Contents
Education plays an important role in the lives of students. It affects the future, career, and development of children. Public high school students in the U.S. had an average adjusted cohort graduation rate of 87% for the 2021-2022 school year, according to the National Center For Education Statistics. Students need specific credits reflecting their progress to graduate high school.
Graduation credits are points given for finishing courses. These points show progress and define if a student can graduate. Each state has its own rules for graduation, including exams. Let’s explore Indiana’s high school graduation credit requirements.
Indiana High School Diplomas
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. This is the Core 40 with Academic Honors Diploma in Indiana
- Students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) get a special diploma. This diploma adjusts the requirements to fit the student’s needs
- There are Career and Technical Education (CTE) diplomas for students focused on learning job skills. This is the Core 40 with Technical Honors Diploma in Indiana
Course and Credit Requirements
Let’s review the course and credit requirements for graduation in Indiana.
Credits Breakdown
Indiana high school diplomas need at least 40 credits in core subjects. Core 40 Diplomas add more math and science for college or careers. Electives let students try art, technology, or languages. Honors Diplomas require extra courses and higher grades.
See the table for more details on subjects, credits and diplomas.
| GENERAL DIPLOMA | CORE 40 DIPLOMA | CORE 40 WITH ACADEMIC HONORS | CORE 40 WITH TECHNICAL HONORS | |
| CREDITS REQUIRED | 40 | 40 | 47 | 47 |
| MATH | 4 | 6 | 8 | 6 |
| SCIENCE | 4 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| LANGUAGE ARTS | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 |
| SOCIAL STUDIES | 4 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| PHYSICAL EDUCATION & HEALTH | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| ELECTIVE | 10 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| ADDITIONAL | 8 | 6 | 11 | 13 |
Academic Honors Requirements
Students must complete 47 credits, including advanced coursework, to earn an Academic Honors Diploma in Indiana. Students need 6 to 8 credits in a foreign language and at least 2 credits in AP, dual-credit, or IB classes, along with required subjects and electives. Children must keep a Grade Point Average (GPA) of at least 3.0 and get a minimum score of 1250 on the Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT) or 26 on the American College Testing (ACT).
Technical Honors Requirements
Students must complete 47 credits to earn a Core 40 with Technical Honors Diploma in Indiana. They need to follow a Career and Technical Education (CTE) pathway and earn certifications or complete skill-based projects. Students must keep a GPA of 3.0 or higher and score at least 1250 on the SAT or 26 on the ACT.
Employability Skills Projects
Employability skills projects give students real-world experience through internships or career-related tasks. Students can intern at a clinic, helping staff and learning teamwork. Projects teach skills like communication and problem-solving for future jobs. Completing one is needed for advanced diplomas like Technical Honors.
How to Prepare for Graduation?
Students prepare for graduation by earning credits and planning for college or a career. Here’s what to focus on.
Credit Requirements
The first step is knowing the requirements for graduation. Students need to track their progress in core subjects, such as English, Math, Science, and Social Studies, while completing electives. Reviewing credit status with a school counselor regularly helps avoid last-minute surprises.
Four-Year Plan
Students work with parents and school counselors to create a personalized four-year academic plan. This plan maps out required courses, electives, and any extracurricular activities like internships or career training. The earlier the plan is made, the easier it is to adjust as interests or goals change.
Focus on Core Subjects
Core subjects are mandatory. Prioritizing English, Math, Science, and Social Studies in the early years of high school keeps students on track. Completing these courses early provides room for advanced studies, college-level courses, or vocational training in the later years.
Electives
Electives provide opportunities to explore personal interests or career paths. Students choose electives aligning with their future goals. Electives help students prepare for college, the workforce, or specialize in a specific trade. Taking advantage of dual enrollment options with local colleges gives students a head start on college credits.
Deadlines
Graduation preparation involves staying organized. Students maintain a clear schedule of assignments, exams, and other important deadlines. Completing necessary exams is critical for kids since these can impact final grades and graduation eligibility.
How Legacy Online School Can Help Students Prepare for Graduation?
“Such a calm and fruitful study in a regular school we only dreamed of. And here, my son pulled up his studies for all the missed years in regular school in just 4 months”
Parent’s review, Niche
Legacy Online School lets students complete credits on a flexible schedule. Teachers give personal help to students to meet diploma goals. The school’s curriculum includes advanced courses, like AP or dual-credit options, to prepare students for college. Legacy Online School offers dual enrollment with Arizona State University.
Learn more about this program here. Progress trackers help children stay organized. Support services guide students with career and college plans. Enroll at Legacy Online School to graduate successfully.
