Dear Sac City Unified Family,

The purpose of this message is to provide greater clarity around the District’s policy regarding shortened days for high school seniors who are enrolled in part-time college coursework.

The Sacramento City Unified School District is guided by the principle that all students are given an equal opportunity to graduate with the greatest number of postsecondary choices from the widest array of options.

Consistent with that guiding principle, the District encourages high school seniors to advance their education by simultaneously enrolling in courses with institutions of higher education. This opportunity for advancement is authorized by California Education Code 46140-46148, which identifies a day of attendance as 180 minutes, if a student is also enrolled part-time in accredited post-secondary coursework.

To that end, we have some exciting news to share. Beginning in the Fall 2023 semester, Sac City Unified is expanding this offering to allow students who are eligible and who enroll in a college course to shorten their day to five (5) periods in the fall semester and four (4) periods in spring semester. Previously, seniors were required to attend a minimum of six (6) periods in the fall and (4) periods in the spring. The District has had these requirements in place since 2016 to ensure our compliance with state education code. Enforcement of the policy has not always been robust and school site leaders have been encouraged to make sure their students remain in alignment moving forward.

We are excited to present this additional opportunity starting in Fall 2023 and encourage our eligible seniors to participate in college coursework during both semesters of their senior year. Sac City will continue to support students who enroll in community college courses as one of many ways in which students can prepare themselves for the next chapter of life. If you have any further scheduling questions, please contact your student’s school counselor.