Graduation Pathways Requirements

English/Language Arts -- 8 Credits Including a balance of literature, composition and speech

Mathematics -- 6 Credits (6 credits earned in grades 9-12)

• 2 Credits: Algebra I

• 2 Credits: Geometry

• 2 Credits: Algebra II

*All students are required to take a math or quantitative reasoning course each year in high school.

Science -- 6 Credits

• 2 Credits: Biology I

• 2 Credits: Chemistry I or Physics I or Integrated Chemistry/Physics 

• 2 Credits: any Core 40 science course

Social Studies -- 6 Credits

• 2 Credits: World History/Civilization or Geography/History of the World

• 2 Credits: U.S. History

• 1 Credit: U.S. Government

• 1 Credit: Economics

Directed Electives -- 5 Credits

• World Languages**

• Fine Arts

• Career/Technical

Physical Education -- 2 Credits

Health and Wellness -- 1 Credit

 Electives -- 9 Credits** (College and Career Pathway courses recommended)

43 Total credits

*Entrance into some college programs may require additional courses. For example, many engineering programs may require four years of high school math. Some colleges now require 2 years of foreign language to meet entrance requirements. While many advanced courses are not absolutely necessary for college entrance, they may be helpful in preparing you for college work. 

** Class of 2028 - 1 elective credit must be Personal Finance

Students with an Individual Education Plans (IEP) may elect for a credit plan under House Enrolled Act 1519 

Complete all requirements for Core 40 and must also: 

• Earn 2 additional Core 40 math credits

• Earn 6-8 Core 40 world language credits (6 credits in one language or 4 credits in two languages)

• Earn 2 Core 40 Fine Arts credits 

• Earn a grade of a “C” or better in courses that will count toward the diploma.

• Have a GPA of a “B” or better

• Complete ONE of the following:

  1. Earn 4 credits in 2 or more AP courses and take corresponding AP exams

  2. Earn 6 verifiable transcript college credits in dual credit courses from priority course list

  3. Earn two of the following:

     • A minimum of 3 verifiable transcript college credits from the priority course list.

     • 2 credits in AP courses and corresponding AP exams.

     • 2 credits in IB standard level course and corresponding IB exams.

  4. Earn a combined score of 1250 or higher on the SAT critical reading, mathematics, and writing sections and a minimum score of 530 on each.

  5.  Earn an ACT composite score of 26 or higher and complete written section

  6. Earn four credits in IB courses and take corresponding IB exams

Complete all requirements for Core 40 and must also:

• Earn 6 credits in the college and career preparation courses in a state-approved College & Career Pathway and one of the following:

  1. 1. 1. Pathway designated industry-based certification or credential, or 

        2. Pathway dual credits from the lists of priority courses resulting in 6 transcript college credits.

• Earn a grade of “C” or better in courses that will count toward the diploma. 

• Have a GPA of a “B” or better.

• Complete one of the following:

  1. 1. 1. Any one of the options (A-F) of the core 40 w/ Academic Honors.

        2. Earn the following scores of higher on WorkKeys; Reading for Information-Level 6, Applied Mathematics-Level 6, and Locating Information-Level 5.

        3. Earn the following minimum scores on Accuplacer: Writing 80, Reading 90, Math 75.

        4. Earn the following minimum scores on compass: Algebra 66, Writing 70, Reading 80

Project-Based Learning allows students to gain knowledge and skills by working for an extended period of time to investigate and respond to an authentic, engaging and complex question, problem, or challenge. The project is framed by a meaningful problem to solve or a question to answer, at the appropriate level of challenge. Students engage in a rigorous, extended process of asking questions, finding resources, and applying information. Students often make their project work public by explaining, displaying and/or presenting it to people beyond the classroom. Demonstrations include: 

• Completion of a course capstone, 

• Completion of a research project, 

• Completion of Cambridge International Global Perspectives and Research, 

• Completion of the AP Capstone Assessment, OR 

• Other (with approval by the State Board of Education).

Service-Based Learning integrates meaningful service to enrich and apply academic knowledge, teach civic and personal responsibility (and other employability skills), and strengthen communities. Demonstrations include: 

• Participation in a meaningful volunteer or civic engagement experience, 

• Engagement in a school-based activity, such as a co-curricular or extracurricular activity or sport for at least one academic year, OR 

• Other (with approval by the State Board of Education).

Work-Based Learning is a strategy to reinforce academic, technical, and social skills learned in the classroom through collaborative activities with employer partners. Work-based learning experiences allow students to apply classroom theories to practical problems, to explore career options, and pursue personal and professional goals. Demonstrations include:

• Completion of a course capstone, 

• Completion of an internship, 

• Obtaining the Governor’s Work Ethic Certificate, 

• Employment outside of the school day, OR 

• Other (with approval by the State Board of Education).