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HCHS Graduation Requirements

To receive a regular high school diploma:
  • Math:  4 credits, including Algebra I, II, Geometry and a fourth high level math course (Students must be enrolled in a mathematics course each school year.)
  • English:  4 credits
  • Science: 3 credits, including Biology, Chemistry or Physics, and a third lab course
  • Social Studies: 3.5 credits, including U.S. History and Geography, World History and Geography, U.S. Government and Civics, Economics, and Personal Finance.  (Three years of JROTC may be substituted for one-half unit of Personal Finance if the JROTC instructor attends the Personal Finance training.)
  • Physical Education and Wellness:  1.5 credits (The additional 0.5 credit of PE may be substituted if the student participates in a sport, marching band, J.R.O.T.C., or cheerleading)
  • Foreign Language: 2 credits (May be waived by the local school district for students, under certain circumstances, to expand and enhance the elective focus)
  • Fine Arts: 1 credit (may be waived by the local school district for students, under certain circumstances, to expand and enhance the elective focus)
  • Elective Focus: 3 credits consisting of Math and Science, Career and Technical Education, Fine Arts, Humanities, Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB)
  • **Electives: Varies - Adjusted as needed for transfer students
  • ACT or SAT
  • Pass US Civics exam
  • Total number of credits required by the TN Department of Education: 22
  • Total number of credits required by the Houston County Board of Education: 28