High School Diploma Requirements
Join SSA today!
For incoming high school students, the high school diploma requirements are as follows.
Course Requirements:
-
4 credits in English Language Arts. This should include reading, writing, spelling, grammar and composition, literature, and speaking.
-
4 credits in Mathematics (one credit must be Algebra 1; one credit must be Geometry)
-
3 credits in Natural Science (one credit must be Biology 1; two credits must include a lab; two additional credits must be rigorous in comparison to Biology 1)
-
3 credits in Social Science (one credit must be in World History; one credit must be in U.S. History; one-half credit must be in U.S. Government; one-half credit must be in Economics with Financial Literacy)
-
1 credit in Fine or Performing Arts, Speech and Debate, or Practical Arts
-
1 credit in Physical Education/Health. This should include instruction on first-aid, safety, and fire prevention. CPR should also be included.
-
8 credits in Electives (two credits in Foreign Language are recommended for students who plan to go to college; 1 credit in Computer and Library Skills and 1 credit in Career and Education Planning are recommended)
*Note that if your student has an IEP or 504 plan or other documentation related to a disability or recommended learning accommodations, please notify SSA so that we can determine the best requirements needed for graduation. SSA offers both a modified high school diploma and a secondary education completion certificate.
Honors High School Diploma
SSA assigns an honors designation upon graduates in the following categories:
-
Honors: 3.60 or higher GPA with at least 3 credits in honors courses during the high school years. At least one honors credit must be earned during the senior year.
-
High Honors: 3.75 or higher GPA, with at least 6 credits in honors courses during the high school years. At least one honors credit must be earned during the senior year.
-
Highest Honors: 3.90 or higher GPA with at least 10 credits in honors courses during the high school years. At least 2 credits must be earned during the senior year.