and CSU schools, students must also complete the A-G requirements, which include specific courses such as:

• 2 years of History/Social Science

• 4 years of College-Prep English

• 3 years of Math (4 recommended)

• 2 years of Laboratory Science (3 recommended)

• 2 years of the same World Language (3 recommended)

• 1 year of Visual/Performing Arts

• 1 year of a College-Prep Elective

We encourage all students and families to review both sets of requirements to ensure they are on track for graduation and college eligibility. If you have questions, please contact your school counselor.

2025-2026 Exam Schedule (Pending)

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Student Work Permits at Southwest High School

Each year, millions of minors are employed across the United States. If you’re a Southwest High School (SHS) student under the age of 18 and interested in getting a part-time job, it’s important to understand California’s employment laws for minors and SHS’s Work Permit process.

What is a Work Permit?

In California, minors must have a Permit to Employ and Work—commonly known as a work permit—to hold a job. Work permits are issued by the school and outline where a student will work, the type of work, and the maximum number of hours allowed.

Getting a work permit is a two-step process:

1. The student, parent/guardian, and employer must complete the “Statement of Intent to Employ a Minor and Request for a Work Permit-Certificate of Age” (CDE Form B1-1).

2. The completed form is submitted to SHS, where the school reviews the information and, if approved, issues the official Work Permit (CDE Form B1-4).

Eligibility Requirements at SHS

To qualify for a work permit at Southwest High School, students must:

• Have a minimum 2.0 GPA based on the most recent semester grades.

• Be passing all current classes.

• Have no excessive absences or truancies.

• Be on track for graduation based on credit status.

How to Apply

1. Download the Application
Students can pick up a Work Permit Application (CDE Form B1-1) in the Main Office or download it from the SHS website. All sections—student, parent/guardian, and employer—must be fully completed with wet (ink) signatures.

2. Submit the Application
Return the completed application to the Main Office in person. Please note that per California labor law, we cannot accept photocopies or electronic submissions.

3. Wait for Processing
Processing may take up to 5 school days. Once approved, you will receive a copy of your official Work Permit(CDE Form B1-4). Keep this on file with your employer.

Important Notes

• Work permits must be renewed each school year, and a new permit is required if you change employers.

• Students must maintain eligibility to keep their permit. If you fall below the GPA or attendance requirements, your permit may be placed on probation or revoked by a counselor or administrator.

• Work hours must not interfere with academic responsibilities, including attendance, testing, or school events.

• SHS recommends that students work no more than 24 hours per week during the school year to maintain academic success.

Questions?

For help with the work permit process, reach out to your assigned SHS counselor or stop by the Counseling Office during school hours. We're here to support your academic and career goals!

MTSS Coordinator 

Denise Cesena-Loop

760-336-4264