505.5 - Graduation Requirements

Students must successfully complete the courses required by the Board and Iowa Department of Education in order to graduate.  
It is the responsibility of the superintendent to ensure that students complete grades one through twelve and that high school students complete 48 credits prior to graduation plus one credit of citizenship per semester of attendance.  The following credits will be required for graduation:

 

Language Arts     8 credits including successful completion of the following:
English 9  (year-long course)
English 10  (year-long course)
English 11  (year-long course)
Senior English sequence from one of the following:  
English 12 (year-long course ) 
Creative Writing (year-long course )
NIACC Composition I and NIACC Composition II 

Mathematics    6 credits

Science          6 credits including 
Physical Science (year-long course for Freshmen) 
Biology (year-long course for Sophomores)
One additional year of elective science course:
Ecology
Anatomy & Physiology
Chemistry
Physics

Social Studies    6 credits including: 
World History (year-long course for Sophomores)
U.S. History (year-long course for Juniors)
Government (semester course for Seniors)
Economics (semester course for Seniors)

 

Personal Finance        1 credit
PE             4 credits
Electives         17 credits
Citizenship        1 credit per semester of attendance required

 

The Superintendent of Schools, assisted by the professional staff, shall recommend graduation requirements to the Board of Directors for approval by the Board.
Tuition and transportation will be provided by the student for courses taken anywhere but Central Springs High School.  An exception to this rule is explained in Post-Secondary Enrollment Options - 602.10.

 

One unit is equal to two credits or a full-year course.  Classes that meet daily for a one period or a block every other day for a semester will give one credit towards requirements.
 

The required courses of study will be reviewed by the board annually.
 

Prior to graduation, the district will advise students on how to successfully complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
 

A student that has not fully completed the requirements will not be allowed to go through the graduation ceremonies or has had disciplinary consequences, or outstanding fees/fines, will not be allowed to participate in graduation ceremonies.
 

Graduation requirements for special education students will include successful completion of four years of English, three years of Math, three years of Social Studies, and three years of Science.
 

Students who complete a regular session in the Legislative Page Program of the general assembly at the state capitol will be credited for ½ credit of social studies.
Students enrolled in a junior officers’ training corp will receive ⅛ physical education credit for each semester the student is enrolled in the program.

Legal Reference:  
Iowa Code §§ 256.11, .11A;  41; 279.8; 280.3, 280.14 (2019). 281 I.A.C. 12.2, .12.5; 12.3(5)

Cross Reference:  

Approved 11-15-21  
Reviewed 6-17-24
Revised 6-17-24