Having a comprehensive North Carolina high school graduation requirements checklist is essential for ensuring that students have the necessary knowledge and skills to succeed after graduating. Specifically, it is designed to ensure that students who attend public schools in the state are well-prepared for college or other post-secondary institutions, and are equipped with the foundational skills needed to excel in their chosen field.
Students must complete four credits of English/Language Arts courses to graduate from high school in North Carolina. These courses must include at least three credits of traditional literature, one credit of writing and grammar, and a half credit in speech. Advanced students may also pursue additional credits in Creative Writing or Advanced Placement English/Language Arts courses.
Students must complete four credits of mathematics to graduate from North Carolina high schools. These courses should include Algebra I and Geometry, as well as two additional math course chosen between Algebra II, Statistics, Pre-Calculus, or Calculus. Advanced students may also pursue additional credits in AP mathematics or other higher level classes.
These courses should include biology and physical science and one semester each of chemistry and physics if available at the student’s school (otherwise earth/environmental sciences or computer sciences can be used to fulfill the requirement). Advanced students may also pursue additional credits in AP or honors science courses.
Students must complete three credits of social studies to graduate from high school in North Carolina. These courses should include one semester each of World History, U.S. History and Civics & Economics. Advanced students may also pursue additional credits in AP or honors social studies courses.
Students must complete a minimum of two credits of CTE coursework to graduate from high school in North Carolina. These courses provide students with opportunities for gaining skills and knowledge related to fields of their interest, and help to prepare them for post-secondary education or the job market.
Students must complete one credit of healthful living to graduate from high school in North Carolina. This course should focus on topics such as personal well-being, nutrition, physical fitness, sexuality and HIV/AIDS prevention, and substance abuse prevention.
Students must complete two to four credits of world language/foreign language courses to graduate from high school in North Carolina. These courses should emphasize listening, speaking, reading and writing proficiency in a foreign language (other than English). Advanced students may also pursue additional credits in AP or honors language courses.
Students must complete a personal finance literacy course to graduate from high school in North Carolina. This course should cover topics such as budgeting, savings, investments and credit management.
Students must complete four credits of electives or advanced courses related to an area of specialization to graduate from high school in North Carolina. These courses can be any combination of lower-level classes or higher-level classes like Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB) classes. Advanced students are encouraged to pursue additional credits in their area of specialization and/or other advanced courses.
In order to graduate from a high school in North Carolina, a student must complete 4 credits of English/Language Arts courses, 4 credits of Mathematics courses, 3 credits of Science courses, 3 credits of Social Studies courses, 2-4 credits of Career & Technical Education (CTE) courses, 1 credit of Healthful Living, 2-4 credits of World Language/Foreign Language and 0 to .5 credit of a Personal Finance Literacy course. In addition, students must complete 4 credits of electives or advanced courses in an area of specialization (e.g., art, music, foreign language, business management etc.).
Yes. In order to graduate from high school in North Carolina, students must also demonstrate proficiency in the End-of-Course Tests for English II and Biology courses as well as pass their Civics & Economics course with a minimum score of 70%. A student may demonstrate proficiency by passing the End-of-Course Tests or through an alternative assessment (e.g., portfolio, project).
Yes. Students may be able to earn a diploma earlier than their graduating class if they have met all of the graduation requirements and have taken additional courses beyond the minimum number of credits required. Early graduates must still complete all individual coursework and assessments required in order to graduate.
Yes, further information about high school graduation requirements in North Carolina can be found on the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction website. Additionally, students and families should contact their individual high school for specific graduation requirements and/or questions related to a student’s academic progress.
A checklist for North Carolina high school graduation requirements is a valuable tool for students and parents to ensure that all necessary criteria is met before graduation. It provides an easy-to-follow list of items that need to be completed in order for a student to graduate, such as four credits in English/Language Arts, four credits in Mathematics, three credits in Science, three credits in Social Studies, two-four credits of Career & Technical Education (CTE) courses, one credit of Healthful Living, two-four credits of World Language/Foreign Language and 0 to .5 credit of a Personal Finance Literacy course. In addition, students must demonstrate proficiency in the End-of-Course Tests for English II and Biology courses and pass their Civics & Economics course with a minimum score of 70%. Further information can be found on the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction website, as well as at individual high schools.
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