In accordance with the New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE), Northern Valley requires that each student satisfactorily completes a minimum of twenty-four (24) credits for graduation, including:

  • Four courses in English Language Arts (ELA) (typically English 1, 2, 3 and 4);

  • One course each in U.S. History 1, US History 2 and World History;

  • Three sequential courses in Mathematics (beginning with Algebra at a minimum);

  • Three laboratory/inquiry-based courses in Science, including Biology;

  • One course in World Language;

  • One course aligned with Career Education, Consumer, Family, and Life Skills standards;

  • One course aligned with Visual and Performing Arts standards;

  • Health, Physical Education and/or Driver Ed during each year in attendance;

  • One half-year course aligned with Financial, Economic, Business and Entrepreneurial Literacy (Personal Financial Literacy or ‘PFL’) standards;

  • Career Exploration, infused into the existing subject areas over the student's four-year program;

  • Technological Literacy, consistent with the Common Core Standards, integrated throughout the curriculum.

In addition to curricular requirements, students must also:

  • participate in state-mandated assessments, including New Jersey Student Learning Assessment (NJSLA) depending on the year of graduation;

  • demonstrate mastery in English Language Arts (ELA) and Mathematics skills as determined by the NJDOE and measured through the Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers (PARCC) Assessments, New Jersey Student Learning Assessments (NJSLA) or NJDOE-defined equivalent. Beginning 2021, students must ‘pass’ both Algebra 1 and ELA 10 NJSLA assessments

Notes:

NVRHSD requires that a student must pursue a minimum of seven courses each year to remain a ‘student in good standing’.

Generally, courses meeting for one school year are equivalent to one credit. Courses meeting for one semester are equivalent to one-half credit. Courses meeting for one marking period are equivalent to one-quarter credit.

Shared vocational education (Vocational Education) and cooperative work experience (CBE) programs are generally equal to three credits.

Most NVRHSD students successfully complete more than the NJDOE minimum. NJDOE encourages all districts to promote students’ taking four years of English, Social Studies, Mathematics and Science. NVRHSD provides many opportunities to pursue core academic areas beyond minimum requirements.

If required, students must enroll in a prescribed remediation program and complete assessments to fulfill standards established by the NJDOE.


Graduation

Graduation requirements must be completed by every student to be eligible for a diploma and/or to participate in the high school graduation ceremony unless exempted by an individualized education program (IEP) and with approval of the Superintendent. The Northern Valley Child Study Team shall recommend exemptions to the Superintendent of Schools.

To receive a diploma, a senior must settle all fines, obligations and must return their laptop prior to graduation rehearsal.