Ethnic Studies Graduation Requirement for Class of 2029

Hello students, parents, and guardians of 9th grade students, and welcome to the 2025-2026 school year!

We’re excited to welcome you to high school and look forward to sharing your class schedule in the coming weeks. We are writing to provide an update on the Ethnic Studies graduation requirement in SFUSD for the class of 2029. 

Using Voices in 2025–26: Watch the Webinar

SFUSD will continue offering Ethnic Studies, now using the Voices curriculum, in the 2025-26 school year. We invite you to learn more by watching our informational webinar, which provides an overview of the new curriculum and our plan for the upcoming year.

Want to Preview the Curriculum Before School Starts? Link to this section

If you're interested in learning more before the start of the school year, you can schedule a 30-minute appointment to preview the Ethnic Studies curriculum and ask questions. Please submit your request by Friday, August 1. Once received, SFUSD will follow up to confirm your appointment.

Graduation Requirement & Opt-Out Options

SFUSD Board policy requires two semesters of Ethnic Studies for graduation. This graduation requirement remains in place for the Class of 2029. However, your student has the following options to meet the requirement:

• Opt-Out Option for 9th Grade: Students may choose to opt out of the Ethnic Studies course this year. To do so, submit a course change request to your school counselor using your school’s standard process. All opt-out requests will be honored and reviewed as a priority.
• Alternative Options to Meet Requirement: Students who opt out this year must still complete the graduation requirement in a future year. Options may include taking the course later in high school or enrolling in an approved alternative course. These options vary by school and year, so please consult with your school counselor to determine what’s best for your student.

Stay Informed

We encourage you to attend Back to School Night the week of September 15 (check your school’s calendar) to learn more about your student’s Ethnic Studies class and the rest of their course schedule.

If you have additional questions or need support:

• Contact your school counselor or administrator for site-specific guidance.
• For further assistance, you may contact Davina Goldwasser, Assistant Superintendent of High Schools.
   

We look forward to supporting your student this year!

Warmly, 

Davina Goldwasser

Assistant Superintendent of High Schools