Information on Lowell classes and programs for Incoming 9th-graders

Click on the buttons below for more information about the various classes and programs available at Lowell. 

Documents and resources from 4/8 presentation

Click the buttons below for resources and forms presented and referenced in the presentation on April 8th (will be posted after April 8th)

Slide Presentation

Click here for the slides from the presentation on 4/8/25

Recording of Presentation

A video of the presentation delivered on 4/8/26 (available starting 4/9/26)

Course Request Form

Click here to access the course request form (due April 25th)

Form to upload Algebra 1 transcripts

A link to upload transcripts showing grades of C or better in two semesters of a UC approved Algebra 1 course by August 1st to meet requirements for 9th-grade Algebra 2

Math course sequencing and access policies

Check this document for Lowell's math course scheduling policies

From SFUSD Central Office: general information about math requirements and sequencing

Questions & Answers

A list of questions and answers submitted during the presentation

Departments/Programs

All courses offered at Lowell

This document lists all courses offered at Lowell at all grade levels. A link at the top of the page takes you to a spreadsheet with more detailed information about each course.

English

All 9th graders enroll in yearlong English 1.

Math/Computer Science

All 9th graders enroll in yearlong Algebra 1; OR yearlong Algebra 2 (only if Algebra 1 is completed prior to 9th grade).

Science/Health

All 9th graders enroll in yearlong NGSS Biology and one-semester Health.
Lowell Science Course Pathways/Descriptions

Social Studies

All 9th graders enroll in yearlong Ethnic Studies. Also, one-semester AP Human Geography is available as an optional elective course (paired opposite Health) for strong readers interested in the subject.

Physical Education

All 9th graders enroll in yearlong 9th Grade P.E., or PE Independent Study (only if in ROTC).

JROTC

Visual/Performing Arts

1 year of VPA is required for graduation. It is recommended that students complete this recommendation in 9th or 10th grade, but it can be completed any time before graduation.

World Languages

2 years of World Languages courses in the same language are required for graduation. Students may begin in 9th or 10th grade.

AVID

Lowell is one of 8,000 schools serving over 2 Million students across the country as part of the AVID program. Click here for more information about AVID.

Peer Resources

Students in Peer Resources classes are 10th-12th graders who work to support students at all grade levels.

Counseling

Athletics

Student government and clubs

Programs for students with IEPs

contact Ms. LaMastra with your questions about courses, programs, and resources for students with IEPs.

This page was last updated on April 9, 2026