Frequently Asked Questions
What are the "A-G" requirements?
"A-G" refers to the subject area requirements for eligibility to apply to a University of California (UC) or California State University (CSU). To meet minimum admission requirements, a student must complete 15 year-long high school college-prep courses with a letter grade of "C" or better — at least 11 of them prior to the last year of high school. By successfully following the recommended Heritage 4-year course plan, a student will be "A-G" qualified and eligible to apply to the UC/CSU system.
Taking approved high school (A-G) courses is not the only way to satisfy these requirements. A student may also meet them by completing college courses at a local community college or earning certain scores on the Advanced Placement exam. Additional details on the "A-G" requirements can be found here.
What are the differences between the "early action window," "general application window," and "late application window" for Heritage admissions?
Applying to the program during the "early action window," which is several days before the district open enrollment period, ensures the greatest chance of getting accepted into the Heritage program. Space in the program is limited and submitting a completed application during the early phase of admissions is highly recommended. Admission is guaranteed to any student that meets the minimum program eligibility requirements. Applying during the "general application window" is when a majority of applications are typically submitted due to the addition of many open enrollment students. With space already having been taken up by early action applicants, chances of admission are reduced. Applying during the "late application window" is not advised. There is a possibility that the program may be full or close to being full. This window is intended for individuals that may have missed the first two application windows, inter-district transfer students, and late attendance area students to whom open enrollment does not apply. The earlier you apply, the better the chances of getting accepted and securing a space.
My incoming freshman son/daughter just finished applying to the Honors/AP program using the online form. What are the next steps?
You will receive an email notification whether or not your child has been admitted into the Honors/AP pathway of the Heritage program within a few weeks (depending on the volume of applications received). This email notification will include an official acceptance letter (if accepted) that can be reproduced (usually for out-of-district transfers) and a welcome packet of orientation information.
If my child is not admitted into Honors/AP Heritage at this time, can he/she try again again at a later time?
If your child is not admitted into Honors/AP Heritage for 9th grade, they may re-apply again for the 10th grade at the next opportunity. There is a different application process and deadline for these students. Please see the CURRENT HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT APPLICATION for details.
Are students required to take English Heritage courses, Social Science Heritage courses, World Languages, and a Visual and Performing Art concurrently?
Yes. Depending on the grade level, this is a mandatory component of our magnet program due to the heavy emphasis on a humanities-based education. Every year there are required and recommended courses to follow. In addition, traditional Heritage English courses may not be taken concurrently with Honors/AP Heritage Social Science courses. Courses may not be mixed between the two different pathways.
What other classes can my student take in addition to being in the Heritage program?
Heritage students can take any college-prep elective/extra-curricular course so long as there is space in their schedule and course availability. Contact the appropriate guidance counselor to verify which courses meet the requirements as a college-prep elective.
If my son/daughter is not accepted to the Honors/AP Heritage pathway, will he/she be ineligible to take AP courses while at La Habra High School?
The only Honors/AP courses that are exclusive to the Honors/AP Heritage pathway include: AP Human Geography and Honors English 9 (9th grade); AP European History and Honors English 10 (10th grade); AP English Language and Composition & AP U.S. History (11th grade); and AP English Literature and Composition and AP US Government/ AP Macroeconomics (12th grade). Students who are not admitted to the AP/Honors Heritage Pathway have the opportunity to take other Honors and AP classes throughout their time at LHHS (e.g. Honors/AP math, science, foreign language, and elective courses). Only the Humanities-based AP Courses (listed above) are exclusively available to students admitted to the AP/Honors Heritage pathway.
Can my child concurrently join other programs while in Heritage, such as FPFA and MBA?
No. They cannot concurrently join either of these programs due to the course requirements of the programs. They are completely different programs with a different focus and goals. The only exception would be Naval Junior ROTC and athletics.
Can my child switch between Heritage pathways?
Students may drop down from Honors/AP to Traditional Heritage at only three times in the year:
Within the first three weeks of the Fall semester
Within the first three weeks of the Spring semester
At the end of the school year
Students cannot move from Traditional to Honors/AP during the school year and must remain in their pathway for the duration of the entire year. Students may apply to transfer into Honors/AP at the end of a school year to be effective for the beginning of the next school year by applying online during the application season. Entrance is subject to meeting certain criteria based on a selective application process.