Tests + CREDITS = Graduation

 
To get a diploma, a student must pass GRAD tests and earn enough credits in high school courses. To earn a credit a student MUST PASS the course (a ‘D’ grade or better).

See below for the required number of credits in each subject. For students with an IEP, courses of study are important when addressing transition goals and objectives.

Six- or Seven-period Day

Total quarter credits required for graduation in all six- or seven-period, regularly-scheduled SPPS high schools: 86 credits (64 required; 22 elective).

Students earn quarter credits as follows:

  • One quarter-long course = 1 credit

  • One semester-long, two-quarter course = 2 credits

  • One year-long, four-quarter course = 4 credits

Four-period Blocked Schedule

Total quarter credits required for graduation in all four-period, block-scheduled high schools: 112 credits (64 required; 48 elective).

Students earn quarter credits as follows:

  • One semester-long course = 4 credits

  • One quarter-long course = 2 credits

This chart lists the graduation requirements required by the State of Minnesota and
Saint Paul Public Schools
COURSE REQUIREMENTS
CREDITS
NEEDED
SAMPLE COURSES
(not all of these classes are available at every high school or may have a different title)
Language Arts
16
 English (electives might include: Modern Fiction, Creative Writing, Poetry, etc.)
Math
12
 Intermediate Algebra, Algebra, Geometry, Trigonometry, Pre-Calculus, Calculus, Math Studies
Science
12
 Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Physical Science, Physiology
Social Studies
14
 U.S. History, Government, Economics, Geography, World History, Psychology, Sociology
Arts
4

Performance Art: Acting, Dance, Theatre Arts

Visual Arts: Dance, Painting, Ceramics, Sculpture, Photography, Media Arts, Film

Music: Band, Concert Choir, Chorus, Orchestra, Percussions, Strings, Music Theory
Health & Wellness
2
 Health Community Service, Individual & Community Health, Medical Careers
Fitness & Physical Education
2
 Physical Education, Physical Education Lifestyles, Gymnastics, Tennis, Volleyball
Family & Consumer Science, Industrial Tech, or Business
2

Family & Consumer Science: Infant Child Development, Fashion Design, Culinary Arts

Industrial Tech: Architecture, Automotives, Construction, Engineering

Business: Accounting, Computer Keyboarding, Personal Finance, Microsoft Office
World Language
SPPS recommends
Level 3 completion
at minimum
American Sign, Chinese, French, German, Hmong, Japanese, Dakota/Lakota, Ojibwe, Russian, Spanish
Electives
22
(48 credits at
4-period schools)
 African Empires, Astronomy, Documentary Film Making, Environmental Systems, Law & Justice, Multicultural Literature, Public Speaking, World Cultures, etc.
Six Year Plan
(develops a student’s education plan for high school and beyond)
----
 Students participate in yearly academic and post high school planning by completing the grade level milestones of the Six Year Plan; this begins in the ninth grade with the goal of having a college or career plan for at least two years beyond high school graduation.
 

© Copyright 2011 Saint Paul Public Schools. All rights reserved.