Graduation Requirements

In order to receive a diploma, a student must complete 57 academic credits in courses offered at the 9th through 12th grade level. A yearlong course receives three credits and a trimester course receives one credit. The 57 credits must include:

ENGLISH: 12 credits

Students must be enrolled in an English course every trimester (ELL courses qualify).

MATHEMATICS: 9 credits

This must include Algebra I, Geometry, and Algebra II; most students go beyond these requirements.

SCIENCE: 6 credits

Three credits must be a yearlong physical science (Physics or Chemistry) and three credits must be a yearlong life science (Biology). Most students go beyond these requirements.

LANGUAGE: 6 sequential credits

Each student must complete at least six credits in the same language during grades 9 through 12. Students for whom English is not a first language need not fulfill credits in this department. Many of the most competitive colleges and universities either recommend or require at least three years of continuous language study. As a result, the Williston Northampton College Counseling Office strongly recommends that students study a language through at least the third level.

HISTORY & GLOBAL STUDIES:

8 credits

Four year students are required to complete the humanities program in the ninth grade. All students must complete the equivalent of World History (10th grade) and U.S. History (11th grade). Two- and three-year students must also take two additional history credits; one of the two must be a religion or philosophy course (6700 level).

VISUAL & PERFORMING ARTS:

3 credits

Two-, three-, and four-year students must complete three credits. Students are urged to select from offerings both in the studio/performance courses and in the visual arts courses.

Note: Students, parents, and faculty advisors are advised to check the distribution requirements of particular colleges in which students may be interested, since requirements and recommended course programs vary.

ADDITIONAL DIPLOMA REQUIREMENTS:

To receive a diploma, students must also: • Enroll and receive a passing grade in all courses taken senior year (including five courses in the third trimester, each worth one credit) • Exhibit positive citizenship • Continue regular participation in the afternoon program • Maintain attendance through graduation ceremonies

Diplomas are granted on the voted recommendation of the faculty prior to graduation, and con-