Courses

San José Unified only accepts credits for classes taken outside of the district if it meets specific criteria. Classes must be high school level courses listed on the University of California A-G Course List or Community College courses listed on assist.org as UC/CSU transferable to be approved.

Contact your counselor to submit outside credit for approval to be recorded on your high school transcript. We do not accept online Visual & Performing Arts, Physical Education, or Science courses.

Students may take summer outside courses for acceleration purposes in math or science. Our staff do not monitor grades or provide materials for any outside work. Students are responsible for completing the course and submitting the transcript to Leland's registrar.

SJUSD approval criteria for outside coursed can be found here.

The Advanced Drama Course is an A-G credit course that can not only fulfill VPA credits but also be an elective credit course that can be repeated each year of high school since each semester our productions are different. Students can add/drop mid-year if they wish to be involved in other activities (specifically sports) that conflict with the fall or spring production rehearsal times. The course centers around planning, building, and running two theatre productions each year. Students interested in acting, singing, dancing (musical theatre) and production management can audition to be in plays and musicals produced during the 7^th period Advanced Drama class.  Students interested in being part of crew choose from specialties and receive hands-on training led by adults who supervise all technical work in set design & construction, lighting, sound design, publicity, costume design, scene painting and props organization. 

Applications are not required to add the class to your schedule, but the course is hands on and active for all students involved whether it be performing on stage or working behind the scenes on any crew. Please know that if a student is involved in any fall or spring sports, the rehearsals and practices conflict since they happen at the same time of day, 3:30-5:30pm.Please do not sign up for the 7th period Advanced Drama class if you plan on playing sports fall and spring semsters.   All 7th period students must fill out a fresh cast or crew form at the beginning of each semester. This form is part of the class contract to attend all classes, complete all assignments (written work is often assigned) and help to organize the show during the technical rehearsals and actual show nights. 

The Charger Account is Leland’s nationally-recognized, student-run newspaper! Staff writers, page editors, photographers, media creators and artists all contribute in producing monthly issues that cover topics ranging from community news to entertainment. The Charger Account reaches 3,200 students and community members monthly, and there are numerous leadership opportunities involved, including (but not limited to) Page Editor, Editor-in-Chief, Photo Director, Art Director, and Media Manager.
Journalism Flyer

Leland Speech and Debate is an official member of the National Speech and Debate Association, the governing arm of forensics for secondary education. Through this organization, the team has consistently ranked among the best in the nation and is first in the nation this year and last. Participation in speech and debate does not conflict with other school activities. Practice sessions are available weekdays into evening hours and on Saturdays and Sundays. The team does not have a “star-system.” Coaching and participation in tournaments are open to all students who display effort and focus. Leland students must compete in two of the following categories - either two public speaking categories, or one speech and one debate category in at least three tournaments per semester to earn full credit. Leland Speech and Debate also has extensive community involvement. Leland Speech students work with Bret Harte and Burnett Middle Schools, and Lowell and Horace Mann Elementary Schools.

Selection for the Speech and Debate class Dramatic interpretation is based on applications. No prior experience in speech and debate is necessary and we do not hold auditions for acceptance into the class.

Leland Yearbook is a collaborative, student-run program that produces the 200+ page school annual documenting student life and events throughout each school year.

Applicants indicate their preferred choice among four departments: writing, photography, design, and marketing. All department applicants will submit samples of past work relative to the department—specifics for each department are listed in our application linked below. 

Yearbook 1-2 earns elective credits. Advanced Yearbook earns students SJUSD VPA credits and is categorized as a UC/CSU A-G (F-visual and performing arts) category course. The Advanced course also offers the opportunity for students to take on leadership roles and further responsibilities, and is a repeatable course. 

Music audition information for Wind Ensemble, Orchestra, Choir and Concert Band