COMMUNITY

Benicia is a diverse, middle class suburban community situated in the southern most section of Solano County, overlooking the Carquinez Strait. Benicia was founded in 1847. It has a population of 28,700, encompasses 14 square miles and its located 35 miles northeast of San Francisco and 57 miles southwest of Sacramento, the state capitol. Once the capitol of California, Benicia today retains its small town atmosphere while combining the richness of its historic past with the amenities of modern life.

 SCHOOL

Benicia High School, founded in 1892 as one of the first public high schools in California, occupies forty-seven acres west of the downtown area. Twice during the past 10 years,the school has been recognized as a California Distinguished School. In the past, the State Department of Education has recognized Benicia High School as one of the top 100 high schools in California.  For the last six years, Benicia High School has been ranked in the top five schools in Solano County based on Scholastic Achievement Test results.

Benicia High School has also been recognized for its low dropout rate, one of the lowest in Solano County.  Administrators account for this by the constant refinement of attendance, discipline and scheduling policies, and positive parental and community support.

ACCREDITATION 

The school is accredited  by  the Western Association of Secondary Schools and Colleges and by the California Department of Education, receiving a six year accreditation in spring 2007.

INSTRUCTIONAL PROGRAM

Along with Advanced Placement and honors courses, Benicia High School offers a wide variety of career preparatory classes including Sports Medicine, Advanced Auto, Advanced Dance, and Drama Productions.

GRADING SYSTEM

Grade point is based on a 4.0 scale with extra points given for specific courses.

Un-weighted system: A=4, B=3, C=2, D=1, F=0

(includes all course work in grades 9-12)

Weighted system:  An extra point is given for each of the following courses: Chemistry H, Spanish 3H, French 3H, 

Pre-Calculus H and all AP Courses.

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS

English   40 credits

Social Science   30 credits

Science   20 credits

Math   20 credits

Physical Education   20 credits

Foreign Language or Fine Arts   10 credits

Electives   80 credits

Total          220 credits

 *10 credits = 1 year of study

STATISTICAL INFORMATION

 Mean SAT Scores:

 Critical Reading 541      Math 570    Writing 532

 Mean ACT Scores:

 ACT Composite Score  25

 English   24          Reading    25

 Math      26          Science     24