BUILDING THE LEGACY
Academic Foundations at De La Salle
For 60 years, De La Salle High School has built a legacy of academic excellence that inspires young men to think critically, act with integrity, and lead with compassion. Guided by the Lasallian Catholic tradition, our academic program is purposefully designed to form the whole person—mind, body, and spirit—preparing students for achievement in college and life. We are shaping the next generation of leaders and problem solvers.
From the moment a student steps onto campus, he joins a tradition of scholarship that stretches across generations of Spartans who have gone on to excel in college, careers, and communities around the world. Our faculty brings passion, expertise, and dedication to every classroom, forming deep, lasting relationships with Spartan students.
Rigorous college preparatory coursework across core subjects is complemented by an expansive array of electives and Honors/ Advanced Placement (AP) offerings, ensuring that each student can explore his passions while preparing for the demands of college and beyond. In every discipline, students are encouraged to test ideas, expand their perspectives, and embrace challenges as opportunities to grow. We get how boys learn and how to inspire them to reach their fullest potential.
As we celebrate our 60th anniversary, we honor the thousands of graduates who have helped shape our academic legacy–pioneers in their fields, advocates for justice, and men of faith and character. We help our young men figure out who they are and what their purpose is. From cognitive development to physical activity, our educators support healthy development through the presence of strong and compassionate male role models for them to emulate as they grow into young adulthood. We look forward to inspiring the next generations of Spartans as they prepare for college, career, and life as leaders of character, intellect, and responsibility.
Required Courses for Graduation
Our curriculum meets or exceeds college admissions expectations and supports every student’s journey to success.
Selective: Choice that allows you to fulfill a graduation requirement. Elective: Additional or optional coursework.
English Department Scope and Sequence
For six decades, De La Salle’s English Department has inspired Spartans to explore the richness of language and literature as a reflection of their world and themselves. We believe that by celebrating diverse voices, encouraging freedom of expression, and building critical thinking skills, our students contribute to–and expand–the De La Salle legacy of creative and articulate leaders. Our commitment is not only to lifelong appreciation of literature, but to nurturing compassionate communicators and listeners for generations.
Science Scope and Sequence
De La Salle’s science curriculum inspires students to approach the world with curiosity, responsibility, and critical insight. By empowering every learner to engage deeply in scientific practice, Spartans develop objective perspectives and embrace challenges as opportunities to grow. Our science faculty proudly guide students to become informed citizens and innovators, equipped to lead in a rapidly evolving, technology-driven world.
Science Selectives | Two semesters
Science Selectives | One semester Computer Science Electives | Two semesters
Social Studies Scope and Sequence
Our Social Studies Department continues the tradition of building thoughtful, compassionate leaders, rooted in appreciation for diverse cultures and historical perspectives. Social Studies students actively analyze, learn from, and shape the story they live—honoring the Lasallian call to justice and community. The program provides an appreciation of human culture, an understanding of the American tradition, and a framework for analysis of problems and decisions associated with humanity, creating graduates ready to engage meaningfully with society’s greatest issues.
World Languages Scope and Sequence
Our World Languages Department offers a variety of modern and classical languages for the enrichment of our students. Fostering respect and appreciation for cultures across the globe, students dive deeply into the languages they learn and become strong communicators who build bridges and strengthen the De La Salle legacy of global citizenship. Our graduates leave ready to meet the needs of an interconnected and linguistically diverse world.
Visual and Performing Arts Scope and Sequence
De La Salle’s artists embody the creative spirit that defines our school’s legacy. Our Visual and Performing Arts Department nurtures both independence and community, helping students express themselves and connect with others. Rooted in the Lasallian worldview, our program develops confident and collaborative artists whose creativity and aesthetic literacy enriches our campus and the world beyond. Every student’s diverse learning styles and abilities are welcomed into a program that shapes, celebrates, and inspires the rich De La Salle arts tradition.
Health, Physical Education, & Recreation Scope and Sequence
Our Health, Physical Education, and Recreation Department encourages young men to live healthy, active, and disciplined lives, guided by sportsmanship, teamwork, and respect. For 60 years, we have supported the growth and wellness of well-rounded students, empowering them to build lasting habits and strong character to thrive in and manage healthy lifestyles on and off campus. Ultimately, we believe that understanding injury prevention, care, and management are necessary to maintain a long, healthy, and active life.
Participation in interscholastic athletics, with the exception of badminton, may be applied to fulfilling HPER graduation requirements (20 credits) with a maximum of 5 credits being allowed in a school year. A total of 15 credits can be applied over a four-year period, only when the student needs the credits to fulfill the 20 credits needed for graduation. Participation in De La Salle club rugby can also be used for HPER credit if needed. Participation levels are up to the discretion of the coach with approval from the Vice President of Athletics.
Interdisciplinary
Religious Studies Scope and Sequence
The heart of De La Salle’s legacy lies in our commitment to spiritual formation and service. Called by the Bishop of Oakland and guided by the traditions of Institute of the Brothers of the Christian Schools, our Religious Studies Department infuses every course with the ideals of faith, dignity, and compassion. For 60 years, we have prepared students to lead with purpose, champion justice, recognize the God-given dignity of all persons, and serve humanity–ensuring that each Spartan’s education is truly transformative.
Religious Studies 1 –Lasallian Catholic Experience
Religious Studies 2 –Sacred Scripture
Religious Studies Selectives | One semester
World Religions Introduction to Philosophy
Religious Studies 3 –Living the Gospel
Spirituality in the Arts
Synthesis
Religious Studies Selectives OR
Spiritual Journey
Lasallian
JOINING THE LEGACY
Your Academic Journey Starts Here
De La Salle graduates are known for academic strength, resilience, and integrity–qualities formed through a curriculum that is rich, varied, and responsive to each student’s aspirations. Our graduates go on to shape the world in colleges, universities, and communities across the globe, continuing the De La Salle legacy every day.
Graduation Requirements
De La Salle High School’s graduation requirements meet or exceed college admissions expectations, including to the University of California. Five (5) semester credits may be earned for the equivalent of each semester course and 10 credits for a full-year course. The total minimum credits required for graduation from De La Salle are 245 semester units within the following course of studies:
Religious Studies – 4 years (40 credits)
English – 4 years (40 credits)
Mathematics – 3 years (30 credits)
Social Studies – 3 years (30 credits)
Science – 3 years (30 credits)
Physical Education – 2 years (20 credits)
World Languages – 2 years (20 credits)
Visual & Performing Arts – 1 year (10 credits)
Required Subjects – 220 credits
Academic Electives – 25 credits
Graduation Requirements Total – 245 credits
