Course Credit Information
Most students take five academic subjects (four for students not taking a world language). Most full semester courses in grades 9-12 earn 4 credits and most one quarter courses earn 2 credits. There are a few courses which are the full year and therefore worth 8 credits. The equivalent of a four-credit subject may be two separate classes within the same department. Only credits earned during grades 9-12 count toward graduation. To graduate, the class of 2024 must earn a total of 84 credits. Starting with the class of 2025, students will need to earn a total of 96 credits (the increase due to a new schedule with opportunities to earn more credits each year). Among these credits, students need to earn the following in each department:
English
16 credits (including at least one literature class in both 11th and 12th grade)
Social Studies
12 credits (4 of which must meet the U.S. History requirement)
Mathematics
8 credits
Science
8 credits in laboratory courses
Physical Education
2 credits (taken in 10th grade)
Health Education
2 credits (taken in 9th grade)
Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS)
In order to earn a high school diploma, students must either earn a score in the proficient or higher range on the high school MCAS ELA and Mathematics tests, or if between a passing and a proficient level on these tests and fulfill the requirements of an Educational Proficiency Plan (EPP). Also, students must earn a passing score on one of the high school MCAS Science and Technology/Engineering (STE) tests: Biology, Chemistry, Introductory Physics, or Technology/Engineering during their high school career. Students who are successful in the regular curriculum for ninth and tenth grades are generally well prepared to complete the MCAS tests. Students have the right to participate in MCAS tests and retests. Retests in ELA and Mathematics are offered in November and March, and students may participate in STE tests in February (Biology only) and June each year. Individuals may continue to participate in ELA and Mathematics retests and STE tests after leaving high school. For more information about the MCAS tests, sample test questions, testing dates and school and district score information, please see the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education website at: http://www.doe.mass.edu/mcas/.
Many ARHS students become eligible for the John and Abigail Adams Scholarship and the Stanley Z. Koplik Certificate of Mastery Award by virtue of their MCAS scores. Both provide tuition discounts at Massachusetts state universities and UMass campuses. For more information, visit:
http://www.doe.mass.edu/scholarships/mastery/default.html
Participation in the Graduation Ceremony
To participate in the graduation ceremony a student must complete all of the requirements for graduation by the last scheduled day of classes for seniors (usually one week prior to the graduation ceremony). Students who need to complete work beyond this date may graduate by the end of the school year or through participation in summer school but will not be eligible to participate in the graduation ceremony. Students who have met all of the credit and enrollment requirements but have not passed all of the required MCAS tests may participate in the graduation ceremony but will receive a certificate of attainment rather than a diploma.