High School Graduation Requirements

Download: High School Graduation Requirements
Download: High School Graduation FAQ

State requirements include that all students:

• Take a minimum of 46 high school credits, which include 30 credits in core subjects
• Complete a Future Readiness project
• Complete a Civics Exam
• Take six (6) credits of math
• Take six (6) credits of science
• Take nine (9) credits of Language Arts/Communications
• Take five (5) credits of Social Studies
• Take two (2) credits of Fine Arts and World Languages
• Take one (1) credit of Health/Wellness
• Take one (1) credit of Digital Literacy
• *Credit requirements may be specified, please refer to the appropriate guidance document to learn the content area requirements.

The rule also requires school districts to offer students at least one advanced opportunity, such as concurrent credit, Advanced Placement, or tech prep courses.

Students may be able participate in a flexible school schedule, self-directed learning, graduate early or receive credit for extended learning opportunities.

Career and Technical courses can count toward credit requirements as long as they meet state content standards.

Credit requirements will vary by school district. At a minimum, high school students are still required to take 16 elective credits in order to graduate.

A student who opts for a flexible schedule to take elective courses, pursue career technical education programs or courses as selected by the student to participate in apprenticeships or internships, or act as a tutor at any grade level or to graduate early the student must first meet the following:

• Be at least sixteen (16) years of age.
• Obtain parent or guardian permission if under the age of 18.
• Maintain a cumulative 3.5 grade point average.
• File a notification with the school of the student’s intent, the student participation portfolio and an essay of at least one page explaining why the student wishes to have a flexible schedule outlining the student future plans.
• Complete the civics requirement, the economics credit, government credits and senior project that include a detail explanation for the student future plans.
• Achieve a college and career score of greater than 750 on the SAT in mathematics (MATH) and English (ERW) or greater than 33 on the ACT mathematics exam and greater than 70 on the ACT English (English and Reading Combined) exam.

Students need to complete a minimum of six credits in math. The math courses must include:

• Two semesters of Algebra I or courses that meet Algebra I standards.
• Two semesters of Geometry or courses that meet Geometry standards.
• Two semesters of math of the student’s choice.

Secondary mathematics courses include:

• Integrated Mathematics
• Business Mathematics
• Algebra
• Geometry
• Trigonometry
• Fundamentals of Calculus
• Probability and Statistics
• Discrete Mathematics
• Courses in Mathematical Problem Solving and Quantitative Reasoning

Note: Pre-algebra does not meet secondary requirements, unless incorporated into the above list of courses.

Note: Engineering and computer science courses aligned to state standards for grades nine through twelve may be counted as mathematics credit. Students who choose to take engineering or computer science courses may not concurrently count courses as both mathematics and science credit for the same course.

• Flexibility Awarding High School Credit
• Graduation Implementation Guide

Students need a minimum of six credits in science. Four credits are required from at least two of the following content areas:

• Physics
• Chemistry
• Earth and Space
• Life Science

Two credits may include instruction in:

• Applied Science
• Physics
• Chemistry
• Computer Science
• Earth and Space
• Life Sciences
• Engineering

Note: Students who choose to take engineering or computer science courses may not concurrently count courses as both mathematics and science credit for the same course.

A Senior Project is a comprehensive assignment that is designed to be a culmination of each student’s academic experiences from his/her high school career. Typically, Senior Projects include a paper, a portfolio, a presentation, and a final product or culminating activity or event.

The Senior Project must include elements of research, development of a thesis using experiential learning or integrated project-based learning experiences and presentation of the project outcomes. Additional requirements are at the discretion of the local school district. Completion of a postsecondary certificate or degree at the time of high school graduation or an approved pre-internship or internship program may be used to meet this requirement.

Students beginning in the class of 2028 are required to complete the Future Readiness Project.