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HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS
Students 9-12th grades must earn 22 Credits for graduation.
English
*4 credits
Math
*4 credits: Algebra 1, Geometry, Algebra 2 and one additional math in senior year
Science
*3 credits: Any science elective course (Physical Science), Biology, Chemistry OR Physics
Social Studies
*3 credits: World History, US History, ½ credit of Civics, ½ credit of Economics
World Languages
*2 credits in world languages must be completed consecutively: Spanish, French, Japanese or
German
Second year of the world language maybe completed with a second VPAA class or CTE completer.
Health and Physical Education
*1 credit: ½ credit of Health and Wellness, ½ credit of Physical Education
The PE credit maybe fulfilled through 2 seasons of a sport or 2 seasons of marching band.
Visual, Performing or Applied Arts (VPAA)
*1 credit (i.e. Art Foundations, Band, Beginning Band, Concert Band, Drama, Life Skills,
Woodshop, Design and Engineering)
Online Experience
In addition, 4 other credits can be earned by successfully completing elective courses.
REQUIRED, CORE CLASSES
ENGLISH 9
1 CREDIT
The major emphasis in the class is on writing and reading skills through a study of drama, poetry, the short story, the novel, and the
essay. A term paper or annotated report is part of the required work in this course.
HONORS ENGLISH 9
1 CREDIT
Honors English 9 is an accelerated class. Extensive writing and reading assignments will challenge students. Placement of the
student in this class is based on established criteria.
WORLD HISTORY 9
1 CREDIT
World History is the study of civilizations, people, places, and events over the past 5,000 years of human history. It includes such
cultures as those of Ancient Egypt, the Roman Empire, the Middle Ages, Renaissance Italy and the 20th century world. Also studied
are ideas and concepts such as socialism, democracy, nationalism, dictatorship, communism and Nazism. Students will realize that
man has had similar needs and problems universally through time and has met those needs and problems in different ways.
AP WORLD HISTORY 9
1 CREDIT
Advanced Placement World History is for the highly motivated student who is willing to take on the responsibility and challenges of
a college level experience. This course develops and/or improves those skills necessary to get into and survive the first year at a
university. A course objective is to prepare students for the Advanced Placement Examination given in the spring of each year.
Actual performance on the AP exam will determine whether college credit will be earned.
BIOLOGY
1 CREDIT
This course will cover many areas of biology including cells, botany, zoology, genetics, and ecology. Laboratory experiences will be
used to give hands-on reinforcement of the material presented. Placement of the student in this class is based on established
criteria.
PHYSICAL SCIENCE
1 CREDIT
Physical Science develops the concepts and applications of chemistry and physics. The course is designed to include laboratory
experiences and to integrate with other disciplines.
GEOMETRY
1 CREDIT
Geometry is a one-year college/career preparatory course which includes the study of the axiomatic method; similarity and
congruence; proofs pertaining to triangles, quadrilaterals, other polygons, and circles, geometric constructions, geometric formulas,
and an introduction to coordinate geometry.
ACCELERATED GEOMETRY
Teacher approval is required for placement into this course.
1 CREDIT
ELECTIVE YEAR-LONG CLASSES
DRAMA
1 CREDIT
The focus of this course is on the development of voice, movement, and imagination. Students use a range of techniques to
understand character as actor and/or audience member. Emphasis is placed on the development of poise and stage presence. The
technical aspects of theatre production are introduced.
FRENCH I
1 CREDIT
French I is a study of the French language with equal emphasis on listening, reading, speaking, writing and culture. Learning will
concentrate on bringing new vocabulary and grammar into meaningful communicative situations. Students will be introduced to the
French-speaking people and their customs and traditions by means of video, audio and computer technology. Frequent speaking and
listening activities will enhance students’ ability to communicate in French, which is the major goal of the class. Cultural studies will
include French foods, films, music, famous people, art, history and geography.
FRENCH II
PREREQUISITE: French I
1 CREDIT
This class is a continuation of French skills with an emphasis on speaking and understanding French through vocabulary building and
use of technology. Students will continue to develop proficiency in the areas of listening, reading, speaking, writing, and culture.
Culture studies include Paris, French cuisine, music, transportation, geography and more. At the high school level, regular use of the
language lab will be an integral part of the curriculum.
FRENCH III
PREREQUISITE: French II
1 CREDIT
French III continues a balanced skills approach to an in-depth study of the French language. The course will be conducted as much as
possible in French and students will be encouraged to use French whenever they are in the classroom. Emphasis is placed on
spontaneous use of the language. The study of the French speaking world and related culture will continue. Selected readings from
other sources will be used to supplement the readings in the text. Regular use of the language lab will be an integral part of the
curriculum.
SPANISH I
1 CREDIT
Spanish I is a beginning course providing elementary practice in speaking, listening, reading, and writing the Spanish language. There
is a strong emphasis on oral communication and listening comprehension through the use of varied classroom exercises as well as the
use of authentic audio and video tapes. This course is interwoven with interesting information concerning the social life, geography,
customs, songs, and foods of the many Spanish-speaking countries. The importances of Spanish to a person living in the U.S. as well
as career opportunities are also discussed.
SPANISH II
PREREQUISITE: Spanish I
1 CREDIT
Students have an opportunity to develop their language skills through the continued balanced presentation of the four skills. More
advanced reading passages, dialogues, and directed writings are utilized. Oral communication and listening comprehension continue
to be a vital part of daily activities. Reading selections, class discussions, and videos portray a cross-section of Spanish culture
including leisure time activities, family celebrations, clothing, school and daily life, health, shopping, travel, food, professions, and
urban versus rural life.
SPANISH III
PREREQUISITE: Spanish II
1 CREDIT
In Spanish III, there is greater use of Spanish in the classroom with concentration on developing students' confidence with the
language. More advanced grammar and vocabulary items are used as a foundation to further oral and written communication in
Spanish. Selected supplementary readings offer cultural insights, as well as an introduction to the art, geography and history of Spain.
Spanish III is a must for college-bound students. At the high school, regular use of the language lab will be an integral part of the
curriculum.
GERMAN I
1 CREDIT
German 1 is a beginning course providing elementary practice in speaking, listening, reading, and writing the German language.
There is a strong emphasis on oral communication and listening comprehension through the use of varied classroom exercises as well
as the use of authentic audio and videotapes. This course is interwoven with interesting information concerning the social life,
geography, customs, songs, and foods of the many German-speaking countries. The importance of German to a person living in the
U.S. as well as career opportunities is also discussed
WOODWORKING
1 CREDIT
A co-educational course designed to teach basic skills in the use of woodworking hand tools, portable power tools, and industrial
woodworking machines. Woodworking processes such as wood turning, furniture construction, furniture repair, laminating, inlay,
overlay, finishing, and refinishing are taught through the use of projects. Various other materials are also introduced as a working
media in the project development. The woodworking industry will be studied.
DESIGN AND ENGINEERING 1
1 CREDIT
A co-educational course designed to teach basic knowledge and develop specific skills in the drafting field. Common drafting terms
and symbols are learned in interpreting drawings. Line control, lettering, sketching, and manipulating drawing tools are the skills that
are developed. Geometrical construction, orthographic projections, sectioning, and dimensioning techniques are taught along with an
introduction to auto body design and CAD drafting. Because of the accuracy in communication developed through drafting
techniques, we recommend this course as basic to all careers.
BEGINNING BAND
1 CREDIT
Beginning band provides any interested student the opportunity to learn to play a band instrument. The fundamentals of brass,
woodwind, and percussion instruments are covered with the emphasis on individual progress and enrichment. No previous musical
training is required. Selection of instrument requires the consent of the instructor. ALL MEMBERS ARE REQUIRED TO ATTEND
EXTRA REHEARSALS AND ALL PERFORMANCES.
CONCERT BAND 9
1 CREDIT
This class is designed for the developing band student. These students are expected to develop and refine those skills that will lead to
advancement to high school band. All members are expected to practice regularly and give their utmost dedication to the group. ALL
MEMBERS ARE REQUIRED TO ATTEND EXTRA REHEARSALS AND ALL PERFORMANCES. If a student has no prior
instrumental experience, private lessons before the 9th grade year are required.
ART FOUNDATIONS
1 CREDIT
Art Foundations is the prerequisite for all advanced art classes. This class helps develop drawing skills using nature, figures, still life,
and perspective studies. The student will gain an understanding of composition by working with the elements of art: color, line,
space, shape, texture, value, and form; and the principles of art: balance, variety, movement/rhythm, harmony/unity, proportion,
contrast (size) and emphasis. Problems in both two and three-dimensional areas will be presented which will help the student
understand design, composition and terminology. The class will provide training and experience in painting, printmaking, lettering,
sculpture, pottery, and technology. Study of artists through the ages and the history of art and its impact on contemporary life will
enhance each student’s awareness of both cultural heritage and art as a possible career choice. A sketchbook containing outside
assignments will be kept to help the student develop sequential thought processes, and creative ideas. A nominal lab fee may be
required to offset cost of materials.
LIFE SKILLS 9
1 CREDIT
Life Skills is comprised of one semester of Foods and Nutrition and one semester of Parenting and Child Development. Student
success will be achieved through hands-on learning and cooperative learning experiences. Food preparation and consumer decision
making strategies will be explored in the area of Foods and Nutrition. In the area of Parenting and Child Development, the student
will be introduced to the many challenges parents face each day.
YEARBOOK
1 CREDIT
The main objective of the class is to produce the school yearbook. The course includes interviewing, copywriting, photographing
school events, designing layouts and graphics, advertising, and fund raising. Students should be able to stay after school when needed
to meet publication deadlines. In addition, students are required to sell advertisements for their publication. Students may take this
class for credit more than once. Placement of the student in this class is based on established criteria and application process.
AP HUMAN GEOGRAPHY
1 CREDIT
This class is an academic, yearlong course designed to represent a systematic study of the earth & its inhabitants. APHG mirrors a
typical undergraduate level Introduction to Human Geography course and covers the following seven units: the geographic
perspective; population; cultural patterns and processes; political organization of space; agricultural and rural land use;
industrialization and economic development, and cities and urban land use. This course should help students understand how cultural,
economic and political systems relate to the distribution of human activities, the nature of places, and people’s interaction with their
environment.
SEMESTER-LONG ELECTIVE CLASSES
If you choose to take a semester long class, you must sign up for both classes below; one for each semester.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION
½ CREDIT
By participating in team and lifetime activities, students will better understand that physical activity is an important part of a healthy
lifestyle. Students will learn the rules, skills, strategies, and etiquette appropriate for each activity. Semester activities may include
soccer, speedball, flag football, field hockey, badminton, racquetball, team handball, volleyball, basketball, floor hockey, other
recreational activities, and aquatics. Students participate in aerobic activities and each student’s individual level of physical fitness is
assessed.
HEALTH/WELLNESS
½ CREDIT
This one semester required course is to be taken in ninth or tenth grade, and provides students with information that will enable them
to make healthy decisions, define wellness, and deal with various health problems. Topics include community health services,
substance abuse, mental health, chronic and communicable diseases including AIDS and other STD’s, personal safety, reproduction,
and human growth and development.