top of page

Graduation Requirements

Graduation Credit Requirements for Classes 2021 and Beyond:

 

​

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1 Mathematics – Students must earn 4 mathematics units, which must include one unit of algebra II or the equivalent of algebra II. Exceptions: Algebra II or advanced computer science is not a requirement for students following a career-technical pathway. However, students still must have four units in mathematics. A student may choose to apply one unit of advanced computer science to satisfy one unit of algebra II/math III or equivalent. Districts also may use credit in a computer science course approved by the Department to satisfy a student’s mathematics credit.

 

2 Physical Education – School districts may adopt policies that would exempt students who participate in interscholastic athletics, marching band or cheerleading for two full seasons or an approved Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC) program for two years from the physical education requirement. Starting with the 2019-2020 school year, districts may include show choir as a permissible activity as part of the PE Waiver policy. Students satisfying the physical education waiver must take another course of study of at least 60 hours of instruction (1/2 unit).

 

3 Science – Science units must include one unit of physical sciences, one unit of life sciences and one unit of advanced study in one or more of the following sciences: chemistry, physics or other physical science; advanced biology or other life science; astronomy, physical geology or other earth or space science. A student can choose to apply one credit in advanced computer science to satisfy one unit of advanced science (excluding biology or life sciences).

 

4 Social Studies – Students must include ½ unit of American history, ½ unit of American government, and ½ unit in world history and civilizations (for students in the classes of 2021 and beyond) in the three required social studies units.  

 

5 Elective credits – Elective units must include one or any combination of world language, fine arts, business, career-technical education, family and consumer sciences, technology, agricultural education or English language arts, mathematics, science or social studies courses not otherwise required.  

 

Note: While not a state requirement for graduation, many four-year colleges and universities require a minimum of two years of sequential world language study at the secondary level as a college admissions requirement. This is the case for many in-state and out-of-state colleges and universities.  

 

6 Financial Literacy – Ohio law requires students to receive instruction in financial literacy as part of the high school graduation requirements. For example, the financial literacy content may be incorporated into another course.

​

​

​

Graduation Credit Requirements for Classes 2021 and 2022:

​

REQUIREMENT 1: Take and earn a state minimum of 20 credits in specific subjects. You also must receive instruction in economics and financial literacy and complete at least two semesters of fine arts. (Specifics for this Requirement are listed at the top of this page)

 

REQUIREMENT 2: Meet one of the following options:

 

OPTION 1:

  • Satisfy one of the three original pathways to graduation that were in place when you entered high school. The pathways include:  

    • 1. Ohio’s State Tests - Earn at least 18 points on seven end-of-course state tests. Each test score earns you up to five graduation points. You must have a minimum of four points in math, four points in English and six points across science and social studies. For more information on these tests, please CLICK HERE.

      • End-of-course exams: 

        • English II (10th Grade)

        • English I (9th Grade)

        • American Government

        • American History

        • Biology

        • Geometry

        • Algebra I

    • 2. Industry credential and workforce readiness - Earn a minimum of 12 points by receiving a State Board of Education-approved, industry-recognized credential or group of credentials in a single career field and earn the required score on WorkKeys, a work-readiness test. The state of Ohio will pay one time for you to take the WorkKeys test.

    • 3. College and career readiness tests - Earn remediation-free scores in mathematics and English language arts on either the ACT or SAT.  

 

OPTION 2:

  • Satisfy the new graduation requirements for the classes of 2023 and beyond. (Specifics for these Requirements are listed below)

​

​

2023 and Beyond Graduation Requirements:

 

REQUIREMENT 1: Take and earn a state minimum of 20 credits in specific subjects. You also must receive instruction in economics and financial literacy and complete at least two semesters of fine arts. (Specifics for this Requirement are listed at the top of this page)

 

REQUIREMENT 2A: Earn a passing score on Ohio’s high school Algebra I and English Language Arts II tests. Students who do not pass the test will be offered additional support and must retake the test at least once.

  • Students are also required to take the following end-of-course tests, but competency is not required for graduation:

    • Geometry

    • Biology

    • American Government

    • American History

  •  IMPORTANT - For students in the classes of 2023 and beyond, English Language Arts I is not a required test to take.

 

REQUIREMENT 2B (If unable to pass REQUIREMENT 2A): If unable to pass the Algebra I and/or English Language Arts II tests, there are three additional ways to show competency:

​

OPTION 1:

  • Demonstrate Two Career Focused Activities

    • Foundational

      • Proficient scores on WebXams

      • A 12-point industry credential

      • A pre-apprenticeship or acceptance into an approved apprenticeship program

    • Supporting

      • Work-based learning

      • Earn the required score on WorkKeys

      • Earn the OhioMeansJobs Readiness Seal

​

OPTION 2:

  • Enlist in the Military

    • Show evidence that you signed a contract to enter a branch of the U.S. armed services upon graduation.

​

OPTION 3:

  • Complete College Coursework

    • Earn credit for one college level math and/or English course through Ohio’s free College Credit Plus program.

​

REQUIREMENT 3: Earn two of the following diploma seals, choosing those that line up with your goals and interests. These seals give you the chance to demonstrate academic, technical and professional skills and knowledge that align to your passions, interests and planned next steps after high school.

 

IMPORTANT - At least one of the two must be Ohio-designed:

 

  • List of Ohio Seals - Explained in more detail HERE

    • OhioMeansJobs Readiness Seal (Ohio)        

    • Industry-Recognized Credential Seal (Ohio)

    • College-Ready Seal (Ohio)

    • Military Enlistment Seal (Ohio)

    • Citizenship Seal (Ohio)

    • Science Seal (Ohio)

    • Honors Diploma Seal (Ohio)

    • Seal of Biliteracy (Ohio)

    • Technology Seal (Ohio)                          

 

  • List of Local Seals - Explained in more detail HERE

    • Community Service Seal (Local)

    • Fine and Performing Arts Seal (Local)

    • Student Engagement Seal (Local)

​

bottom of page