Graduation requirements
Wake County Public High School graduation requirements
22 Credits total needed:
English: 4 credits
English I
English 2
English 3
English 4
Math: 4 credits
Math I
Math 2
Math 3
A 4th Math class aligned with post-secondary plans
Science: 3 credits
Earth/Environmental
Biology
A Physical Science (Physical Science or Chemistry)
Social Studies: 4 credits
Students who entered 9th grade in 2020-21: World History, an American History course, A Founding Principles course (either Civics & Economics or Civic Literacy), Economics & Personal Finance
Students who entered 9th grade in 2021-22 or later: World History, Civic Literacy, American History, Economics & Personal Finance
Healthful Living: 1 credit
Elective credits: 6 credits
CTE classes
Visual/performing arts
World languages
Physical fitness electives
English, science and social studies electives
IMPORTANT NOTE: 2 elective credits need to be in a concentration pairing from CTE, Arts, or World Language
World Language notice:
No world language is required to graduate a WCPSS high school but 2 levels are needed if planning on attending a 4-year college/university in the UNC system.
Promotion requirements
High school students shall be promoted by attaining credits that are earned through successful completion of specific required courses as illustrated in the following (Note: The appropriate English credit is required for promotion each year)
Promotion requirements from 9th to 10th Grade
English I
Two credits from: Mathematics, Social Studies, or Science
6 credits total
Promotion requirements from 10th to 11th Grade
English II
One credit from Mathematics
One credit from Social Studies
One credit from Science
12 credits total
Promotion requirements from 11th to 12th Grade
English III
Enrollment in a program which, if successfully accomplished, will result in the completion of graduation requirements