Graduation Requirements

 A verified credit is based on a course credit plus a passing score on the end-of-course Standards of Learning (SOL) test or state approved substitute test. End-of-course SOL tests are offered in World Geography; World History 1; World History 2; US History; Algebra 1; Algebra 2; Geometry; Earth Science; Biology; Chemistry; and English Reading. Students also complete the Writing PBA. Students transferring to FDHS from either a private or out-of-state school may have altered requirements for earning verified credits based on when the student transferred and the credits that the student has earned at a previous school.

Students must take two sequential electives in any discipline (CTE, Fine Art, Performing Art, Science, Math, English, History, PE, World Language) provided the courses are not specifically required for graduation elsewhere.

 Students pursuing the standard diploma may substitute a world language for one of the fine art OR performing art OR career/technical course requirements.

Students pursuing the advanced studies diploma may complete the world language requirement by taking three years of one language or two years of two different languages. 

Students pursuing the standard OR advanced studies diploma shall either (i) complete an Advanced Placement, honors, or International Baccalaureate course; (ii) complete a high-quality work-based learning experience; or (iiI) earn a career and technical education credential. Nearly all students will take the WISE Financial Literacy exam in Economics and Personal Finance. This exam counts as a career and technical education credential. Numerous other classes also have opportunities for career and technical education credentials.

Credit accommodations provide alternatives for students with disabilities in earning the course and verified credits required to graduate with a standard diploma. Students receiving accommodations must earn the twenty-two course credits and six verified credits required to graduate with a standard diploma. Credit accommodations for students with disabilities may include:

• Alternative courses to meet the standard credit requirements

• Modifications to the requirements for locally awarded verified credits

• Additional tests approved by the Board of Education for earning verified credits

• Adjusted cut scores on tests for earning verified credits

• Allowance of work-based learning experiences through career and technical education (CTE) courses