Challenging Courses

Under PAUSD policies, in order to fulfill course prerequisites without needing to take the course, students are entitled to challenge classes by examination.

According to BoardDocs,

The challenge examination may be offered to requesting students when the course to be challenged is part of a sequence of courses normally taken in specific order, when the course to be challenged is normally required for entry into another course, or when a student’s previous/current experiences suggest appropriate mastery of course objectives.

1. During their enrollment in high school, students may challenge no more than two courses.  (BP 6146 - Courses of Study) (BP. 6146.1 - High School Graduation Requirements)
2. A student may challenge and attempt the competencies of a particular course only once. Failure to meet competency of a required course will result in a regular classroom enrollment.
3. A student may not challenge a course in which the student has previously received a failing grade, a course previously taken where credit was received, a course more elementary than a course in which credit has previously been earned, an Honors course, an Advanced Placement course, living skills, or a physical education course.
4. A student may challenge only one course per semester. This may be a course in which the student is enrolled or any other approved course offering. A student may not attempt credit for a course below the student’s ability or grade placement.