1 / Do I have to take Ethnic Studies as a 9th grader?

No — you do not have to take Ethnic Studies as a 9th grader. You only need to take this class before you graduate from high school.

2 / What does it mean to ‟opt out" of Ethnic Studies as a 9th grader?

Opting out of Ethnic Studies in 9th grade means you will not be required to take this class during your 9th grade year. You can instead choose a different class that you want to take in 9th grade. SFUSD has stated that all requests to opt out will be granted and has provided an extensive list of classes a student may choose instead in 9th grade, including classes unrelated to Ethnic Studies   Your counselor will have a list of the classes you can select instead. 

3/ When do I make my opt-out request?

- On your 9th grade Orientation Day;

- On Day 1 of school; or

- Any time during the first 6 weeks of the grading period; ask your counselor for more information about how to do this.

4 / How do I make my opt-out request?

Check out our easy-to-use four-step process.

5 / What should I write in the "reason" space on the form?

Write "Opting out of Ethnic Studies in 9th grade"

6 / How long will it take to get my updated schedule?

Asst Supe Goldwasser assured families that “most opt outs will be completed in the first week of school”; however, later requests for opt-outs may be made (as from any course) in accordance with the SFUSD student and family handbook, up to six weeks into the grading period.

7 / What other course could I take if I opt out this year?

When you attend Orientation Day, you’ll be able to see a list of what courses are open to 9th graders that have space available. It’s different at every high school. When you fill out your Schedule Change Request Form, you’ll list your ranked preferences (1st choice, 2nd choice, etc) for an option to replace Ethnic Studies. Your counselor will help you find a suitable course that has space available for a 9th-grader opting out. You can choose either an elective or a required course. Ask at the Counseling station when you attend Orientation Day. Among your many options are:  

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WORLD LANGUAGE – Research shows that managing two or more languages at once strengthens working memory and boosts learning and retention in other area;

STEM – Computer science, math, and science classes build on each other year over year, making rigor relatable for students and building connections between subjects; 

VISUAL & PERFORMING ARTS  – SFUSD offers high school students world-class opportunities in visual and performing arts. Early high school exposure to arts encourages creativity,  joyful learning, collaboration, and leadership skills.

JROTC  – SFUSD’s JROTC programs offer students a strong and rewarding foundation in leadership skills, problem-solving, and civic engagement,  along with a diverse and welcoming school community. JROTC graduates credit the program with teaching them time management, organization, goal setting, and teamwork skills that helped them to thrive in advanced courses and in college.

9 / What can I do if my Opt-Out Request is not processed quickly or refused?

Please reach via our Contact page and a volunteer will respond as quickly as possible to help you get connected to the right resources. You can also send an email to help@opt-out-toolkit-sfusd-ethnic-studies.com and we'll respond promptly.

10 / When will I need to fulfill my Ethnic Studies requirement?

Since this is a graduation requirement, you will need to meet the requirement before you graduate. We will provide more detailed instructions on how to do this as soon as we have confirmed the information.