Graduation Requirements
Graduation Requirements
22 Credits Total Required (most of you will receive more-NHCS recommends at least 28)
English 4 units:
English I
English II
English III
English IV
Mathematics 4 units:
NC Math 1
NC Math 2
NC Math 3
a 4th math (Discrete Math or other option)
Science 3 units:
Earth and Environmental Science
Biology
A Physical Science: Physical Science, Chemistry, or Physics
Social Studies 4 units:
World History
Civic Literacy
American History
Economics & Personal Finance
Physical Ed/Health 1 unit
Electives 6 units
2 of the 6 electives must be from either a CTE class, World Language, or Art (see additional notes below)
Students entering 9th grade 2025–2026 (& beyond) must complete at least 1 Arts Education course (Visual Art, Music, or Theater) in grades 6- 12
Students entering 9th grade 2026–2027 (& beyond) must earn at least 1 credit in an approved computer science course before earning a high school diploma
CPR
Most students completed this in 8th grade PE
It is the responsibility of the student and parent to be aware if a college or university requires coursework for admission beyond what New Hanover County Schools requires for graduation (for example, some out-of-state or private four year colleges require two semesters of the same World Language, and some four year colleges require Chemistry over Physical science, or a 4th science). Admission requirements are most frequently posted on a school's undergraduate admissions web page.