GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS
Graduation requirements are those in effect the year a student enters high school as a freshman. They also vary by degree plan which include Core, Recommended and Distinguished. As most Westside students will follow the Recommended Degree Plan, what follows is a summary of these requirements for students entering ninth grade in 2010-11 and those entering in 2007-08 to 2009-10.While this information will assist you in developing your four-year plan, your dean will advise you to ensure graduation requirements are satisfied. If you began your freshmen year prior to 2007, please see your dean for the applicable graduation requirements.
Recommended Degree Program Ninth Grade Students entering 2010-2011
| English (I, II, III, IV) | 4 credits |
Speech (Communication Applications or Professional Communication if taken during 9th Grade) |
.5 credits |
Math (Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II with 1 additional math) Math Models with Applications may be used as a math credit if completed before Algebra II. Three of the four credits must be earned in high school. |
4 credits |
Science (Biology, Chemistry, Physics plus one additional Science credit) |
4 credits |
Social Studies (World Geography or AP Human Geography, World History, U.S. History, US Government ) |
3.5 credits |
Economics (12th Grade) |
.5 credit |
World Language (other than English) all in the same language |
2 credits |
Health Education |
.5 credit |
Physical Education (Athletics, ROTC, Marching Band and other traditional P.E. classes) |
1 credit |
Fine Arts (Theatre, Art, Music or Dance) |
1 credit |
Electives |
5 credits |
Total |
26 credits |
Students who have not tested Proficient on the TechLiteracy Assessment in Middle School will be required to complete one credit of Technology Applications to satisfy graduation requirements; this counts towards an Elective credit.
9th Grade Students entering 2007-2008 to 2009-2010
| English (I, II, III, IV) | 4 credits |
Speech (Communication Applications) |
.5 credits |
Math (Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II with 1 additional math)* Math Models with Applications may be used as a math credit if completed before Algebra II. Three of the four credits must be earned in high school. |
4 credits |
Science (IPC or Biology in 9th Grade plus 3 additional credits. If IPC is not taken, student must take both Chemistry and Physics.) |
4 credits |
Social Studies (World Geography or AP Human Geography, World History, U.S. History, US Government) |
3.5 credits |
Economics |
.5 credit |
Foreign Language (other than English) all in the same language |
2 credits |
Health Education |
.5 credit |
Physical Education (Athletics, ROTC, Marching Band and other traditional P.E. classes) |
1.5 credits |
Fine Arts (Theatre, Art, Music or Dance) |
1 credit |
Technology Applications (not all Technology courses satisfy this requirement; see your dean) |
1 credit |
Electives |
3.5 credits |
Total |
26 credits |
Distinguished Achievement Degree Program The Distinguished Diploma differs from the Recommended in that World Language requires 3 credits in the same language (instead of 2) but one less credit in Electives. In addition, four of the following advanced academic measures must be completed in any combination. These include (1) score of 3 or higher on an Advanced Placement exam; (2) college course; (3) independent research project; and/or (4) Commended Scholar or higher (based on PSAT scores). There are specific requirements for some of these advanced measures; please discuss this with your dean.
Core Degree Program The Core Diploma (minimum high school program) calls for 24 credits but is no longer widely used as the required credits do not satisfy most four-year colleges. This program is available by dean recommendation only with signed parental permission.