High School Graduation Requirements
Graduation = 220 credits!
As a senior, am I on track?Look at your transcript under the credit summary box. On the column that reads
“Earned”:
= 160 : You are right on track! You must earn 60 credits in your senior year towards the
correct subject areas (six classes each semester) and you will graduate.
> 160 : You are ahead of credits for graduation! District policy still requires that students enroll in 6 classes, but you are in great shape for graduation.
< 160 : You are behind in credits for graduation. Please see your counselor as soon as
possible to ensure you are eligible for graduation and able to make-up credits (adding
on an “A” period).
You need 220 credits in total to graduate. They are divided into:
- History/Social Sciences: 35 credits
- 5 credits of World Geography
- 10 credits of World/European History
- 10 credits of US History
- 5 credits of Government
- 5 credits of Economics
- English: 40 credits
- 10 credits per year
- Mathematics: 20 credits
- Minimum requirement: must complete Algebra 1 (or equivalent course from outside the District such as Integrated Math 1).
- Science: 20 credits
- 10 credits of Life Science
- 10 credits of Physical Science
- World Languages/Visual and Performing Arts/Career Tech and Applied Arts: 20 credits
- 10 credits in two of the above three areas
- Physical Education: 20 credits
- 10 credits of PE 9 and completion of the Fitnessgram test
- 10 credits of another PE class taken in 10th-12th grades
- Health: 5 credits
- Additional "electives"/classes: 60 credits
Depending on the number of credits you have earned and the timeframe you have to make-up credits, you may still have a chance to graduate. But, you must speak with your counselor as soon as you find yourself in danger of failing.
Can I still participate in graduation if I make up the credits during the summer after my senior year?No, you must complete all 220 credits by the end of your second semester of senior year in order to participate in the DVHS graduation ceremony.
What if I want to drop a class and/or change my schedule?You must ensure that dropping a class or changing your schedule does not impact graduation. (i.e. dropping a class in a required subject area or losing total credits by dropping). If you have reported your senior courses on your college application, this means your application status (or conditional acceptance- depending on when you would like to drop a course) may be affected by this. You, the student, will need to contact all of the college admissions offices that you applied to and ask: “Will dropping “X” course impact my college application status/conditional acceptance?” Each office will be able to answer this question.
Senioritis: what is it and how do I avoid it?Senioritis: noun. A crippling disease that is subject to strike high school seniors. It tends to manifest itself about halfway through the first semester, waiting for winter vacation. Symptoms include: laziness, procrastination, an overall lack of concern for style (sweats, flip flops, and sometimes lack of hygiene). Also features a lack of studying, repeated absences, and a generally dismissive attitude. The only known cure is a phenomenon known as graduation. It can be contagious, so stay focused and support each other! There is a light at the end of the tunnel!