Program of Studies

ACADEMIC PROGRAM INFORMATION

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS

The 120 credits necessary for graduation must include the following:

• 24 credits in English (minimum of  6 credits per school year)

• Required courses: English 9, 10, 11, and 12 taken in each respective year

• 18 credits in Social Studies (including 6 credits in U.S. History)

• 24 credits in Math (beginning with the Class of 2026)

• 18 credits in Science

• 12 credits in World Languages

• 12 credits in Wellness (minimum of 3 credits per school year) 

  1. • Required courses: Wellness 9,10, 11, and 12 taken in each respective year

• 6 credits in Visual and/or Performing Arts

*Advanced Placement courses may replace specific required courses in some content areas. Students should consult with their teachers and counselor when selecting courses to determine the best course of study and in accordance with graduation requirements. 

Students must also meet state law related to MCAS exams. Students completing the graduation requirements listed above, but not passing/obtaining a competency determination on all MCAS exams required by the state may receive a certificate of attainment at graduation.

PROMOTIONAL REQUIREMENTS 

A student’s grade level shall be determined by the number of credits earned. All students must meet all of the following requirements in order to be promoted to the next grade level. All Credit totals are cumulative.

-For sophomore standing, a student must have accumulated a minimum of 27 credits.

-For junior standing, a student must have accumulated a minimum of 54 credits.

-For senior standing, a student must have accumulated a minimum of 81 credits.

GRADUATION CEREMONY

Graduation will be held on a date selected by the School Committee. Participation in the annual graduation ceremony is optional. However, if a senior does choose to participate he/she/they agree(s) to abide by the traditional customs and dress associated with the Canton High School graduation program. Additionally, in fairness to other graduates, all seniors must be present at all graduation practices if they wish to take part in the ceremony. Historically, in order to participate in the ceremony, students must have completed 20 hours of community service learning each year for a total of 80 hours. Students in the Class of 2024 will be required to complete 70 hours. Additionally, students must earn a minimum of 27 credits in their senior year to participate in graduation exercises. Extenuating circumstances will be considered by the Principal or designee and will require a waiver of this policy. Only students earning a diploma or certificate of attainment will be allowed to participate in the graduation ceremony.

LEVELING INFORMATION

Research demonstrates that students learn best when they are challenged just beyond their comfort zone. Accordingly, Canton High School offers academic levels to provide appropriately challenging courses. Course placement is based on student interest, prior achievement, the recommendations of teachers, school counselors, school administrators, and parent/guardian preference. In some instances, students may be recommended to change levels during the year. 

Advanced Placement (AP) Level

Advanced Placement (AP) level classes allow students to complete college equivalent coursework while in high school. Extremely demanding, rigorous, and fast-paced, AP classes require extensive reading, writing, and analytical thinking. 

Readiness for this academic pace and curriculum, a student’s well-being, attendance, and work habits, and one’s overall course load are key factors in making this course selection. Students should carefully consider taking these classes and should seek guidance from parents/guardians, counselors, department coordinators, teachers of AP classes, and current teachers before finalizing their decision. Please consult the program requirements listed for each department. Students and parents/guardians are encouraged to review texts before deciding to take an AP class.

AP classes require a teacher recommendation. If a student is not recommended for an AP class and would like to appeal, the student and parent/guardian may be asked to meet with the principal, teacher and/or department coordinator, and counselor for an override meeting. Students will be asked to bring a portfolio of work to demonstrate their skill level in the area.

In the spring of the previous year, students must attend an AP meeting and sign an AP Contract that outlines expectations and requirements. For example, students who sign up for AP courses are required to complete any assigned summer assignments/reading and meet deadlines. One of the strongest indicators for success and readiness in the upcoming AP course is the completion of summer work. Additionally, students enrolled in AP courses are required to take the AP exam. AP Exams will serve as the course final exam. 

Honors Level

Honors-level classes are rigorous and move at an accelerated pace. Success requires solid past achievement, a strong work ethic, and a high degree of motivation in the subject area. Students must be able to work independently and complete a considerable number of comprehensive assignments requiring advanced skills. Students should carefully consider taking these classes and should seek guidance from parents/guardians, teachers, and counselors before finalizing their decision. Students and parents are encouraged to review texts before deciding to take an Honors-level class.

College Preparatory (CP)

College Preparatory classes challenge students with rigorous instruction, skill development, and content knowledge. The courses are designed to help students continue their pursuit of mastery in the specific subject area and prepare them appropriately for post-secondary learning. Students will have comprehensive learning opportunities to “stretch” their knowledge base and skill set at an appropriate pace while also receiving high-quality support from staff.

Unleveled

Certain courses have no level designation. This is done purposefully to encourage all students to take those courses based on their interests, talents, and career goals. Although unleveled, these courses still feature an engaging, rigorous curriculum, high expectations, and comprehensive skill development. Unleveled courses are not factored into students’ cumulative grade point averages, but the grades earned in unleveled courses appear on students’ transcripts. 

SELECTING AN ACADEMIC PROGRAM  

Each student chooses an individual program of study from a variety of courses. Selection is influenced by graduation requirements and the student’s educational and vocational plans and abilities. Each student’s goals must be considered in the light of their selections since an appropriate course for one student may be inappropriate for another.

Students and parents/guardians should carefully consider the level of the course selected in relation to teacher recommendations. In addition, carefully weigh the student’s skills, overall course load, and interest and motivation in the subject area. If a level other than the one recommended is desired, students and parents must complete the necessary form and follow the instructions exactly as outlined. Please note: level changes after the start of the school year cannot be guaranteed. Low or failing grades alone are not sufficient grounds to warrant a level change.

All students are required to carry a minimum of 38 class periods per 7-day cycle. An exception to this requirement may be permitted by the principal or designee. Students will be assigned to directed studies to complete their 42-period schedule.

Request for Course Level Override

Course-level recommendations are carefully made for every student by each subject area teacher in conjunction with the department chair. If a parent/guardian chooses to override the teacher recommendation, parents/guardians and students must complete a course-level override form.  See the Course Change section for more information. 

MARKING SYSTEM

A+ 96.5- 100 C+ 76.5-79.49

A 92.5- 96.49 C 72.5- 76.49

A- 89.5- 92.49 C- 69.5- 72.49

B+ 86.5- 89.49 D+ 66.5- 69.49

B 82.5- 86.49 D 62.5- 66.49

B- 79.5- 82.49 D- 59.5- 62.49

    F     59.49 and below

• Progress reports will be issued to all students at or near the midpoint of each of the four terms. These reports contain information from each teacher about the student’s current performance in class. This report may also provide feedback about how the student can improve performance.

• Report cards are issued four times per year to the parents/guardians of all students. Parents/guardians should review these reports carefully. If parents/guardians have specific concerns about a grade, they should contact the student’s teacher. For concerns about a student’s overall performance, parents/guardians are encouraged to contact their student’s counselor.

• If a student is out of school for an unplanned extended absence (e.g. illness or bereavement) the student support services and administration will work together with teachers to establish guidelines for communication and to schedule make-up work. If the nature of the illness/absence is such that a student is unable to complete the regular course work, the administration and department chair will be consulted on all decisions for course modifications and potential grades of pass/fail.

GRADE POINT AVERAGE

A student’s Grade Point Average (GPA) is based on the course level and grades using the scale below.

Grade Advanced Placement       Honors     College Prep

A+ 5.33     4.83             4.33

A 5.00       4.50     4.00

A- 4.67       4.17     3.67

B+ 4.33       3.83               3.33

B 4.00             3.50                 3.00

B- 3.67             3.17                 2.67

C+ 3.33             2.83                 2.33

C 3.00             2.50                 2.00

C- 2.67       2.17                 1.67

D+ 2.33             1.83             1.33

D 2.00       1.50               1.00

D-         1.67       1.17     0.67

F 0.00     0.00     0.00

SUMMER SCHOOL

Canton High School students may attend summer school to remediate a failing grade, and/or receive required credit to advance to the next sequential course. In order for a student to earn credit in summer school, prior approval must be given by the principal or guidance department. The student must have received a final course grade of 50 or higher or have permission from the Principal. A student cannot take a course from which he or she withdrew during the school year.

INFORMATION LITERACY SKILLS

In order for all students to be effective, efficient, and ethical users of ideas and information, the library media program will be integrated into the English Language Arts and Social Studies curricula. The information literacy skills needed to be competent researchers will be taught in collaboration between the librarians and the classroom teachers in relevant information-seeking assignments. Skills taught include library orientation, readers advisory, source citation, information evaluation, the research process, databases, and digital citizenship. All skills are reinforced by a variety of web and technology tools. Students will also receive instruction in academic integrity and how to avoid plagiarism. The goal is to help all students meet the American Association of School Librarians standards, the National Educational Technology Standards set forth by the International Society for Technology in Education, and the Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts.

MCAS

Canton High School will follow all state regulations regarding MCAS tests. All students must earn a competency determination (CD) on the English Language Arts, Mathematics, and Science MCAS tests in order to receive a diploma. 

• Class of 2024 and 2025 

A score of 455 or higher is necessary to earn a CD for the ELA, a score of 469 or higher is necessary to earn a CD for Math and a score of 220 or higher, or the interim passing standard for next-generation Biology (467) or Introductory Physics (470) is necessary to earn a CD for Science exams. Any student scoring below the passing score range will be given an additional opportunity to take the exam each year. Students scoring in the Partially Meeting Expectations range will be provided an Educational Proficiency Plan (EPP) in the appropriate content area. An EPP will stipulate additional coursework or MCAS retests necessary to earn the Competency Determination required for a diploma.

*Some students may score in the Not Meeting Expectations Level, but their scaled score is high enough to earn the CD in that subject. 

• Classes of 2026-2030

A score of 470 or higher is necessary to earn a CD for the ELA, a score of 70 or higher is necessary to earn a CD for Math and a score of 470 or higher is necessary to earn a CD for Science exams. Any student scoring below the passing score range will be given an additional opportunity to take the exam each year. Students scoring in the Partially Meeting Expectations range will be provided an Educational Proficiency Plan (EPP) in the appropriate content area. An EPP will stipulate additional coursework or MCAS retests necessary to earn the Competency Determination required for a diploma.

COMMUNITY SERVICE LEARNING 

Historically, in order to participate in the ceremony, students must have completed 20 hours of community service learning each year for a total of 80 hours. 

DRIVER AND TRAFFIC SAFETY EDUCATION

This course (offered at a fee) consists of 30 hours of classroom instruction, 12 hours of behind-the-wheel training, and 6 hours of observation in a dual-controlled car. New classes begin in September, December, January, May, and July. Students are urged to obtain their learner’s permit as soon as possible so the driving lessons may be started promptly. For additional information please contact Ms.Charlotte Nix, Supervisor of Driver Education at (781) 821-5050 x2121. No school credit is awarded for this course.