Q.        My child did not take honors in middle school. Can he still take honors at Balboa?

A.        Maybe. The district has many ways of determining eligibility for honors. Interested parents should meet with the Principal, who can advise them as to how students are evaluated for honors. Balboa is always willing to work with highly motivated students and their families, to ensure the best possible curriculum fit for each student. Please call the school at 469-4090 to schedule an appointment with Principal Patricia Gray.

Q.        The honors program at Balboa is relatively new. How can I be sure my child will learn as much as she would at another school, like Lincoln?

A.        The most objective measure of student progress is the standardized tests which students take in the spring of each year. Click here here to see a chart of Spring 2006 test scores of Balboa's honors students, as compared to the honors students at Lincoln, Washington, Galileo, and Burton High Schools.

Q.        What is the difference between “Advanced Placement” and “Honors”?

A.        Honors describes a cluster of classes which are required subjects for graduation for all students, but which are taught at a higher level than the regular education classes. Honors students are expected to develop their work in more depth. Essays are expected to be longer, free from grammatical errors, and to use rich vocabulary. Required reading is more complex, and students are expected to participate in vigorous classroom discussion, backing up their opinions with facts or quotes. Math classes prepare students for calculus in 11th or 12th grade.

            Advanced Placement (AP) classes are taught as part of a nationwide program administered by the non-profit College Board. This is the same group that administers the SAT exam. The stated mission of the College Board is "to connect students to college success and opportunity." All AP classes throughout the world (they are taught at Department of Defense schools overseas) follow the same curriculum, so students taking AP Calculus at Balboa are being taught exactly the same course as students taking AP Calculus at Andover Academy in Massachusetts. In May, an exam is given for each AP course; students scoring a 3 or better on an AP exam may receive college credit for that course (policies vary by college, but UCs and CSUs give credit for scores of 3 or above.)

            The rubric by which the University of California evaluates student coursework allows students to earn a Grade Point Average (GPA) higher than 4.0. For all AP courses and some honors courses, an A grade earns 5 points, a B earns 4, and a C earns 3. This enables some highly motivated students to graduate with a GPA of 4.25 or higher, depending on the number of honors and AP courses taken. Balboa strongly encourages all students to enroll in AP courses. There is a strong correlation between student success in college, and the number of AP courses taken, and this correlation holds even when the AP exam is not attempted or passed.

            The College Board offers 34 AP courses in 19 subject areas; Balboa can offer additional AP classes if there is a demand. Parents who are interested in having additional AP courses offered should speak with Principal Patricia Gray.

Q.        Can my child take art and music and language and PE all in the ninth grade?

A.        No. The 9th grade schedule allows for a choice of PE or JROTC (SFUSD high school graduation requirement is two years) and one elective - either foreign language or art or music. Students who do not begin a foreign language in 9th grade can begin in 10th grade. Music classes include band/orchestra and music appreciation. Also, students may participate in music after school via the PEP band. Drama is available as an elective for 11th and 12th grades.

Q.        How many students are allowed into honors?

A.        In 2006-07, there are 59 students in 12th grade honors, 79 students in 11th grade honors, 81 students in 10th grade honors, and 109 students in 9th grade honors. No limit is set on how many students may participate in honors, and additional sections of honors can be added to accommodate demand.

Q.        Who is in charge of honors at Balboa?

A.        Gina Ferrante, Assistant Principal of Curriculum and Instruction, is in charge of the honors programs at Balboa High School. Science teacher Dr. Bettie Holaday is the current GATE/honors Coordinator. Parents may call the school at 469-4090 to arrange a time to talk with Ms. Ferrante.