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 main 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 complete all college-path 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 (e.g. Biology, Chemistry, Physics)
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1 additional credit of social studies (i.e., history or 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 (see below) 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).
Course Categories | Credits | Notes |
|---|---|---|
English | 4 | Includes all language arts. See guidelines. |
Mathematics
(Including Algebra I, II & Geometry. Additional higher math suggested.)
| 4 | Geometry or advanced math course with Geometry as a major component. Pre-Algebra recommended before Algebra I.
|
Science, Natural/Physical | 3 | Must include at least one credit of Biology, Chemistry, Earth Science, or Physics with lab. |
U.S. History | 1 | May not be taken for high school credit before 9th grade. |
Social Studies | 1 | May include World History, World Geography, Ancient History, European History or Modern History. |
Single Foreign Language | 2 | Two credits of ONE foreign language are required. |
Visual and/or Performing Arts | 1 | May include Art, Vocal or Instrumental Music, Dance, Theater, Photography, Art History, Music History, or Music Theory. |
Bible | 1 | |
Economics | 0.5 | |
Government | 0.5 | |
Personal Finance | 0.5 | |
Health | 0.5 | Wellness transferred from previous school is considered 0.5 credit of Health and 0.5 credit of P.E. |
For help planning, see the printable college path planning sheet by clicking the button below.
General Course of Study:
Course Categories | Credits | Notes |
|---|---|---|
English | 4 | Includes all language arts. See guidelines. |
Mathematics | 4 | Higher math courses not required. Pre-Algebra can be approved for 1 high-school credit after 8th grade. |
Science | 3 | |
U.S. History | 1 | May not be taken for high-school credit before 9th grade. |
Bible | 1 | |
Economics | 0.5 | |
Government | 0.5 | |
Personal Finance | 0.5 | |
Health | 0.5 | Wellness transferred from previous school is considered 0.5 credit of Health and 0.5 credit of P.E. |
Physical Education | 1 | Wellness transferred from previous school is considered 0.5 credit of Health and 0.5 credit of P.E. |
Electives | 6 | Additional approved courses taken to meet total number of credits for graduation. |
Total for graduation: | 22 |
For help planning, see the printable general course of study planning sheet by clicking the button below.