Fairfield City Schools
Program of Studies
Program of Studies
The Fairfield Board of Education requires that the standards for graduation meet the minimum standards of the Ohio Department of Education and that our high school will compare favorably with high schools recognized for excellence in the state.
The minimum requirements for graduation from high school are as follows:
English 4 units of credit
Social Studies 3 units of credit
Science 3 units of credit
Mathematics 4 units of credit
Fine Arts 1 unit of credit
Health ½ unit of credit
Physical Education ½ unit of credit
Financial Literacy ½ unit of credit
Electives 4 units of credit
Total: 20 ½ units of credit
Amended Substitute Senate Bill 310 requires for graduation from every public high school in relationship to above list:
One unit of Algebra II or the equivalent of Algebra II
Science units, which reflect inquiry-based laboratory experiences that engage students, including one unit of physical science, one unit of biology, and advanced study in one or more of the following sciences:
Chemistry, physics or other physical science
Advanced biology or other life science
Physical geology or other earth or space science
One-half credit of American history and one-half credit of American government (Fairfield City School District will continue to require one credit in American studies, one credit in world studies and one unit in American government.)
The integration of economic and financial literacy academic content standards in social studies or other courses
One sequence of any combination of world language, fine arts, business, career-technical education, family and consumer sciences, technology, agricultural education or English language arts, mathematics, science or social studies courses not otherwise required for a total of five units
Summer school credits will be accepted toward graduation, provided that counselor approval has been given prior to registration for the course.
Credits obtained through the successful completion of a credit flexibility plan approved by the Fairfield City School District will be accepted toward graduation.
Students in the Fairfield City School District in grades 9, 10 and 11 who successfully complete two full seasons of interscholastic athletics, marching band, cheerleading or show choir may be excused from the high school physical education requirement. The “two-full-seasons” requirement may be completed within a single school year. The “two-full-seasons” requirement must be completed by the end of the student’s junior year to eliminate the possibility of seniors being caught in a position of lacking physical education requirements and failing to graduate.
Under the ORC, the Board of Education may NOT provide for partial completion of the high school physical education requirement. The one-half-credit requirement cannot be partially exempted. For example, it is not possible to combine a one-fourth credit of physical education with one successful season to meet the physical education requirement.
Those students excused from the high school physical education requirement are required to complete one-half unit, consisting of at least 60 hours of instruction, in another course of study as determined by the student. Those students excused from the high school physical education requirement are still required to earn the listed number of credits for graduation from the Fairfield City School District.
The Board of Education assumes that at the time of graduation each student will have fulfilled all academic and financial obligations. A good school record, scholastically and otherwise, is the best recommendation an applicant can offer either for college admission or for a job. A record of good personal behavior and cooperation will be expected.
Students must attend through seven terms. A term is 18 weeks in length. Seniors may graduate early at the end of the seventh term if they have met all graduation requirements and submit the appropriate paperwork. Counselors have information about early graduation procedures.
All students must meet the state standardized test requirements unless exempted by an Individual Education Plan (IEP).
Criteria for earning these seals is set by existing Ohio law, code or board policy.
OhioMeansJobs Readiness Seal (Ohio)
Demonstration of professional skills, work-readiness and work ethic competencies
Students must have at least a total of three (3) mentors to validate the fifteen (15) professional skills needed to earn the Seal.
Industry-Recognized Credential Seal (Ohio)
Earn a 12-point industry-recognized credential; OR
Earn a group of credentials totaling 12 points in a single career field - as outlined here
College-Ready Seal (Ohio)
Earn remediation-free scores on the ACT or SAT
Military Enlistment Seal (Ohio)
Providing evidence of enlistment in an armed services branch of the military; OR
Participating in an approved Junior Reserve Officer Training (JROTC) program
Citizenship Seal (Ohio)
Proficient on American History and American Government End-of-Course Exams; OR
Earning a grade of "B" or higher in American History and American Government; OR
Advanced Placement or International Baccalaureate; OR
Earning a “B” or higher in approved College Credit Plus Courses
Science Seal (Ohio)
Proficient on the Biology test; OR
Earning a grade of "B" or higher in an advanced science course; OR
Advanced Placement or International Baccalaureate; OR
Earning a “B” or higher in an approved CCP course
Honors Diploma Seal (Ohio)
Meeting the criteria for one of the six honors diplomas:
Honors Diploma
Career-Tech Honors Diploma
IB Honors Diploma
STEM Honors Diploma
Civics and Social Sciences
Fine Arts Honors Diploma
Seal of Biliteracy (Ohio)
The student must demonstrate proficiency in English and high levels of proficiency in at least one other world language.
Students can demonstrate proficiency in English and at least one other world language through a series of test-based options
Technology Seal (Ohio)
Earn a score equivalent to proficient on an appropriate Advanced Placement or International Baccalaureate test; OR
Earning a “B” or higher in an approved College Credit Plus course; OR
Completing a course offered through the student’s district or school that meets guidelines set by the Ohio Department of Education.
Community Service Seal (Local)
10+ hours of documented and approved community service (through a community organization; OR
Can be a combination of ongoing acts of service; OR
May be a part of BT leadership course offered at FFS; OR
Participating in a school community service club
Must have proper documentation of completed community service hours
Fine and Performing Arts Seal (Local)
Participation in one school play or musical (on or off stage); OR
Documented participating in an outside performance or recital; OR
Two (2) of participation in a school-sponsored club
Student Engagement Seal (Local)
Full participation in:
Two (2) of athletics/marching band/cheerleading/show choir; OR
Documented participation in two (2) years of outside sport/activity
Two (2) years of participation in a school-sponsored club
For more information regarding Graduation Requirements, please visit http://education.ohio.gov/Topics/Ohio-s-Graduation-Requirements or contact your School Counselor.
(ALL COURSES MUST BE AT LEAST CAREER AND COLLEGE-READY/CCR)
4 credits of English
4 credits of Math (minimum of Algebra I, Geometry, and Algebra II)
4 credits of Social Studies (minimum of Modern World History, Modern American History, and American Government)
4 credits of Science (two advanced Sciences)
3 credits of a World Language (minimum of 3 years of the same language or 2 years each of two languages)
1 credit of Fine Arts
1/2 credit of Health
1/2 credit of Physical Education
Class of 2026 and Beyond
Students must meet all but one of the following criteria. Each of these criteria go beyond the standard requirements for a diploma for the classes of 2023 and beyond.
4 credits of English
4 credits of Math (including Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II, and another higher-level course or a four-year sequence of courses that contain equivalent content)
4 credits of Science (Physical Science, Biology, and two advanced sciences)
4 credits of Social Studies
3 credits of a World Language (or 2 units each in two different languages)
Maintain an overall unweighted GPA of at least 3.5 on a 4.0 scale
Obtain a composite score of 27 on the ACT or 1280 combined score on the SAT
2 Additional Graduation Seals, not including Honors Diploma Seal
Experiential Learning where students complete a Field Experience, OhioMeansJobs Readiness Seal*, Portfolio OR Work-Based Learning (see below for explanations)
**Students can use OhioMeansJobs Readiness Seal in 2 additional requirement if it is not used in Experiential Learning
EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING OPTIONS:
Students can earn the experiential learning option by meeting one of the following options: field experience, portfolio, OhioMeansJobs Readiness Seal and work-based learning.
To fulfill the field experience criterion, a student must complete a learning experience that is pertinent to his or her honors diploma area of focus. Experiential learning is focused on the application of academic and technical skills within a student’s program of study. Experiential learning includes lab-based activities, co-ops, simulated workplace, mentorships, internships, pre-apprenticeships and apprenticeships. Lab-based experiential learning should simulate real-work worksites and expectations. Students should receive regular supervision and follow-up that is documented. Click here for more detailed guidance on field experience .
Work that is contained in a portfolio documents the student’s extensive knowledge and technical, critical-thinking and creative skills (representative of the student’s honors diploma area of focus) that the student has learned. Students must get their portfolios reviewed and validated by external experts. Click here for more detailed guidance on the portfolio criterion .
To earn the OhioMeansJobs-Readiness Seal, motivated high school students must demonstrate specific professional skills required for success in the workplace. Students must work with at least three experienced and trusted mentors who validate the demonstration of these skills in school, work or the community. If a student earns the OhioMeansJobs Readiness Seal as a part of their experiential learning requirement, it can not count as one of their additional seals earned.
Work-based learning experiences are conducted at a work site during or after school. They are designed to provide authentic learning experiences to students that link academic, technical and professional skills. Business and education partners work together to evaluate and supervise the experience, which must be documented with learning agreements.
Student Strength Demonstration Replacement
Students can use the Student Strength Demonstration to replace one of either the ACT/SAT, GPA or World Language requirement for any Honors Diploma. The Student Strength Demonstration options are listed below. The same options exist for each of the six honors diplomas* but, where relevant, should reflect coursework or experiences relevant to the theme of the Diploma. For example, a student earning the Academic Honors Diploma and using the College Credit Plus option to replace another requirement for the diploma should have College Credit Plus courses relevant to the Academic Honors diploma.
College Credit Plus: 12 total College Credit Plus credit hours
Advanced Placement: three courses with score of 3 or higher on AP tests
Career-Technical Assurance Guide (CTAG): 12 total credits
Apprenticeship/Pre-Apprenticeship: Completion or Evidence of Acceptance if required to be older than 18
WorkKeys: Score of 6 or higher on all tests (*void for Career-Tech Honors Diploma)
Armed Services Vocational Battery: Score of 50 or above on the ASVAB
Work-Based Learning: 250 total hours of work-based learning
For information on Diplomas with Honors in the areas of STEM, Arts, and Social Science & Civic Engagement, please visit the Ohio Department of Education website and/or your school counselor. http://education.ohio.gov/Topics/Ohio-s-Graduation-Requirements/Honors-Diplomas
*Based on weighted GPA
(PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS IS A SEPARATE FCSD HONORS RECOGNITION)
Summa Cum Laude
4 .0 GPA
Gold robe, hat, tassel, sash, and cord
Magna Cum Laude
3.6-3.999 GPA
Gold sash, tassel, and cord
Cum Laude
3.2-3.599 GPA
Gold tassel and cord
*The end of first semester will be the time frame used for consideration of the Valedictorian and Salutatorian, along with the Top Fifteen.
Academic eligibility requires that high school students (grades 9-12) must pass a minimum of five one-credit courses, or the equivalent, in the immediately preceding grading period. Physical Education does not count toward the Academic Eligibility requirement due to the fact it counts only as .25 credits. To determine credit equivalency: multiply full-year courses by a factor of 1; semester courses by a factor of 2; twelve-week courses by a factor of 3; and nine-week courses by a factor of 4.
A student enrolled in the first grading period after advancement from the eighth grade must have passed a minimum of five of all those subjects carried during the preceding grading period in which the student was enrolled.
A student enrolling in the seventh grade for the first time will be eligible for the first grading period regardless of the previous academic achievement. Thereafter, in order to be eligible, a student in grade 7 or 8 must be currently enrolled in school during the immediately preceding grading period and must have received passing grades during that grading period in a minimum of five of those subjects in which the student received grades.
It should be noted that dropping a class may result in losing your academic eligibility. It is always best to check with your counselor or an athletic director to make sure that you remain eligible before you make any changes in your schedule. It is strongly recommended that athletes are allowed only one early release period as a senior.
PSAT/NMSQT www.collegeboard.org
(Preliminary Scholastic Assessment Test/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test)
This is a practice test for the SAT, which is also used to determine National Merit semi- finalists. It is given once each year in October to sophomores and selected juniors interested in taking the PSAT. The testing will occur on the third Wednesday of October. The test is administered at the high school.
SAT Reasoning Test www.collegeboard.org
(Scholastic Assessment Test)
The SAT is generally taken during the junior and/or senior year. Students receive a Verbal and Math score and possibly a Writing score. This test is open to any college bound student. The test is offered approximately six times during the academic school year.
SAT Subject Tests www.collegeboard.org
(Scholastic Assessment Test: Subject Tests)
These are one-hour tests, which measure a student’s knowledge of specific subjects and his/her ability to apply that knowledge. Certain colleges require this test. Check with the college you plan to attend. The test is offered several times during the academic school year. Students can take up to three tests at one sitting.
(American College Test)
The ACT is generally taken during the junior and/or senior year. Students receive scores in English, Reading, Math, Science and Writing as well as a composite score. This test is open to any college bound student. The test is offered approximately six times during the academic school year.
The goal of the Fairfield City School District is to ensure that ALL students graduate college and/or career ready. In order to ensure we reach this goal, college and career readiness assessments are administered to all students during their high school years at the district’s or state’s expense. On the third Wednesday in October, students in grades 10-12 will have the opportunity to take the
The practice ACT (10th and 11th grade); OR
The PSAT (10th and 11th grade); OR
The Workkeys (10th and 11th grade); OR
The ASVAB (10th or 11th grade)
All 11th grade students are required to take the ACT in the spring, per the Ohio Department of Education. We are able to use the data from these assessments to help students find their areas of strength and areas of need. In addition, the information gathered from these assessments helps our staff guide students’ choices into their next phase of life.
Semester grades are used to determine whether credit was earned. Semester grades are also used to calculate class rank and honor roll membership.
Grades are issued at the end of each quarter (9-week period). Semester final grades are determined by averaging two 9-week quarter grades.
The following grading scale will be used in all classes in the Fairfield City Schools:
Letter Grade Grade Range
A+ 98 to 100
A 93 to 97
A- 90 to 92
B+ 87 to 89
B 83 to 86
B- 80 to 82
C+ 77 to 79
C 73 to 76
C- 70 to 72
D+ 67 to 69
D 64 to 66
F 0 to 63
Some classes carry weighted grades. Weighted grades can affect a student’s grade point average and class rank. (See Calculating Weighted Grades)
Each student’s grades are combined in a grade point average (GPA). The grade point average appears on a student’s permanent high school records. This number will be included when colleges, trade schools, employers or military recruiters ask for a student’s high school records. Every course taken in grades 9, 10, 11 and 12 will count toward the grade point average. Students who start their high school years by earning low grades in ninth grade find that it can take two or three additional years to bring up their GPA. In each course, teachers will explain what is required in their classes and will provide suggestions for earning good grades.
When calculating grade point averages, Fairfield High School will award quality points for all courses (weighted and unweighted) as follows:
Letter Grade Grade Range GPA Value
A+ 98-100 4.3
A 93-97 4.0
A- 90-92 3.7
B+ 87-89 3.3
B 83-86 3.0
B- 80-82 2.7
C+ 77-79 2.3
C 73-76 2.0
C- 70-72 1.7
D+ 67-69 1.3
D 64-66 1.0
F 0-63 0
All grades earned in grades 9-12 will count in the calculation. Grade point averages will be calculated to two decimal places. College Credit Plus classes will be averaged into the GPA. Grades earned at Butler Tech will use Butler Tech’s grading scale.
For College Credit Plus (CCP), Advanced Placement (AP), or Honors (H) courses, an additional weight will be added onto the grade point average, providing the student earns a C- or above in those courses. For full year classes, .015 will be added to the GPA at the end of each semester. College courses will receive a .03 add-on at the conclusion of the course.
The following courses are weighted:
9th Grade Honors Biology, Honors Geometry
10th Grade Honors English 10, AP Studio Art: Drawing, AP Music Theory, Honors Algebra II, CCP Biology (BIO 131/132), AP Environmental Science, Honors Physics, Honors Chemistry, AP World History, CCP French III (FRE 1101)
11th Grade Honors English 11, AP English 11: Language and Composition, AP Studio Art: Drawing, CCP/Honors Pre-Calculus (MAT153), AP Statistics, AP Music Theory, Honors Vocal Impact, Honors Symphony Orchestra, Honors Wind Ensemble, CCP Anatomy (BIO 151/152), AP Biology, AP Chemistry, AP Environmental Science, AP Physics 1, AP Physics 2, Honors Physics, Honors Chemistry, CCP Psychology (PSY 110), CCP Sociology (1101), AP Psychology, AP United States Government and Politics, AP United States History, CCP French III (1101), CCP French IV (FRE 1102), CCP American Sign Language III (201), CCP American Sign Language IV (202), CCP Spanish IV (TBD), CCP Quantitative Math (1105)
12th Grade CCP English (ENG 101/102), AP English 12: Literature and Composition, AP Studio Art: Drawing, CCP Calculus (MAT 251), CCP/Honors Pre-Calculus (MAT 153), CCP Quantitative Math (1105), AP Calculus BC, AP Calculus AB, AP Statistics, AP Music Theory, Honors Vocal Impact, Honors Symphony Orchestra, Honors Wind Ensemble, CCP Anatomy (BIO 151/152), AP Biology, AP Chemistry, AP Environmental Science, AP Physics 1, AP Physics 2, Honors Physics, Honors Chemistry, CCP Psychology (PSY 110), CCP Sociology (1101), AP Psychology, AP United States Government and Politics, AP United States History, CCP American Sign Language III (201), CCP American Sign Language IV (202), CCP French III (1101), CCP French IV (FRE 1102), CCP Spanish IV (TBD),
Beginning with the 2021-22 school year, FHS moved to awarding 0.5 credit at the end of each semester of each course, provided the student shows mastery of the content.
Students will still receive one (1) full credit for successful completion of both semesters. Our hope is this will allow the teacher/school to focus on the specific area(s) of student need.
GPA will now be calculated at the end of each semester.
Under Section 3313.609 of the Ohio Revised Code, the Board is required to adopt a policy on the retention of truant students. The Board shall prohibit the promotion of a student to the next grade level if the student has been truant (absent without excuse) for more than ten (10%) percent of the required attendance days in the current school year and has failed two or more of the required curriculum subject areas in the current grade. These provisions may be waived if the student’s principal and teacher agree, in writing, that the student is academically prepared to be promoted to the next grade level.