Please click here for a brochure on San Clemente High School's Two-Way Immersion Program.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What are the main differences between the SJH and SC programs?

Both schools offer great programs that will help to develop TWI students, there are a few differences in the courses offered.  San Clemente offers IB courses; San Juan Hills offers TWI Spanish III and will offer a Saddleback class in 2016.

Why are the programs different?

We are an International Baccalaureate school and our program is designed to support TWIS development and transition into a cross-curricular program that fosters and values multicultural thinking.

What is the difference between AP and IB?

AP classes focus deeply on specific themes.  IB classes focus on similar themes,  but maintain a commitment to the global impacts of each topic.  Both AP and IB HL classes are weighted classes and students can receive college credit with a strong score on the exam.  Most schools look to see that students are challenging themselves at the highest levels of curriculum that is available to them.

What is the difference between the IB diploma and certificate?

Any student can enroll in IB courses and take the corresponding test for an IB certificate in that subject matter.  In order to complete the IB diploma students have to complete two years of cross-curricular coursework at the IB level with their corresponding exams. For more information, please contact Kathleen Sigafoos.

What is the California Seal of biliteracy and what do students need to get it?

The California seal of biliteracy is a nifty stamp on a student's diploma that recognizes their high level of achievement in a second language.  In order to receive the stamp students must complete a level IV class and maintain at least a B average in their language study as well as prove literacy in English.

All TWI students are eligible for the Seal of Biliteracy by completing the following requirements:

1. Minimum overall academic GPA of 2.0

2. Pass the California Standards Test in ELA administered in Grade 11 at or above the proficient level

3. Pass a World Language AP exam with a score of 3 or higher OR Complete a four-year high school course of study in a specific language with an overall GPA or 3.0 or higher OR

4. Pass the world language SAT Test II with a score of 600 or higher

5. If a student’s primary language is not English, he/she will also need to attain the early advanced proficiency level on the CELDT

What is the TWIS graduation cord and what do we need to do to get it?

Academic Achievement Seal and Cord at graduation:

Þ Needs to have been enrolled in TWI K-12

Þ Needs to have passed a minimum of 3 years high school Spanish including AP Spanish Language & Culture or IB  Spanish HL with a minimum GPA of 3.0

Þ Needs to have passed the TWI World History Acc course with an overall

            academic GPA of 3.0

Can my child take AVID or another elective without getting overloaded?

Incoming freshman have a tightly packed schedule with many required courses to meet their A-G college requirements.  When students take the TWIS WH class their schedule is full.  If they choose to take AVID or band they will need to take a zero period and in the case of AVID they are making a four year commitment.

AVID does fulfill the CCP requirement.