Official Announcement for PALY/Gunn: Multivariable Calculus Is Coming to Campus

Confirmed

For the 2026–27 school year, PAUSD will partner with Foothill College to officially offer college-level multivariable calculus and linear algebra courses on high school campuses during regular school hours. This marks the first time PAUSD has formally incorporated college mathematics into the official high school schedule.

Which courses will be offered?

Three Foothill College courses will be available:

• Math 1C (Multivariable Calculus I)

• Math 1D (Multivariable Calculus II)

• Math 2B (Linear Algebra)

These three courses are core requirements for STEM majors (mathematics, CS, physics, and engineering) in the first and second years of college, carrying genuine college-level rigor and credit.

Enrollment prerequisites

One of the following must be met:

• Completion of AP Calculus BC through PAUSD during the 2025–26 school year with an AP exam score of 3 or higher; or

• Completion of Foothill's Math 1B or 1BH

The primary target audience is current 10th and 11th graders enrolled in AP BC this year, though some accelerated 9th graders may also qualify.

The biggest breakthrough: a place in the official schedule

Previously, students who wanted to take college-level math in high school had only two options: attend a community college after school on their own, or enroll in online evening courses. Both came with real barriers in terms of time and transportation.

With these courses now offered on campus during regular school hours, students no longer need to give up free time or arrange extra travel, and the school formally recognizes these courses as part of a student's official schedule. This is a meaningful structural change, not simply an expansion of course offerings.

Enrollment process

• The school will first collect an interest form, then determine class sizes

• If enrollment exceeds capacity, priority goes to incoming 12th graders currently taking the prerequisite course

• Remaining students will be placed on a waitlist, with open spots filled by random lottery

• The form must be submitted using a PAUSD email address; the school will verify eligibility before processing

Incoming 12th graders have the highest priority. If you are eligible, fill out the form as soon as possible.

What does this mean for students aiming for top universities?

After AP BC, there has long been a gap in officially available advanced math options at the high school level, leaving capable students to figure things out on their own. These on-campus courses formally fill that gap.

Completing multivariable calculus and linear algebra in high school sends a compelling signal on both college applications and course transcripts: it shows that a student has not merely finished high school mathematics, but has genuinely stepped onto the college mathematics track. It also means that these courses can be skipped in college, freeing up space for more advanced study.

Ready to apply? Here is what to do now:

1. Confirm that you meet the prerequisite (are you currently enrolled in AP BC?)

2. Submit the interest form using your PAUSD email as soon as possible

3. Prepare seriously for the May AP exam; a score of 3 is the minimum threshold

4. Incoming 12th graders have the highest priority, so do not miss this window

If you have any questions towards college application, feel free to reach out to us, our consultants are more than happy to provide more insights to you!