Guide to High School Credits
Understanding High School Credits
What are High School Credits?
High school credits are units used to measure the amount of work completed in a course. Each course you complete and pass earns you a certain number of credits. These credits are necessary to meet graduation requirements.
Why are Credits Important?
Credits are essential because they:
- Track Progress: Help you and your school track your academic progress.
- Ensure Graduation: Ensure you meet the necessary requirements to graduate from high school.
- Prepare for Future: Help prepare you for college and career readiness by ensuring a well-rounded education.
New York State High School Graduation Credit Requirements
To graduate from a New York State high school, students need to earn a minimum number of credits in specific subject areas. Here are the standard requirements, measured by semester:
Core Subject Areas
1. English Language Arts (ELA)
- Total Credits Required: 8 (4 years)
- Courses: ELA 9A and 9B, ELA 10A and 10B, ELA 11A and 11B, ELA 12A and 12B
2. Social Studies
- Total Credits Required: 8 (4 years)
- Courses: Global History and Geography IA and IB, Global History and Geography IIA and IIB, U.S. History A and B, Participation in Government (0.5 credits), Economics (0.5 credits)
3. Mathematics
- Total Credits Required: 6 (3 years)
- Courses: Algebra IA and IB, Geometry A and B, Algebra IIA and IIB or equivalent courses
4. Science
- Total Credits Required: 6 (3 years)
- Courses: One year of life science (e.g., Biology A and B), one year of physical science (e.g., Earth Science, Chemistry, or Physics A and B), and one year of additional science
5. Languages Other Than English (LOTE)
- Total Credits Required: 2 (1 year, can be more as electives)
- Courses: Any language other than English (e.g., Spanish A and B)
6. Health Education
- Total Credits Required: 2 (one year)
- Courses: Health Education
7. Physical Education
- Total Credits Required: 4 (participation each year of high school)
- Courses: Physical Education (1 credit per year)
8. The Arts
- Total Credits Required: 2 (1 year)
- Courses: Art and Music
Additional Requirements
1. Electives
- Total Credits Required: 7 (3.5 years)
- Courses: Various courses based on student interest
Total Credits Required for Graduation: 44
Planning Your High School Courses
Freshman Year (9th Grade)
- English Language Arts: ELA 9A and 9B (2 credits)
- Social Studies: Global History and Geography IA and IB (2 credits)
- Mathematics: Algebra IA and IB (2 credits)
- Science: Life Science (e.g., Biology A and B) (2 credits)
- Physical Education: PE (1 credit)
- Languages Other Than English (LOTE): World Language A and B (2 credits)
- Health Education: Health (0.5 credit)
- The Arts: Art or Music A and B (2 credits)
Sophomore Year (10th Grade)
- English Language Arts: ELA 10A and 10B (2 credits)
- Social Studies: Global History and Geography IIA and IIB (2 credits)
- Mathematics: Algebra IIA and IIB or equivalent (2 credits)
- Science: Physical Science (e.g., Earth Science A and B) (2 credits)
- Physical Education: PE (1 credit)
- Electives: Various (1 credit)
Junior Year (11th Grade)
- English Language Arts: ELA 11A and 11B (2 credits)
- Social Studies: U.S. History A and B (2 credits)
- Mathematics: Geometry A and B (2 credits)
- Science: Additional Science (e.g., Chemistry A and B) (2 credits)
- Physical Education: PE (1 credit)
- Electives: Various (2 credits)
Senior Year (12th Grade)
- English Language Arts: ELA 12A and 12B (2 credits)
- Social Studies: Participation in Government (0.5 credit), Economics (0.5 credit)
- Physical Education: PE (1 credit)
- Electives: Various (2 credits)
Tips for Earning and Managing Credits
1. Stay Organized
- Use a Planner: Keep track of assignments, tests, and important deadlines.
- Monitor Your Credits: Regularly review your transcript to ensure you are on track to meet graduation requirements.
2. Seek Help When Needed
- Tutoring: Utilize tutoring services if you struggle with a subject.
- Guidance Counselor: Meet with your guidance counselor to discuss your academic progress and future plans.
3. Explore Electives
- Pursue Interests: Take elective courses in subjects that interest you or align with your career goals.
- Challenge Yourself: Consider advanced or honors courses if you excel in a subject area.
4. Plan for the Future
- College and Career Readiness: Take courses that prepare you for college or your desired career path.
- Advanced Placement (AP) and Dual Enrollment: Enroll in AP or dual enrollment courses for college credit and advanced learning opportunities.
Sample Credit Tracker
Student Name: Expected Date of Graduation:
Subject Area: | Min. # of Credits | 1 (9th Grade-1st Semester) | 2 (9th Grade-2nd Semester) | 3 (10th Grade-1st Semester) | 4 (10th Grade-2nd Semester) | 5 (11th Grade-1st Semester) | 6 (11th Grade-2nd Semester) | 7 (12th Grade-1st Semester) | 8 (12th Grade-2nd Semester) | Total Earned |
English | 8 | Eng 9A
| Eng 9B
| Eng 10A
| Eng 10B
| Eng 11A
| Eng 11B | Eng 12A
| Eng 12B
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S.S. | 8 | Global 1A | Global 1B
| Global 2A
| Global 2B
| US History A
| US History B
| Participation in Gov | Economics |
|
Math | 6 | Algebra A
| Algebra B
| Alg C or Geo A
| Alg D or Geo B
| Geo A or Bus A
| Geo B or Bus B | | |
|
Science | 6 | Living Env A
| Living Env B
| Earth Science A | Earth Science B
| Other Science
| Other Science
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LOTE: | 2 |
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The Arts: | 2 |
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Health: | 1 |
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Physical Education | 4 |
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Electives | 7 |
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Total required: | 44 | | | | | | | | | |
Living Env Regents: __________________________ ELA Regents: __________________________ GPA as of ________: ____
Algebra Regents: ____________________________ US Regents: ____________________________ GPA as of _______: ____
Global Regents: _____________________________ Other: _________________________________ GPA as of _______: _____