Classes Outside of PUSD - Written approval required
Students can pursue classes at any educational institution that fits the student's goals, learning style, schedule, budget, location, format, etc. However, there are limited classes that are approved for transfer to the Rancho Bernardo transcript. Parents and students take full responsibility to verify if the course meets 4-year college admissions, UC/CSU A-G requirements, National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), and National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) athletic eligibility requirements.
Incoming 9th grade students:
- 4x4 Schedule: Ranco Bernardo’s 4x4 schedule provides ample time for students to take courses for graduation and college admissions. There is plenty of room in the schedule to meet all your requirements.
- Courses prior to 9th grade: Credits or classes cannot be transferred to a high school transcript before the student starts 9th grade.
For Current Rancho Bernardo Students:
Taking courses outside PUSD is a family choice. However, there are important considerations and requirements:
Academic Planning
Counselors cannot advise on equivalent course content, meeting course standards, or the quality of preparation for higher-level Rancho Bernardo courses, particularly for courses already available at Rancho Bernardo. Please refer to the Rancho Bernardo course catalog for course descriptions and requirements.
Credit Transfer Requirements
Courses are not automatically transferred for high school credit. Students must speak with the Rancho Bernardo Registrar before enrolling in any outside courses to ensure proper approval and credit transfer.
Course Selection Resources
We do not provide recommendations for specific outside institutions. Students may use the UC Course List as a research tool to identify outside schools offering UC-approved courses of interest.
Grade Reporting Policy
Off-campus courses do not replace previously earned on-campus grades or credits. When students complete pre-approved off-campus courses for transferable credit, both the off-campus and on-campus grades will be included in the cumulative GPA calculation.
Approval Process
All of course approvals and required paperwork must be processed through the Rancho Bernardo Registrar's Office. Counselors do not sign permission forms for outside coursework.
Outside courses approved for credit by PUSD:
Pre-Approval: Complete pre-approval forms for courses outside PUSD. Consult the Rancho Bernardo Registrar for permission, as these courses may not be transferred to your high school transcript. Arrangement to apply this credit toward high school graduation must be made prior to the first meeting of the course.
Upon completion of the pre-approved course, it is the family’s responsibility to order an official transcript (signed and sealed) to be received by the Rancho Bernardo Registrar.
Pre-approval form for Outside Courses
Outside Foreign Language schools approved by PUSD:
If you are taking a foreign language course outside of Rancho Bernardo you will need to complete the Application and Authorization Form for Foreign Language Credit PRIOR to beginning the class. The form must be turned into the Rancho Bernardo Registrar’s office.
Prior to enrolling in a class outside of Rancho Bernardo, speak with our Registrar, Andrea Martinson-Fuller ([email protected]) to ensure it is on the PUSD approved list of outside courses.
Community College courses:
For information about taking Community College courses, please visit the College Courses website.
Resources:
Rancho Bernardo Course Catalog
Pre-Approval form for Outside Courses
Application and Authorization Form for Foreign Language Credit
California State Seal of Biliteracy: If you are looking to take a foreign language course outside of PUSD, make sure to review the criteria for earning the Seal of Biliteracy.