DIPLOMA REQUIREMENTS We require a total of 57 credits for graduation, 42 of which are to be earned from our core requirements across six disciplines: English, Mathematics, Science, Social Science, World Languages and Fine & Performing Arts. The remaining 15 elective credits allow students to further strengthen their academic preparation for college, pursue personal passions and interests, as well as meet college-specific requirements. Equivalent transfer credits from other schools will be evaluated on an individual basis.
ENGLISH
(12 credits)
All students are required to be enrolled in English each year. If not enrolled in a full year course, students must take the equivalent of a full year course. ESL students will be placed in appropriate courses through Grade 12.
MATHEMATICS
(9 credits)
Three years of mathematics are required, including successful completion of Algebra 1, Geometry and Algebra 2. All students take mathematics through Grade 11. Many colleges may require mathematics through Grade 12.
HISTORY & GLOBAL STUDIES or CEEF (6 credits)
Two years of history/social science courses are required, including World History in Grade 9 and U.S. History. International students may be placed in U.S. History for ESL Students to fulfill their U.S. History requirement. Many colleges may require at least three years of history/social science.
SCIENCE
(6 credits)
Two years of laboratory science are required. STEM 9 Physics is required of all students in Grade 9, typically followed by Chemistry in Grade 10 and Biology in Grade 11. Many colleges may require at least three years of laboratory science.
WORLD LANGUAGES
(6 credits)
Two years of the same language are required. Students must meet department requirements before advancing to the next level within a language. Many colleges may require three or four years of the same language.
ADDITIONAL DIPLOMA REQUIREMENTS • All Grade 9 students are required to take First Year Foundations. • All Grade 11 students are required to take Health 11. • Students are enrolled at the Academy throughout the senior or postgraduate year and participate in Commencement. • Seniors and postgraduates must pass the equivalent of five yearlong courses. • All students must successfully complete the afternoon requirement as stated in the Afternoon Program section of the Student/Parent Handbook.
POSTGRADUATE STUDENTS In order to be eligible for our diploma, postgraduates are required to take: • The equivalent of a full year English course • An appropriate Mathematics course • A yearlong course (or the equivalent) in Science, World Languages or History & Global Studies • Two additional yearlong courses (or the equivalent) in CEEF, Mathematics, Science, Computer Science, World Languages or Fine & Performing Arts Postgraduates who elect not to follow the above course of study are eligible to receive a Certificate of Attendance from the Academy.
FINE & PERFORMING ARTS (3 credits) Three credits in the Fine & Performing Arts are required. It is recommended that students work to meet their Fine & Performing Arts requirement early in their time at WMA to allow flexibility for AP courses and special interest electives in Grades 11 and 12.
2
