PCSS Diploma Options
PCSS offers a variety of diploma options. For more information on the options, contact your school counselor.
See Graduation Requirements for details on specific course requirements.
English 4 credits
Math 4 credits
Science 3 credits
Social Studies 3 credits
Foreign language 2 credits
Fine Arts 1 credit
Physical Education 0.5 credit
Wellness 1 credit
Personal Finance 0.5 credit
Elective Focus 3 credits
See Graduation Requirements for details on specific course requirements.
English 4 credits
Math 4 credits
Science 3 credits
Social Studies 3 credits
Foreign language 2 credits
Fine Arts 1 credit
Physical Education 0.5 credit
Wellness 1 credit
Personal Finance 0.5 credit
Elective Focus 3 credits
AND
Must meet ALL ACT subject area readiness benchmarks:
English 18
Math 22
Reading 22
Science 23
The benchmarks are scores on the ACT subject-area tests that represent the level of achievement required for students to have a 50% chance of obtaining a B or higher or about a 75% chance of obtaining a C or higher in corresponding credit-bearing, first-year college courses.
See Graduation Requirements for details on specific course requirements.
English 4 credits
Math 4 credits
Science 3 credits
Social Studies 3 credits
Foreign language 2 credits
Fine Arts 1 credit
Physical Education 0.5 credit
Wellness 1 credit
Personal Finance 0.5 credit
Elective Focus 3 credits
AND
Attaining a B average (3.0 GPA) AND completing AT LEAST ONE of the following:
earn a nationally recognized industry certification
participate in at least one of the Governor’s Schools
participate in one of the state’s All State musical organizations
be selected as a National Merit Finalist or Semi-Finalist
attain a score of 31 or higher composite score on the ACT
attain a score of 3 or higher on at least two advanced placement exams
successfully complete the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
earn 12 or more semester hours of transcripted postsecondary credit
complete Work Based Learning Career Practicum as CTE Level 3 or 4 Career Cluster/Capstone course
See Graduation Requirements for details on specific course requirements.
English 4 credits
Math 4 credits
Science 3 credits
Social Studies 3 credits
Foreign language 2 credits
Fine Arts 1 credit
Physical Education 0.5 credit
Wellness 1 credit
Personal Finance 0.5 credit
Elective Focus 3 credits
AND
Earn 2 additional credits of your choice in any subject.
A student cannot count these courses as part of their regular requirements.
Attendance
95% Required (no more than 36 total days in 4 years)
Discipline
No “out of school suspensions”
Volunteer Service
80 hours (These hours must be done outside the school day. Please see the list on the website for what will and will not count for Tennessee Scholars.)
Grades
Maintain a C or above average in all classes. If your final class completion grade is an F you must retake that class and make at least a C to count that grade for the class for TN Scholars eligibility.
See Graduation Requirements for details on specific course requirements.
English 4 credits
Math 4 credits
Science 3 credits
Social Studies 3 credits
Foreign language 2 credits
Fine Arts 1 credit
Physical Education 0.5 credit
Wellness 1 credit
Personal Finance 0.5 credit
Elective Focus 3 credits
AND
earning a minimum of 20 points as outlined in the Work Ethic Distinction Standards.
See Graduation Requirements for details on specific course requirements.
English 4 credits
Math 4 credits
Science 3 credits
Social Studies 3 credits
Foreign language 2 credits
Fine Arts 1 credit
Physical Education 0.5 credit
Wellness 1 credit
Personal Finance 0.5 credit
Elective Focus 3 credits
AND
Students who meet the following criteria will be recognized at graduation (red, white, and blue entwined cord) as achieving PCSS local distinction.
Overall GPA of 2.5 or better
90% or better attendance in Work-Based Learning
Successfully complete at least one semester of Work-Based Learning
See Graduation Requirements for details on specific course requirements.
English 4 credits
Math 4 credits
Science 3 credits
Social Studies 3 credits
Foreign language 2 credits
Fine Arts 1 credit
Physical Education 0.5 credit
Wellness 1 credit
Personal Finance 0.5 credit
Elective Focus 3 credits
AND
have an overall GPA of at least 3.0, and have earned an industry certification in his or her career interest category or a regionally recognized industry certification
See Graduation Requirements for details on specific course requirements.
English 4 credits
Math 4 credits
Science 3 credits
Social Studies 3 credits
Foreign language 2 credits
Fine Arts 1 credit
Physical Education 0.5 credit
Wellness 1 credit
Personal Finance 0.5 credit
Elective Focus 3 credits
AND
earning a composite of 19 or higher on the ACT and earning a capstone industry certification
See Graduation Requirements for details on specific course requirements.
English 4 credits
Math 4 credits
Science 3 credits
Social Studies 3 credits
Foreign language 2 credits
Fine Arts 1 credit
Physical Education 0.5 credit
Wellness 1 credit
Personal Finance 0.5 credit
Elective Focus 3 credits
AND
Complete appropriate IB level course work as a junior and senior
Language A – English
Language B – (Spanish or French)
Individuals and Society – (History of the Americas)
Experimental Sciences (Biology, Chemistry, Exercise Sports Health Science)
Mathematics – (Mathematical Studies)
Arts or Electives – (visual arts and music)
Three unique components make up the remaining portion of an IB diploma:
Theory of Knowledge – a critical thinking course designed to teach students how they learn across all subject areas
Creativity, Activity, and Service – Diploma students complete service-learning opportunities over 2 years under the direction of the CAS Coordinator.
A 4,000 word Extended Essay researched, documented, and written on a topic of choice, written over 2 years.
The diploma program requires that students meet defined standards and conditions to be awarded a diploma, including earning a minimum of 24 points on IB exam points total.