1. 1. Participate in academic planning meetings with a school counselor.

   2. Enroll in coursework that will help to achieve your educational goals.

   3. Parents/Guardians must review and approve the Academic Plan.

   4. Take the ACT with Writing during junior year, at no cost. Students pursuing the Alternative Diploma* will take the NAA instead.

   5. Earn a diploma.

* Students with significant cognitive disabilities may earn the Alternative Diploma through participation in the Nevada Alternate Assessment (NAA) instead of the ACT. This diploma is included in a school’s graduation rate, and students remain eligible for IDEA services until their 22nd birthday.

The Clark County School District (CCSD) strives to prepare students for success in post-secondary education and in the workforce by providing a rigorous curriculum. The Core Enrollment Expectations are consistent with Nevada Revised Statute (NRS) 389.018 and aligned with the State of Nevada  Millennium Scholarship minimum core curriculum requirements. To meet the requirements set forth by the Nevada State Board of Education, all students are enrolled in the Core Enrollment Areas of Study.

Core Enrollment Areas of Study Units

English 4

Mathematics (including Algebra II or higher) 4

Natural Science 3

Social Studies and History 3

Total 14

Students who successfully complete the Core Enrollment Expectations outlined above with a grade point average (GPA) of at least 3.25 may qualify for the State of Nevada Millennium Scholarship. Please see your school counselor for more information about the State of Nevada Millennium Scholarship.

SOURCES: NRS 389.018, Nevada Board of Regents, Nevada Treasurer’s Office

Required: College and Career Readiness Assessment

The College and Career Readiness Assessment (ACT with Writing) is a requirement for graduation. Juniors will take the ACT in spring of the junior year at no cost. It is recommended that all students take the ACT in the spring of the junior year. Some colleges/universities and NCAA Division I Initial Eligibility (for student-athletes) will require an ACT score. Finally, some universities determine scholarship eligibility based on ACT and/or SAT results. 

Students attending college/university in Nevada can earn the Millennium Scholarship after successfully completing the core curriculum and earning at least a 21 composite score on the ACT. For more information, please see the Nevada Scholarships section of this guide.

SOURCE: CCSD Regulation 5127, NRS 390.610

Optional: ACT National Career Readiness Certificate (NCRC)

The ACT NCRC is a portable, evidence-based credential that certifies the essential skills for workplace success. Employers look for it from job candidates because it is a valid predictor of job performance. Students that earn a Silver or above for the ACT NCRC credential will also meet one of the qualifications for the College and Career Ready Diploma. Please contact your school counselor with additional questions.

Optional: Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB)

The United States Department of Defense developed this test to administer to students all over the country. The test is typically scheduled during the school day and is normally at no cost to the student. Score reports received after taking the test can be useful in determining college and career pathways. This test is typically taken in Grades 10–12. Students that earn a Military Entrance Score (or AFQT) of 50 or above will also meet one of the qualifications for the College and Career Ready Diploma. Please contact your school counselor with additional questions.

Optional: SAT

The SAT is used by many colleges and universities to make admissions decisions. It is a multiple-choice test administered by the College Board. The purpose of the SAT is to measure college readiness by providing colleges with common scores to compare all students. Free online test preparation is available through Khan Academy (www.khanacademy.org). This test is typically taken during the spring of Grade 11 and fall of Grade 12. There is a cost associated with this exam, but fee waivers may be available to those that qualify. Students that earn scores of 480 in Reading and 530 in Math will also meet one of the qualifications for the College and Career Ready Diploma. Please contact your school counselor with additional questions.

Students attending college/university in Nevada can earn the Millennium Scholarship for completing the core curriculum and earning a combined reading, writing, and math score of 1070 or higher. For more information, please see the Nevada Scholarships section of this guide.

Optional: PSAT/NMSQT

The Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test is a great way to prepare for the SAT. Scores are used to identify National Merit Scholars and award merit scholarships. Score reports received after taking the test can be useful in determining which Advanced Placement (AP) coursework may be appropriate during high school. Free online test preparation is available through Khan Academy (www.khanacademy.org). This test is typically taken in Grades 08, 10, and 11. The examinations for students in Grades 08 and 10 are at no cost. Please contact your school counselor with additional questions.