REQUIREMENTS & PLANNING
Which Plan?
The college-path plan is for students who expect to go to college, and is based on the entrance requirements of most Tennessee colleges. There’s no difference in the diploma. The only difference will be in what courses appear on the high school transcript. Even if the student is not planning to go to college immediately, or is unsure, you may want to aim for the college-path plan. Whether or not students end up completing all the specific courses, if they complete the minimum requirements for graduation, they will graduate. The college-path plan requires:
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Higher math including Algebra I & II and Geometry
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1 or more college prep sciences with lab (i.e. Chemistry or Biology)
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1 additional credit of social studies (i.e., history or World Geography)
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2 credits of same foreign language
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1 credit of visual or performing arts
The general course of study is for students who do not plan to go to college. It doesn’t require all the courses (such as higher math or foreign language) that the college path requires. The general course of study requires:
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Same number of total credits, but more flexibility with electives:
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Minimum of 6 elective credits
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College Path
These courses are prerequisites for a degree at some universities. Completion of College Path includes an ACT composite score of 20 (or SAT equivalent) or acceptance by a college. ACT/SAT is not required for high school graduation (unless student is under 17).
English: 4 credits
Includes all language arts. See guidelines.
U.S. History: 1 credit
May not be taken for high school credit before 9th grade.
Visual and/or Performing Arts: 1 credit
May include Art, Music, Dance, or an art or music appreciation or art or music history course, etc.
Government: 0.5 credit
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Physical Education (P.E.): 1 credit
Wellness transferred from previous school is considered 0.5 credit of Health and 0.5 credit of P.E.
Mathmatics: 4 credits
Including Algebra I, II, & Geometry.. Higher math suggested. Pre-Algebra recommended before Algebra I. Geometry or an advanced math course with Geometry as a major component.
Social Studies: 1 credit
May include World History, World Geography, Ancient History, European History, or Modern History.
Bible: 1 credit
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Personal Finance: 0.5 credit
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Electives: 2 credits
Additional approved courses taken to meet total number of credits for graduation.
Science (Natural/Physical): 3 credits
Must include at least one credit of Biology, Chemistry, or Physics with lab.
Single Foreign Language: 2 credits
Two credits of ONE foreign language are required.
Economics: 0.5 credit
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Health: 0.5 credit
Wellness transferred from previous school is considered 0.5 credit of Health and 0.5 credit of P.E.
TOTAL FOR GRADUATION: 22 credits
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For help planning, see the printable college path planning sheet by clicking the button below.
General Course of Study:
English: 4 credits
Includes all language arts. See guidelines.
U.S. History: 1 credit
May not be taken for high school credit before 9th grade.
Government: 0.5 credit
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Physical Education (P.E.): 1 credit
Wellness transferred from previous school is considered 0.5 credit of Health and 0.5 credit of P.E.
Mathmatics: 4 credits
Pre-Algebra is recommended before Algebra. Also, Pre-Algebra can be approved for 1 high-school credit after 8th grade.
Bible: 1 credit
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Personal Finance: 0.5 credit
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Electives: 6 credits
Additional approved courses taken to meet total number of credits for graduation.
Science: 3 credits
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Economics: 0.5 credit
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Health: 0.5 credit
Wellness transferred from previous school is considered 0.5 credit of Health and 0.5 credit of P.E.
TOTAL FOR GRADUATION: 22 credits
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For help planning, see the printable general course of study planning sheet by clicking the button below.