2025-26 Graduation Requirements -Class of 2029

For the Class of 2029 only:

Graduation requirements have been updated (please see the image on the right).

For current 9-12th graders, graduation requirements remain the same as in previous years.

For ALL high school students starting in the 2025-2026 school year:

Starting with the 2025-2026 school year, students will be on a 7 period day.

The Expanded Bell Schedule is for all students attending our comprehensive high schools (Casa Grande HS, Petaluma HS)

The start and end times will be minimally impacted (please see schedule below for more specifics)

All students will have Advisory (please refer to FAQs below)

Bell Schedule Background

The expanded Bell Schedule from 6 periods to 7 periods was in development for nearly 2 years and is reflected below. The primary drivers behind the change include:

Ensuring equitable access to the full program for all students and providing more opportunities for students to have more elective choices.

Updated Graduation Requirements for the Class of 2029 to prepare students for such opportunities as the “Petaluma Promise”, as well as skills needed to succeed in careers and life.

Current challenges in the 6-period schedule around the length of classes and more.

SB 328 - an important shift to the start time for high schools that no longer allows districts to account for instructional minutes before 8:30 am.

Throughout the 7-period schedule development process, comprehensive input was gathered from students, parents/families, and staff - to identify and prioritize needs through the lens of PCS vision and goals. The partnership with the Petaluma Federation of Teachers (PFT) in particular has been a highlight, with the consistent dedication to the shared decision-making process by all parties resulting in a successful outcome.

In closing, it's important to highlight our innovative partnership with Sonoma State University(SSU) to create the "Petaluma Promise". PCS and SSU have partnered to create the Petaluma Promise program so that students have the opportunity to earn Guaranteed Admission and receive priority consideration for the SSU Presidential Scholarship Program. 

Thank you for your partnership as we shift our system to increase equity and access for all, strengthen relevancy and engagement across the curriculum, and provide students with the power of choice beyond high school. We are beyond excited to help open doors for students so that each and every student can truly "start here and go anywhere"!