Graduation Requirements
High School Graduation Requirements
The proper selection of courses by learners is an important matter. It is important to the learners that each course should be carefully selected as an integral part of the learner's four-year educational plan. Carefully thought-out course selections are equally important to the school district as commitments for staffing for the ensuing year are based on the learner selections.
| Required Courses | Credits |
|---|---|
| English | 4 |
| Health | 1/2 |
|
Mathematics - at least 1 credit in Basic Math, Pre-Algebra, or Algebra I |
3 |
| Physical Education | 1.5 |
| Science- Physical Science (or 1 year of Physics + 1 year of Chemistry), Biology, and 1 additional science course | 3 |
| Social Studies | 3.5 |
|
1/2 |
|
1 |
|
1 |
|
1/2 |
|
1/2 |
| Required Units | 15.5 |
| Elective Units | 7.5 |
| Three credits must be a combination of World Language, Fine Arts, or Career & Technical Education courses | |
|
Additional Requirements: Civics exam Computer Science and Cybersecurity standards requirements (beginning with the class of 2026) |
|
|
Units of credit required for graduation |
23.0 |
Eligibility
To qualify for graduation, a senior must have been enrolled in a high school during grades 9, 10, 11, and 12 for four separate school year terms. An exception to this policy may be made for learners if they have approval of their parents and the principal. In addition, learners must have completed all requirements for the high school diploma in order to participate in commencement exercises.
Learners shall be enrolled each year in courses that will give them at least 6 credits unless an administrator has granted permission to take a reduced load. Additional courses may be taken from the list of electives each year to meet the minimum requirements.
Learners must make an effort to make up any course failures through summer school, approved correspondence or online school before the next semester starts. Courses failed and not made up by the beginning of the next semester must be scheduled. Special permission must be obtained to take further courses in the same field until failures have been removed.
College Admission & Career Readiness Requirements
Counseling Office
All applicable information about the high school counseling program can be found on the high school websites, under Programs > Counseling.
This website provides information on college planning, financial aid, scholarships, transcripts, and testing.
Career Center
All applicable information about the high school career center can be found on the high school websites, under Programs> Career Center.
Admission Requirements
This information is for public campuses in the North Dakota University System. It is provided for guidance. Admission information for specific universities is subject to change.
Certain high school courses are required if the learner plans on enrolling in a four-year public college or university in North Dakota. These campuses are: North Dakota State University, University of North Dakota, Dickinson State, Mayville State, Minot State, and Valley City State. In order to enroll in one of these institutions the following must be completed:
- 4 units of English
- 3 units of mathematics including Algebra I, Geometry, and Algebra II
- 3 units of laboratory science, including at least 2 in biology, chemistry, physics, or physical science
- 3 units of social studies, excluding consumer education, marketing, orientation to social studies, and marriage/family
In addition, it is strongly recommended that the learner also complete 2 units of single classical or world language, including American Sign Language and Native American Language
The GPA and ACT guidelines for learners seeking admission to schools in the North Dakota University System suggest that a learner possesses a minimum GPA of 2.75 and an ACT score of 22 or higher. Learners who do not meet these minimum guidelines will still be considered if there is evidence in the learner's academic record that demonstrate high probability of success. Learners with high er GPA's and lower ACT scores, or conversely, lower GPA's and higher ACT scores will also be given consideration.
Admission Requirements for Public Campuses Other Than North Dakota
State University systems outside of North Dakota also maintain high school preparation standards. For those requirements, please visit with one of the high school counselors.
Dual Enrollment Program
The dual enrolment program allows sophomores, juniors, and seniors to take courses offered by an approved post-secondary institution for both high school and post-secondary credit. Learners interested in this program must consult with their administrator before enrolling in a course for dual credit. A three or four semester hour course offered by a post-secondary institution is equivalent to a half credit high school course. Credit is earned at both the high school and the post-secondary institution. Credits earned through dual credit will count toward the grade point average at both institutions. The learner and the learner's parent or legal guardian are responsible for all costs related to receiving post-secondary credit.