Graduation Requirements

Graduation Requirements

A. To be eligible for a diploma, students shall earn credits in the following required courses:

1. Language Arts (8 semesters or 4 credits)

a. One credit, Ninth Grade English
b. One credit, Tenth Grade English
c. One credit, Eleventh Grade English (North only)
d. Two additional credits in English language arts, including one-half credit in English writing and grammar (all other high schools)

2. Mathematics (4 semesters or 2 credits)

a. Two credits in grades 9 through 12.

3. Social Studies (7 semesters or 3-1/2 credits)

a. One credit, Ninth Grade: African-Asian World
b. One credit, Tenth Grade: Western Civilization
c. One credit, Eleventh Grade: United States History
d. One-half additional social studies credit in grades 10, 11 or 12.

4. Science (4 semesters or 2 credits)

a. One credit, Biology
b. One additional science credit in grades 9 through 12.

5. Physical Education (3 semesters or 1-1/2 credits) 1-1/2 credits in grades 9, 10, and 11.

6. Health - One credit in grades 9 through 12.

B. Electives 9 credits

Students shall also earn in grades 9 through 12 additional credits in courses elected to suit individual needs, interests, and capabilities and to develop job entry or post-secondary education entry skills. Course selections shall be approved by parents and by counselors/advisors.

C. Total Credits

A minimum of twenty-three required and elective credits must be earned in grades 9 through 12 for graduation.

The definition for a full-time student is "a student who takes six (6) classes for credit not including a study hall." Special Education students may meet this requirement through similar special education courses. All students will be required to take a minimum of six (6) classes both semesters, all four (4) years. The principal may waive requirements for a diploma in exceptional cases to suit the traits or needs of an individual student.

Graduation Criteria

All students graduating with the class of 2006 and beyond must also meet one of the following:

• C- cumulative GPA (1.667 on a 4.0 scale) after 7 semesters
• Successful completion of stated goals outlined in the Individual Education Plan (IEP), or Section 504 Plan
• Demonstration of Graduation Proficiency Level

Note: Students not meeting their graduation criterion after 7 semesters will have the opportunity to meet one of the criteria listed above during their 8th semester, summer school, or thereafter.