Contents
- 1 What Are the Illinois State High School Graduation Requirements?
- 2 What Diploma Do Students Receive Upon Graduation?
- 3 What Specific Courses Must Students Take to Graduate?
- 4 How Do Students Fulfill the Social Science and Science Requirements?
- 5 What Is the Constitution Test and Its Importance for Graduation?
The number of U.S. high school graduates is expected to increase in the coming years, reaching a peak of 3.9 million in 2025, according to the Cognia report.
Illinois state high school graduation requirements are the mandatory standards set by schools for students in Illinois. Meeting these requirements allows students to graduate successfully. Not following these requirements leads to not being able to graduate.
What Are the Illinois State High School Graduation Requirements?
Let’s take a closer look at the requirements high school students in Illinois must meet to graduate.
Overview of Graduation Requirements
16 units of study, including specific courses in English, Math, Science, and Social Studies, are mandatory for students who want to graduate successfully. Kids are also required to take tests like the Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT) to meet state graduation standards. Additional courses, such as Health, Physical Education, and electives, are included to provide a balanced education.
Core Subjects Required for Graduation
Core subjects and required credits are listed in the table below.
| CORE SUBJECT | CREDITS |
| English | 4 |
| Math | 3 |
| Science | 2 |
| Social Studies | 2 |
| Physical Education | 1 |
| Health | 0.5 |
Students also need 1 credit in electives in areas like Fine Arts, Foreign Languages, or Career and Technical Education.
Importance of Meeting Graduation Requirements
Graduation requirements give students the opportunity to earn a diploma and help them develop important skills for their future lives. These skills include the ability to solve any problem, critical thinking, knowledge of specific subject areas, and much more.
What Diploma Do Students Receive Upon Graduation?
Students who successfully complete their courses receive a diploma.
Types of Diplomas Offered in Township High Schools
Most schools offer a standard high school diploma. Some schools also provide specialized diplomas or endorsements. These options can include honors diplomas or career and technical education (CTE) certificates.
Requirements to Obtain a High School Diploma
Students must complete specific credits in English, Math, Science, Social Studies, Physical Education, and Health. Kids must also pass a state civics requirement, take standardized tests like the SAT, and meet elective credit requirements.
Impact of Diplomas on College and Career Opportunities
Students without a high school diploma cannot get higher education, and their chances of getting a high-paying job are low. Having a diploma guarantees college admission and provides a wider range of career opportunities.
What Specific Courses Must Students Take to Graduate?
Let’s take a closer look at which courses are required for graduation.
Core Curriculum Requirements
Students must take 4 years of English, 3 years of Math, 2 years of Science, and 2 years of Social Studies.
Elective Course Options for High School Students
Students need 1 credit in electives. Elective courses allow students to explore interests like Fine Arts, Foreign Languages, Career and Technical Education, or other specialized subjects.
Physical Education and Its Role in Graduation
Physical Education and Health are mandatory disciplines every year of high school. These courses promote physical well-being, teach healthy habits, and contribute to the total credits needed for graduation.
How Do Students Fulfill the Social Science and Science Requirements?
“While mathematics, physical sciences, and engineering students over the world share the same technical vocabulary (such as symbols and equations) foreign social sciences students must cope with a foreign language as well as the subject matter”
Julia Tai, University of Illinois
Let’s see how students meet the Social Science and Science requirements for graduation.
Understanding the Social Science Curriculum
Social Science is a required subject in the curriculum and teaches the basics of government as well as the role of children in society. A minimum of 2 years of this subject, including U.S. History and Civics, must be completed by students.
Laboratory Science Requirements for Graduation
Science is a mandatory subject in the curriculum, requiring students to complete at least 2 years, typically including Biology and a laboratory-based course like Chemistry or Physics. These classes help students understand scientific concepts and get practical skills
Balancing Sciences with Other Graduation Requirements
Students must plan their schedules to include required Science and Social Science courses, core subjects, and electives. Many resources, such as school counselors or online planning tools, help students manage their workload correctly.
What Is the Constitution Test and Its Importance for Graduation?
The Constitution test is an important part of graduation. Here’s what students need to know about this test.
Overview of the Constitution Test Requirements
This test assesses students’ understanding of the U.S. Constitution, the Illinois Constitution, and key principles of government, such as the separation of powers, checks and balances, individual rights, and the responsibilities of citizens. Students must demonstrate knowledge of how government functions at the federal and state levels, including the roles of elected officials and the importance of civic engagement.
Preparation Strategies for the Constitution Test
Students can seek help through school-offered tutoring, study groups, or online learning platforms like Legacy Online School. Teachers can provide additional resources, and some schools offer dedicated academic support programs or preparation workshops for exams.
Consequences of Not Passing the Constitution Test
Students who don’t pass the test may need to retake it until they achieve a passing score, as it is a mandatory requirement for graduation in Illinois.
