Graduation Requirements
Graduation Requirements
Graduation requirements include those prescribed by the Ohio Department of Education, but should be considered minimum requirements. Students will generally plan for or earn more than these minimum credits. Ohio law allows high school credits earned prior to ninth grade to be used to satisfy the minimum graduation requirements. The grades earned in these courses will count in the student’s grade point average and class rank. Requirements for high school graduation in Westerville consist of a minimum of 20 credits, which must include the following:
Final WCS Interactive Guide.pdfCollege Preparatory Program
Test scores, GPA, and courses taken in high school are all factors affecting college admission. The recommended college preparatory program includes:
4 years of English, with emphasis on composition 4 years of social studies
4 years of mathematics 2-3 years of one world language
4 years of science 1 year of fine, applied, or performing arts
A robust curriculum assists students in transitioning from high school to college. Since requirements vary from university to university, students are strongly encouraged to check the latest policies regarding course requirements with each university or college admission office.
Recommended Progression of Required Courses
Required physical education and health courses may be scheduled at any time throughout grades 9 to 12, although it is strongly recommended that they be completed in grades 9 and 10.
Ohio Graduation Requirements
In addition to earning course credits, students must demonstrate college or career readiness by meeting the criteria below. Please be sure to review your expected graduation year’s requirements as they may vary from others.
Class of 2023 and Beyond
In addition to earning a minimum of 20 credits, students are also required to demonstrate competency on the Algebra 1 and English 2 end-of-course exams and demonstrate readiness by obtaining at least two seals (at least one of which must be a state seal) listed below. If students do not show competency on those two end-of-course exams there are alternative paths. At the time of printing, the Ohio Department of Education is still finalizing those requirements. Please go to http://education.ohio.gov/Topics/Ohio-s-Graduation-Requirements for the most current information.
Requirement: Students must earn a minimum of 20 credits.
Beginning with the Class of 2026, students will be required by the state of Ohio to earn a ½ credit in Financial Literacy.
Requirement: Per guidelines established by the Ohio Department of Education in accordance with HB 487 all students in the graduating classes of 2023 and beyond must show competency on the Ohio State Tests in Algebra 1 and English 2.
Students who do not show competency on the assessments will need to meet one of the following options:
Option 1: Demonstrate Two Career Focused Activities
Option 2: Enlist in the Military
Option 3: Complete College Coursework
Requirement: Show readiness by earning two of the following diploma seals, at least one being from the state. These seals provide students the chance to demonstrate academic, technical, and professional skills and knowledge that aligns to their passions, interests, and planned next steps after high school.
Option 1 - Demonstrate Two Career Focused Activities
Demonstrate Two Career-Focused Activities*:
Foundational Proficient scores on WebXams
A 12-point industry credential A pre-apprenticeship or acceptance into an approved apprenticeship program
Supporting Work-based learning
Earn the required score on WorkKeys Earn the OhioMeansJobs Readiness Seal
Option 2 - Enlist in the Military
Show evidence that you have signed a contract to enter a branch of the U.S. armed services upon graduation.
Option 3 - Complete College Coursework
Earn credit for one college-level math and/ or college-level English course through Ohio’s free College Credit Plus program.
**Starting in 2023, graduates will also have to earn TWO Seals (with one from state)**
Honors Diplomas
A Diploma with Honors is a designation set forth by the Ohio Department of Education. A student may earn an honors diploma either by accomplishing additional criteria in the college preparatory curriculum or in the career-technical curriculum. A seal is affixed to the student’s diploma validating this award.
For the Academic, International Baccalaureate, and Career Tech Honors Diplomas, students who entered the ninth grade between July 1, 2013 and June 30, 2017 may choose to pursue the diploma by meeting the requirements of these criteria or the previous criteria . Students entering the ninth grade on or after July 1, 2017 must meet the criteria listed on these pages.
The Ohio Department of Education continues to update graduation requirements and pathways on their website. Please visit http://education.ohio.gov/Topics/Ohio-s-Graduation-Requirements for the latest information.
Notes
1 International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma with Honors — The IB track to the Honors Diploma requires full completion of all requirements for an IB Diploma Programme including the Theory of Knowledge course in meta-cognition, the Extended Essay project, and the 150 hour Creativity, Action, and Service (Service Learning) requirement.
2 These scores are based on the 2017 ACT and SAT assessments. Refer to the Ohio Department of Education for a document outlining equivalent scores for past and future tests that differ from the 2017 versions. Writing sections of either standardized test should not be included in the calculation of the score. The Locating Information test is not included in the calculation of the WorkKeys score.
Additional information about honors diploma requirements can be found at http://www.wcsoh.org/administration/105.
Grade Level Progressions
Requirements for Progression to the Next Grade Level
Progression to the next grade level is attained by earning credits for successful completion of courses. Credits required to progress (including those earned from required courses):
*Please see the additional requirements needed to graduate.
Grade Replacement Procedure
A student may retake a course if she or he received a “D+” or below in the original course, or is recommended to do so by a teacher. The point value of the higher of the two grades (retaken course grade or original grade) will be the only one averaged into the student’s cumulative grade point average. However, the academic record of both courses will be reflected on the student’s transcript. Credit for the course will not be duplicated.
Educational Options for Success (EOS) Program
The Educational Options for Success (EOS) program is housed at the Academic Enrichment Center. The primary objective for each student attending EOS is to successfully earn credits towards their high school diploma and develop skills to be successful within the school and community environments they will face upon their transition from the program.
A student participating in the EOS program may be
Considering dropping out of school because they are over age and/or lacking credits.
Experiencing failure in a charter school or home school situation.
Choosing to attend EOS in lieu of expulsion.
Seeking an alternative to the traditional school setting and is interested in pursuing specific goals and aspirations.
Initial referrals and subsequent recommendations for students to attend the EOS program take place at a student’s home high school. A designated staff member in each high school, usually an Assistant Principal, serves as the EOS Program Enrollment Manager.
Contact your school counselor to learn more about the EOS Program.
2024 Summer Learning Opportunities
A student participating in Summer Learning Opportunities may be
Taking or retaking courses to recover credit
Taking courses to work ahead or make room in their future schedules
Location: Minerva Park Middle School
5002 Farview Rd.
Columbus, OH 43231
Dates
June 3, 2024 - July 19, 2024
(no school June 19 or July 4)
Registration will take place in May, 2024.
Visit https://www.westerville.k12.oh.us/administration/117
for registration dates and deadlines.
DEADLINE TO REGISTER IS WEDNESDAY, MAY 31
Registration closes at 4:30 pm on Wednesday, May . All registrations and payment must be received by this time.
No registrations will be accepted after 4:30 pm on the deadline. If mailing, envelope must be postmarked on or before the deadline.
On-Line Registration Only
The on-line registration form can be found at www.wcsoh.org. On the home page, click the "summer School" button.
Course Confirmation
A confirmation email will be sent to the email address on your registration form, which will confirm receipt of your paid registration. If a change needs to be made, you will be notified prior to the start of the course.
Refund and Cancellation Policy
All refunds will be subject to a processing fee. Refer to registration information for fee schedule. Cancellations need to be received in writing/email. Minimum enrollment must be met or a course may be canceled. Full refunds will be provided if:
(1) WCS cancels a class; (2) a class is filled before registration is received and no other class options are available; OR (3) a student receives and provides documentation of a passing grade in the course during the school year.