Graduation Information
Graduation Requirements***
English (4 credits)
Math (4 credits) - must include Algebra I, Algebra II, Geometry
Science (3 credits) - must include Physical Science, Biology
Social Studies (3 credits) - must include United States History, World History, Civics (½), Economics (½)
Physical Education (½ credit)
Health (½ credit)
Fine Art (½ credit)
Oral Communication (½ credit)
Electives (7 credits)
Total Credits Required - 23 credits
***All students grades 8-12 complete a Student Success Plan with teacher advisors and/or counselors. This is updated annually. Students have unlimited access to this plan in their school google drive and/or through LAUNCH.
Promotion Requirements
10th Grade: 5.5 credits
11th Grade: 11 credits
12th Grade: 16.5 credits
Additional Requirements
Complete and document 75 community service hours
Computer Science Credit
Complete a digital course for credit (JPS incorporates this into Keystone)
Personal Finance Credit (JPS incorporates this into Economics)
Pass Arkansas Civics Exam (JPS students take this through the Civics class)
Complete CPR, Stop the Bleed, Breast Feeding, Adoption Trainings (JPS incorporates this into Health)
Complete Arkansas History Course (JPS students take in 8th grade)
Complete an ADE recognized Pathway (consists of 3 consecutive courses)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What 8th grade classes count toward graduation credit?
Algebra I, Physical Science, Spanish I, Media Communications
How many credits is one class worth?
Each passed semester is worth ½ a credit
What counts as a Fine Arts credit?
Any choir, band, theater, art or art appreciation taken 9th-12th grade
What counts as a PE credit?
Any PE classes taken 9th-12th grade
½ credit of PE will be awarded to students who compete on any athletic team (this ½ credit is only awarded 1 time 9th-12th grade)
What is Keystone?
Keystone is a required career readiness class that prepares students for high school and beyond. It is a semester-long course that flip flops with Health. It counts as ½ an elective credit.
What classes are required in 9th grade?
All 9th grade students take English (honors or regular), Algebra or Geometry, Physical Science or Biology, United States History (honors or regular), Health/Keystone and 3 elective courses
When can I start receiving community service hours?
Students can start receiving community service hours the first day of summer after their 8th grade year.
Can I take more than 8 classes in a semester or receive credit for virtual or summer classes outside of the school day?
Jonesboro Public Schools policy states students cannot take additional classes for credit that allow the student to get ahead in the summer or in addition to their 8 scheduled courses during a school year.
How do I report my community service hours?
Students document their hours using the Jonesboro Public Schools google form for Class of 2029 (click the link).
You must be logged into your school Google account to complete this form.
How do I meet the Arkansas History requirement?
Students who attended a Jonesboro Public School junior high meet this requirement in 8th grade. This is not for credit but meets the graduation requirement.
Students who did not attend a JPS will meet this requirement at JHS sometime between 10th-12th grades.
How do I receive weighted credit for Advanced Placement (AP) classes?
Weighted credit will only be awarded for each semester if the student completes the AP exam at the end of the year. Possible college credit is awarded by the college and is based on the exam score.
What is a GPA and why is it important?
GPA - Grade Point Average. The GPA, along with standardized test scores (ACT & SAT), is used by colleges to assess whether you meet their admission requirements. It is also used by scholarship reviewers to determine eligibility.
How is my GPA calculated?
Your GPA is calculated on a 4.0 scale: 4 points for an A, 3 for a B, etc. Add 4 points for every A, 3 for every B, etc., and then divide the total by the number of grades you have. This only includes classes that are taken for credit.