Students at Excel High School have certain requirements they must meet to graduate just like students at traditional brick-and-mortar schools. In a public school setting, students will often attend assemblies discussing these standard requirements, or guidance counselors will visit their classrooms to help them sign up for their required credits.
At EHS, your Academic Success Coach can help make sure that you meet these requirements, and our enrollment team keeps close track of your credits to monitor your progress toward graduation. There are four areas that students should be knowledgeable about as you work toward graduation:
- Core classes
- Elective classes
- Minimum grade requirements
Core Classes at Excel High School
Students have to take a certain number of credits in each core subject area in order to meet the graduation requirements at Excel. Core subjects include math, science, social studies, and English. The academic program you’re enrolled in determines how many credits of each core class you must earn.
Standard & Adult Diploma Tracks
Mathematics
3 Credits
Science
3 Credits
Social Studies
3.5 Credits
English
4 Credits
Students are expected to meet specific graduation credit requirements in core subjects, which encompass math, science, social studies, and English. The exact credit allocation for these subjects hinges on one's chosen academic program, whether it's the Standard or Adult track. For those aiming to obtain a 21.5 credit diploma, they need to secure three credits each in math and science, three and a half in social studies, and a solid four in English. Every grade level mandates an English credit, guiding students through two survey courses, followed by American Literature and subsequently British Literature.
While students in the Standard track are obligated to complete math up to Algebra II, mirroring the standard prerequisites of many universities, those in the Adult track have a tad more leeway. However, a constant for both tracks is the necessity of a U.S. History credit. Science offers a broader selection, letting students cherry-pick their courses. Those with a penchant for a future in the sciences are advised to opt for more advanced courses to be better equipped for higher studies.
Elective Credits Required: 8 (Includes 2 credits from mandatory electives, and 6 of personal choice)
Honors & Advanced Placement (AP) Diploma Tracks
Mathematics
4 Credits
Science
3 Credits
Social Studies
3.5 Credits
English
4 Credits
Students pursuing the Honors or AP programs at Excel High School face a more rigorous set of credit requirements to reach graduation. Both these elite tracks mandate a completion of 24 credits: encompassing four credits each in math and English, three in science, and three and a half in social studies.
You will want to be very careful to earn one credit each in English and math for each grade level you complete because you need four credits in each of them. With the Honors program, you will take two survey English courses followed by American Literature and then British Literature. The AP program offers the additional option of AP English Literature and Composition or AP English Language and Composition. You have the option to take any of the traditional math courses with the addition of Probability and Statistics, Trigonometry, and AP Calculus AB.
Honors and AP students need to earn at least three and a half credits of social studies, and they have to include at least one full credit of U.S. History and one full credit of World History within those required credits. AP students must also include Government and Economics in their course selections to graduate.
Elective Credits Required: 9.5 (Includes 2 credits of international language)
How Many Credits Do You Need To Graduate High School?
High school graduation credit requirements differ across states and individual high schools. In general, students must earn credits in core academic areas and elective courses. Core academic courses often encompass subjects like English, Math, Science, and Social Studies. Students also take Physical Education, Health, and, in some cases, Foreign Language courses. Beyond these core subjects, students engage in elective courses, which can range from arts and music to vocational training. Additionally, certain high schools might mandate specific courses, capstone projects, or community service projects as part of their graduation criteria.
On average, students require around 21 to 24 credit hours to graduate from high school. Nevertheless, it's crucial to check with your specific school or state's educational mandates for exact requirements. Schools like Excel High School provide clear credit requirements across their various diploma tracks, ensuring a well-rounded education for all students.
Check out this blog post for more info
The Difference Between The 21.5 & The 24 Credit Track
Excel High School offers several different diploma paths. Which you choose will depend on your plans for after graduation. In this blog post, we look at the difference between the 21.5 and 24 Credit Track High School Diplomas.
Minimum Grade Requirements To Graduate
All Excel students, regardless of their program, have to meet certain minimum scores in order to earn credit for their courses. This ensures that you gradaute with a diploma that represents the learning that has taken place and provides you with the secure knowledge that colleges and universities will recognize the hard work you’ve done to graduate based on the validity of your diploma and our programs.
Standard, Honors, & Adult Diploma Tracks
Average score of 60% or higher, passing final exam grade of 60% or better, and essays/writing projects should also have 60% or better average.
All students in the Standard, Honors, or Adult programs must meet certain grade requirements to earn class credit. Every student must pass their courses with an average score of 60% or higher. Within each class, students have to take a final exam and pass that final exam with an average score of 60% or better. Along with their average class score and passing final exam grade, all essays and writing projects should also be passed with the required 60% or better average. With the ability to use notes and retake exams twice, along with the chance to revise and resubmit their essays, this expectation is one that our students regularly achieve.
Advanced Placement (AP) Diploma Track
Average score of 70% or higher, passing final exam grade of 70% or better, and essays/writing projects should also have 70% or better average.
For college credit: Pass the official AP exam for each Advanced Placement course.
Advanced Placement students must earn a minimum average score of 70% in their coursework. Additionally, if you want to earn credit for taking Advanced Placement classes with the college or university you plan to attend after graduation, you will often have to pass the official AP exam for each Advanced Placement course you take. To do so, you will want to view the test dates for your local area and take note of the testing requirements through the College Board AP website.
Excel High School
Navigating the journey towards graduation can seem daunting, but with Excel High School's accredited online programs, students of all ages can confidently chart their path towards a diploma. This institution provides a flexible and self-paced platform, tailored to accommodate the diverse schedules of both high school students and adults aspiring to complete their education. Excel High School not only grants you access to comprehensive academic knowledge but is also bolstered by a dedicated support team, ensuring that every learner progresses with confidence and assurance.
If you're contemplating joining our community or have lingering inquiries, please don't hesitate to reach out to us at 952-465-3700. As you prepare to embark on or continue your educational journey, remember that knowledge is your compass, and every step taken with Excel High School fortifies your foundation. By comprehending our graduation requirements, you arm yourself with the tools for success, ensuring that when you finally don your cap and gown, it's with pride in your tremendous achievements and the invaluable learnings acquired along the way.