NC STANDARD COURSE OF STUDY, K-12

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COURSE & CREDIT REQUIREMENTS

Revised September 2008

North Carolina high school students are expected to meet specific course and credit requirements, testing standards and performance requirements in order to receive a high school diploma. These requirements differ depending on when students entered ninth grade for the first time.

Over the past few years, the State Board of Education has changed graduation requirements to better reflect the skills and knowledge needed for success at community colleges, colleges and universities, and in business and industry. These requirements are being phased in over time, which is why the date for starting high school is important in determining what requirements apply to you. The set of requirements in place for students entering ninth grade in fall 2009 and later are commonly known as the Future-Ready Core.

Every North Carolina high school student must meet:

• Course and Credit Requirements
  Listed in the chart below and organized according to the year a student entered high school for the first time.
• Graduation Project Requirement
  Successfully complete the North Carolina Graduation Project (for students who entered ninth grade in 2006-07 or later). The North Carolina Graduation Project includes four components: a paper, a portfolio, a product and a presentation. More information is available on the Graduation Project at http://www.ncpublicschools.org/graduationproject.
• End-of-Course Test Requirements
  Earn passing scores on the five essential end-of-course tests:
  Algebra I (unless exempted by the student's Individualized Education Program), Biology, Civics and Economics, English I and U.S. History (for students who entered ninth grade in 2006-07)
• Computer Skills Test
  Earn a passing score on the Computer Skills Test.
• Local Requirements
  Meet any additional requirements adopted by your local board of education.

To determine your Course and Credit requirements look in the colored block for the section that matches when you entered ninth grade for the first time. Your school guidance counselor is available to answer any questions you may have about what you need to achieve a high school diploma.

Course & Credit Requirements Chart
This chart provides an overview of the course and credit requirements for all students who entered high school beginning with the 2000-01 school year.
(pdf, 105kb)

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