CCS Graduation Information
Graduating from Ohio high schools has become more complicated in recent years. Graduation requirements for each student are determined by that student's ninth grade entry year, not by the year they graduate. Find information about your graduation requirements below- and don't forget to meet with your school counselor to make sure you have all your bases covered!
Permanent Graduation Requirements for the Classes of 2023 & Beyond
Choose YOUR path! CCS students must earn the requirements in ALL THREE areas below:
1. Complete 22 Credits
For a Basic Diploma, CCS students must earn a total of 22 credits in the following areas:
English: 4
Math: 4 (All must be Algebra 1 or higher and must include Algebra 2)
Social Studies: 3 (World Studies, American History & American Government)
Science: 3 (Physical Science, Life Science & Advanced Science)
Academic Elective: 1 (Fourth Advanced Science or Social Studies- student choice)
Health: .5
Physical Education: .5 (P.E. 1 & P.E. 2)
Fine Arts: 1
Technology: 1
Internship: 1 (at least 120 specified hours)
Electives: 3 (additional courses beyond the above requirements; includes World Languages)
NEW: The Classes of 2026 & Beyond must also earn .5 credit in Financial Literacy! If students take Economics to satisfy this requirement, it may also count toward the Academic Elective.
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Graduation Planners:
2. Show Competency
Earn a passing score of 684 or better on Ohio State Tests in Algebra I and English II tests.* Students who do not pass the test will be offered additional support and must retake the test at least once.
Testing not your strength? After you have taken & retaken your tests, there are four other/additional ways you can also show your competency for graduation!
Demonstrate Two Career-Focused Activities (1 MUST be Foundational):
Foundational: Proficient scores on WebXams OR A 12-point industry credential OR A pre-apprenticeship OR acceptance into an approved apprenticeship program
Supporting: Work-based learning OR Earn the required score on WorkKeys OR Earn the OhioMeansJobs Readiness Seal
2. Enlist in the Military:
Show evidence that you have signed a contract to enter a branch of the U.S. armed services upon graduation.
3. Complete College Coursework:
Earn credit for one college-level math and/ or college-level English course through Ohio’s free College Credit Plus program
4. Achieve SAT/ACT Scores
Students can now demonstrate competency by obtaining a remediation-free score in the math or English subject areas on the ACT or SAT. To demonstrate competency in English II, a student must be remediation-free in BOTH English and reading on the ACT.
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Students with IEPs & Graduation Click HERE
*IEP students who have been approved to take Alternate Assessments must earn scores of Basic (2) or better on their English and math assessment to demonstrate Competency. See guidance HERE. They may also use the other four options after testing.
3. Demonstrate College & Career Readiness
Earn TWO of the following diploma seals, choosing those that line up with your goals and interests. One MUST be a State Seal*
State Seals:
OhioMeansJobs Readiness Seal* (Demonstrate proficiency in each of 15 identified professional skills)
How to Document Your Skills for the OhioMeansJobs Readiness Seal in SchooLinks
Industry-Recognized Credential Seal* (Earn 12 credential points in single career pathway)
College-Ready Seal* (Earn remediation-free scores on the ACT or SAT)
Military Enlistment Seal* (Provide evidence of enlistment or participate in approved JROTC program)
Citizenship Seal* (Earn scores of 700+ on both Amer. History & Amer. Government OSTs OR earn at least B-’s in both classes; students may mix score in one and grade from other) (CCP/AP-IB)
Science Seal* (Earn a score of 700+ on the biology OST OR earn at least a B- in an advanced science) (CCP/AP-IB)
Honors Diploma Seal* (Earn one of six State Honors Diplomas)
Seal of Biliteracy* (Earn proficiency requirements on assessments in a world language & English)
Technology Seal* (Demonstrate mastery in a CCS technology course & course project) (CCP/AP-IB)
Local Seals:
Community Service Seal (Document at least 45 hours of community service) (30 hrs. may be part of internship)
Fine and Performing Arts Seal (Demonstrate mastery/expertise in a fine or performing arts)
Student Engagement Seal (Complete at least 3 approved school activities during high school)
Detailed Local Seals Information
How to Document Your Student Engagement Seal Activities in SchooLinks Video
Find out how to earn your credits for the Basic CCS Diploma of Graduation as well as diploma distinctions and HONORS!
Graduation Requirements Video!
This presentation reflects the graduation requirements for the Classes of 2023-2025.
Beginning with the Class of 2026, students will also need to earn .5 in Financial Literacy or Economics.
On the Road to Graduation
Making Sure You Are Promoted Each Year- CCS Promotion Policy Watch our CCS Promotion Policy video HERE!
Student Athletes
Academic Information for Athletes- To maintain high school athletic eligibility in CCS, you must maintain a minimum 2.0 GPA for EVERY grade card in at least FIVE full credit classes EVERY quarter before and during your sport season.
Make sure the core courses you are taking meet NCAA eligibility requirements! In general, APEX/online courses are NOT approved! See this PAGE for more information. Please see your school counselor, coach and/or Athletic Director with questions.
Ohio High School Athletic Association
Preparing for Collegiate Athletics
22-23 NCAA Guide for the College Bound Student Athlete
Special Populations
Graduation Requirements for 2022 & Before
Please contact Scott Landis-Wilson for requirements classes prior to 2021: slandiswilson@columbus.k12.oh.us