•  High School State Requirements and Grades 

    MARCH 2015 

     


     High School Graduation Requirements 

    North Carolina’s high school graduation requirements are outlined below for students entering ninth grade in 2012-13 or later. To make sure students stay on track for a high school diploma, please remember that every high school student must meet state course and credit requirements in addition to any local requirements. Beginning with the 2015-16 school year, North Carolina will have a standard high school grading scale and letter grades for students in grades nine through 12. This information is below the requirements chart. (Requirements for students who entered ninth grade before 2012-13 are online: http://www.ncpublicschools.org/docs/curriculum/home/graduationrequirements.pdf) 

    See your school counselor for additional information or assistance about reaching high school graduation. 

    FOR NINTH GRADERS ENTERING IN 2012-13 AND LATER – Two Courses of Study Leading to One Diploma 


     CONTENT AREA 

    FUTURE-READY CORE Course of Study Requirements 

    FUTURE-READY OCCUPATIONAL 

    Course of Study Requirements 

    English 

    4 Credits I, II, III, IV or a designated combination of 4 courses 

    4 Credits OCS English I*, II*, III, IV 

    Mathematics 

    4 Credits Math I, II, III and a 4th Math Course to be aligned with the student’s post high school plans 

    A student, in rare instances, may be able to take an alternative math course sequence as outlined under State Board of Education policy. Please see your school counselor for more details. 

    3 Credits 

    OCS Introduction to Mathematics 

    OCS Algebra I* 

    OCS Financial Management 

    Science 

    3 Credits 

    A physical science course, Biology, Environmental Science 

    2 Credits 

    OCS Applied Science 

    OCS Biology* 

    Social Studies 

    4 Credits 

    American History: Founding Principles, Civics and Economics; World History; American History I and American History II OR AP US History or other college-level courses that are appropriate**; additional social studies course** 

    2 Credits 

    OCS Social Studies I (Government/US History) 

    OCS Social Studies II (Self-Advocacy/ Problem Solving) 

    World Languages 

    Not required for high school graduation. A two-credit minimum is required for admission to a university in the UNC system. 

    Not required 

    Health and Physical Education 

    1 Credit 

    Health/Physical Education 

    1 Credit 

    Health/Physical Education 

    Electives or other requirements*** 

    6 Credits required 

    2 elective credits of any combination from either: 

    – Career and Technical Education (CTE) 

    – Arts Education 

    – World Languages 

    4 elective credits strongly recommended (four course concentration) from one of the following: 

    – Career and Technical Education (CTE)**** 

    – JROTC 

    – Arts Education (e.g. dance, music, theater arts, visual arts) 

    – Any other subject area (e.g. social studies, science, mathematics, English) 

    6 Credits 

    Occupational Preparation: 

    – OCS Preparation I, II, III, IV***** 

    – Elective credits/ completion of IEP objectives/Career 

    – Portfolio required 

    CONTENT AREA 

    FUTURE-READY CORE Course of Study Requirements 

    FUTURE-READY OCCUPATIONAL 

    Course of Study Requirements 
     
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