Course Descriptions

Crespi Carmelite High School, established in Encino, CA, in 1959, is an all-male, Catholic, college preparatory high school conducted by the Carmelite Order.  The average class size is 23, with a student-to-teacher ratio of 14:1.  Typically, 98% of the graduates go directly to higher education, 85% to four-year colleges. 

Students have the opportunity to take Honors and Advanced Placement (AP) courses beginning in 9th grade.  Placement for incoming freshmen is determined through subject specific exams given at Crespi each Spring as well as a review of Elementary School records and Teacher Recommendations.  Current students may gain access to these upper level courses through teacher recommendations and a demonstration of achievement in the previous course.  A full list of Honors and AP courses can be found under Programs.

Crespi’s graduation requirements exceed the minimum entrance requirements for the UC and CSU systems.  The basic program required of all students includes:

Typical college-prep course load by grade level

List of 4 items.

  • Freshman Year

    2 Semesters of Grammar / Composition 1
    2 Semesters of Mathematics (Algebra 1)
    2 Semesters of World Language or Fine Arts
    2 Semesters of Theology
    2 Semesters of Science (Biology)
    2 Semesters of Elective
    1 Semester of Exploring Computer Science
    1 Semester of Health

  • Sophomore Year

    2 Semesters of Grammar / Composition 2
    2 Semesters of Mathematics (Geometry)
    2 Semesters of World History
    2 Semesters of World Language or Fine Arts
    2 Semesters of Science
    2 Semesters of Theology
    2 Semesters of Elective

  • Junior Year

    2 Semesters of Junior Composition / American Literature
    2 Semesters of U.S. History
    2 Semesters of Science (Chemistry)
    2 Semesters of Mathematics (Algebra 2)
    2 Semesters of Theology
    4 Semesters of Electives

  • Senior Year

    2 Semesters of English
    2 semesters of Social Studies-Government/Economics
    2 Semesters of Theology
    6 Semesters of Electives