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400.3

Graduation Requirements

Students must earn a minimum of 40 credit hours in grades 9-12 to qualify for a diploma. One credit hour is earned for each semester course that meets for one class period daily. Two credit hours are the equivalent of a yearlong course. The credit hours required for graduation will include the following minimum subject area requirements:

English Language Arts…………………………………………………………………………………………..8 credit hours
Students must complete 2 credit hours of English language arts coursework each year during grades 9-12 as prescribed in the Program of Studies.

Mathematics ……………………………………………………………………………………………………….6 credit hours
Students must complete 6 credit hours of mathematics coursework during the grades 9-12 as prescribed in the Program of Studies.

Science………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..6 credit hours
Students must complete 6 credit hours of science coursework during grades 9-12 as prescribed in the Program of Studies.

Social Studies……………………………………………………………………………………………………….6 credit hours
Students must complete 6 credit hours of social studies coursework during grades 10-12 as prescribed in the Program of Studies.

Physical Education…………………………………………………………………………………………………4 credit hours
Iowa Code requires all physically able students in grades 9-12 to participate in physical education. Exceptions to this requirement follow Iowa Code and District Regulation.

Financial Literacy………………………………………………………………………………………………………
Students must complete at least one-half unit of instruction in personal financial literacy as a condition of graduation.

Elective ……………………………………………………………………………………………….10 credit hours
Students must complete 10 credit hours of electives during grades 9-12.

Graduation requirements for students receiving special education will be in accordance with the prescribed course of study in the student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP). Prior to the student’s graduation, the IEP team will determine whether the graduation requirements have been met.

The high school principals will validate whether students have met the graduation requirements.

Early Graduation

Generally, students will be required to complete the necessary course work and graduate from high school at the end of grade twelve. Students may graduate prior to this time if they meet the minimum graduation requirements stated in board regulation.

A student who graduates early will no longer be considered a student and will become an alumnus of the school district. However, the student who graduates early may participate in commencement exercises.

 

  • Approved: 02-26-79
  • Revised: 03-23-81, 06-27-83, 12-12-83, 05-29-84, 01-28-85, 01-13-86, 05-11-87
  • Reviewed: 11-13-89
  • Revised: 12-11-89, 02-08-93, 08-22-94, 02-13-95
  • Reviewed: 03-25-96
  • Revised: 04-14-97, 08-09-99, 12-12-05, 11-12-12, 02-09-15, 03-09-2020, 10-25-2021
  • Documents: 400.3
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