Contents
Iowa and New Jersey have the highest graduation rate in the country at 91% each, according to World Population Review. Tens of thousands of students graduate from high school every year, while for some, this journey is still ahead.
High school graduation is a moment when students get their diplomas and decide if they move on to higher education or enter the workforce. This happens when students meet the graduation requirements. Let’s see what graduation requirements mean.
What Courses Do You Need to Take to Graduate?
Students finish specific courses to graduate. These courses include core subjects and optional ones. Not all school subjects are required. Students select courses meeting graduation needs. Students choose certain subjects based on their interests. Here is detailed information about the courses.
English
English courses help students improve their reading, writing, and speaking skills. Children learn english literature to activate their fantasy and their ability of analytical thinking. English is a required course for graduation.
Mathematics
Mathematics teaches problem-solving and logical reasoning. Students take subjects like algebra, geometry, and sometimes advanced math like calculus. Mathematics is a required course for graduation.
Science
Science classes give the students an introduction to biology, chemistry, and physics. These subjects open the thinking process of the children and enable them to understand the surrounding world. Science is a required course for graduation.
Social Studies
Social studies include history, geography, and government. Students find out how societies function and learn the history of their country. Social studies are a required class for graduation.
Physical Education and Health
Physical education promotes physical fitness and teaches healthy living. Students get knowledge about wellness and other disciplines in these classes. Many schools require this course to graduate.
Arts and Electives
Arts classes are where students express their creative direction through subjects like music, the visual arts, or drama. Electives give students the freedom to study subjects based on their interests. These classes are to complete the remaining credits of graduation.
How Many Credits Do You Need to Graduate from High School?
Students have to earn a specific number of credits to graduate. Most students need between 20 to 24 credits, but the required number varies by state or school district. Check detailed state requirements here.
Here’s a table with information about how credits are generally distributed.
| Subject | Credits Required |
|---|---|
| English | 4 credits |
| Mathematics | 3-4 credits |
| Science | 3 credits |
| Social Studies | 3 credits |
| Physical Education and Health | 1-2 credits |
| Arts and Electives | 5-6 credits |
| Foreign Language | 1-2 credits |
What Are Non-Course Graduation Requirements?
Non-course graduation requirements are obligations students must meet to graduate. These requirements differ from classes or course credits. These requirements help students get a good education.
Testing
Many high schools require students to complete standardized tests as part of their graduation. These tests assess skills in key subjects like math and reading. Some schools include the Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT) or American College Testing (ACT). Passing these exams successfully shows academic proficiency.
Community Service
High schools ask students to finish a certain number of community service hours. This helps students be with their local community and build social responsibility. Volunteer work includes helping at shelters, tutoring, or working on environmental projects. Children search for volunteer opportunities through school programs, online platforms like VolunteerMatch and DoSomething, local organizations, or community centers.
Senior Project or Capstone
Many high schools require students to complete a senior project or capstone before graduating. This project includes research or a presentation on a topic of the student’s choice. The goal is to show the student’s ability to apply what they learned during their school’s time. This requirement helps develop critical thinking and communication skills.
Career Readiness
Career readiness programs prepare students for life after high school. The goal is to give students practical experience in the workforce.
School career centers offer guidance, internships, and job shadowing opportunities for students. Online platforms like Indeed, LinkedIn, and Handshake give access to many options. Students benefit from mentorship programs through organizations like Junior Achievement, where they connect with professionals in their field of interest.
Disciplinary Standing
Students need to keep good behavior throughout high school to graduate. This means staying away from major rule violations. Schools monitor student behavior and give consequences for breaking rules. Having a clean disciplinary record is important for getting a diploma.
Submission of Additional Documents
High schools need different documents from students before graduation. The documents include health records, proof of volunteer hours, or test results. The school needs these papers to have all the important information. Turning in everything on time helps make the graduation process go smoothly.
Application for Graduation
Students must officially apply for graduation. This process includes checking all academic and non-course requirements. Schools give deadlines for submitting graduation applications. Finishing everything on time is key to participating in the graduation ceremony.
What Types of High School Diplomas Can You Earn?
Most high school students earn a standard diploma by completing their state’s required courses. This diploma shows the student has met the basic academic expectations for graduation. Here’s a few more options:
- Some students earn advanced diplomas by taking extra courses or higher-level classes like Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB). These diplomas are helpful for students planning to go to college
- Students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) get a special diploma. This diploma adjusts the requirements to fit the student’s needs
- Some states offer special diplomas. A Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) diploma is available in some places for students who take extra STEM classes
- There are Career and Technical Education (CTE) diplomas for students focused on learning job skills
High School Graduation Requirements and Homeschool Laws
Homeschool graduation requirements are not as standardized as in public schools. Each state has its own laws regulating how homeschooling students graduate. Parents have the freedom to design the curriculum and set their own standards for graduation in most states.
Some states require homeschooled students to take standardized tests or provide a portfolio of their work to demonstrate progress. There are no specific testing requirements, and parents issue a homeschool diploma once they feel their child has met the learning goals in other states.
It’s important for homeschooling families to know their state’s laws so their child meets any legal requirements for graduation. Parents visit the Home School Legal Defense Association’s website to check homeschooling requirements for each state. Many state education department’s websites outline local homeschooling regulations and requirements.
How Can Legacy Online School Help?
“Our classrooms are led by high grade staff who are passionate about educating the world leaders of tomorrow”
Legacy Online School is an accredited school. The school’s curriculum meets all the necessary requirements for students to graduate and receive their diplomas. Students complete their education with a clear path to graduation.
Legacy Online School offers advanced programs like AP, Honors classes, and IEPs. These programs give students an academic edge and help them prepare for future opportunities.
Our highly qualified, passionate teachers love their work. Educators are ready to provide guidance and support for students.
Our team is happy to answer any questions and assist students and parents throughout the educational journey.
