Graduation requirements

Foundation High School Program Plus One endorsement

  • 4 credits: English I, II, III, and an Advanced English
  • 4 credits:  Algebra I, Geometry, a third and fourth advanced math credit
  • 4 credits:  Biology, IPC, Chemistry or Physics; and a third and fourth science
  • 3 credits:  World Geography, Human Geography or World History; US History: Government, Economics
  • 2 credits: in the same language or two credits in Computer Programming Language
  • 1 credit:  fine arts
  • 1 credit: physical education
  • 0.5 credit:  health
  • 6.5 credits: electives
  • At least 4 endorsement credits

Endorsements

For the first time, students will be able to earn one or more endorsements as part of their graduation requirements. Endorsements consist of a related series of courses that are grouped together by interest or skill set. They provide students with in-depth knowledge of a subject area.  Students must select an endorsement* in the ninth grade. Districts and charters are not required to offer all endorsements. If only one endorsement is offered, it must be multi-disciplinary studies.  Students earn an endorsement by completing the curriculum requirements for the endorsement, including 4th credit of math and science and 2 additional elective credits.

Students can choose from 5 endorsement areas

  • Arts and Humanities - includes courses related to political science, world languages, cultural studies, English literature, history, and fine arts.
  • Business and Industry - includes courses directly related to database management, information technology, communications, accounting, finance, marketing, graphic design, architecture, construction, welding, logistics, automotive technology, agricultural science, and HVAC.
  • Multi-Discplinary Studies - includes 4 advanced courses from among endorsement areas that are not in a coherent sequence; 4 credits in each of the four foundation areas including English IV, chemistry, and/or physics; 4 AP, IB, or dual credit courses from any of the foundation subject areas.
  • Public Service - includes courses directly related to education and training, law enforcement, government and public administration, human services, and JROTC.
  • Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) - includes courses directly related to science (including environmental science), technology (including computer science), engineering, and advanced math.

 To earn an endorsement students must complete the requirements for the endorsements.

  • Arts and Humanities (one of the following)
    • 2 levels each in two languages other than English (LOTE) 
    • 4 levels in the same LOTE 
    • Courses from one or two areas (music, theater, art, dance) in fine arts
    • English electives not included in Business and Industry
    • Social Studies
    • American Sign Language
  • Business and Industry (one of the following or a combination of areas)
    • Agriculture
    • Arts
    • Audio/Video
    • Finance
    • Marketing
    • Food and Natural Resources
    • Hospitality and Tourism
    • Manufacturing
    • Technology Applications
    • Architecture and Construction
    • Technology and Communications
    • Business Management and Administration
    • Transportation or Distribution and Logistics
    • English electives in public speaking, debate, advanced journalism including newspaper and yearbook
  • Multi-Disciplinary Studies (one of the following)
    • Four advanced courses form the other endorsement areas
    • Four credits in each foundation subject area, including English IV and chemistry and /or physics
    • Four credits in Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, or dual credit selected from English, mathematics, science, social studies, economics, language other than English, or fine arts.
  • Public Service (one of the following)
    • Human Services
    • Law
    • Corrections and Security
    • Health Science
    • Public Safety
    • Education and Training
    • Government and Public Administration
    • Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps
  • Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM)
    • Career and Technical Education courses related to STEM
    • Mathematics
    • Science
    • Computer Science
    • Combination of no more than two of the categories listed above