The Board of Education encourages all students who have otherwise met all requirements for graduation to pursue additional coursework in Social Studies, Mathematics, Science, and World Language in order to be better prepared for post-secondary programs and 21st century careers. Students in Innovative Programs may have additional course requirements to complete their programs.  

*Students who have taken Algebra I or Geometry in the 8th grade must still complete 15 credits of mathematics at the high school level.

**Students who have taken Biology or Life Science in the 8th grade must still complete a biology/life science course while enrolled in high school. 

Subject Competency

Students must earn a final grade of 70% to pass a course and earn credit.  Indicators of level attainment may include tests, examinations, quizzes, class participation, homework, projects, reports and/or writing assignments. 

New Jersey Student Learning Standards & State Testing Requirements for Graduation

The district is required to address the New Jersey Student Learning Standards in all areas. 

Students are required to meet state testing requirements for graduation as defined by the New Jersey Department of Education.  Students in the Classes of 2024 and 2025 must take the New Jersey Graduation Proficiency Assessment (NJGPA) and meet proficiency standards or the equivalent in order to earn a diploma.  State testing requirements for the Classes of 2026 and 2027 have not yet been determined by the NJ Department of Education. Please review the State Testing Information portion of the district website for additional information. 

The state recently passed legislation that requires all students in the Classes of 2025 and 2026 to file the FAFSA or submit a waiver in order to earn a high school diploma.  Please see your school counselor for more information. 

Attendance Requirements

Class attendance in accordance with the district’s attendance policy and as required by the New Jersey Administrative Code.  The Morris Hills Regional District recognizes that regular attendance in class, participation in class activities, and interaction between students and teachers are essential and integral parts of the learning process.  Classroom participation is vital to the instructional process and is considered in the evaluation of performance and in the grading of students.

Grade Level Promotion

Promotion to the next grade level is determined by the number of credits earned.  The following is a list of the minimum credits required to achieve grade level status:

• • Freshman (Grade 9) - promotion from eighth grade

  • Sophomore (Grade 10) - minimum of 30 credits

  • Junior (Grade 11) - minimum of 60 credits and completion of Algebra I or courses equivalent to a full year of Algebra I

  • Senior (Grade 12) - minimum of 90 credits and the ability to graduate at the end of the current school year

Students will be assigned to the appropriate grade level homeroom based on credits earned.  Eligibility for participation in class activities (ie. Prom, senior picture, etc.) may be determined by credits earned.

To qualify as a ninth grade student, promotion from eighth grade is required.  Most subjects meet every other day of the week and carry five credits for the full year.  Some subjects are offered one semester and carry 2 ½ credits. A few subjects meet five blocks per week and these credits vary.  Physical Education and health classes are required for each student for each year enrolled and must be successfully completed.

An early graduation program is available.  Students are permitted to graduate after their third year and before their fourth year in high school provided they complete all of the Board of Education and New Jersey State Department of Education requirements.  Interested students should contact their school counselors in the spring of their sophomore year.

Students may apply to meet graduation requirements through alternative methods using the Option II Program.  Information is available in the School Counseling Office.