Understanding High School Graduation Requirements in Florida
Graduating from high school is a significant milestone in a student’s academic journey. In Florida, students have several options to earn a standard diploma, each with its own set of requirements. Let’s delve into the details of how many credits are needed to graduate high school in Florida and the various pathways available to students.
Standard Diploma Options
Florida offers five main options for students to earn a standard high school diploma:
- 24-credit program
- 18-credit, Academically Challenging Curriculum to Enhance Learning (ACCEL) option
- Career and Technical Education (CTE) Pathway
- International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum
- Advanced International Certificate of Education (AICE) curriculum
Each option has specific requirements that students must fulfill to graduate.
Graduation Requirements
For students pursuing a standard diploma in Florida, the basic credit requirements include:
- English/Language Arts: 4 credits
- Math: 4 credits
- Science: 3 credits
- Social Studies: 3 credits
- Fine and Performing Arts, Speech and Debate, or Practical Arts: 1 credit
- Physical Education with the integration of Health: 1 credit
- Elective Courses: 7.5 credits
- Personal Financial Literacy: 0.5 credits
Additionally, students must pass specific statewide assessments such as Grade 10 English Language Arts and Algebra I end-of-course (EOC) exams.
State Assessments and Transfer Students
Statewide assessment requirements for high school graduation in Florida are outlined to ensure students meet the necessary academic standards. Transfer students entering a Florida public high school may be required to take Florida end-of-course (EOC) assessments based on their transcripts.
Graduation Program Planning and Resources
FloridaShines offers academic advising, career readiness, and online learning resources to assist high school students in preparing for college or a career after graduation. These services help students evaluate their progress towards graduation, college readiness, and scholarship eligibility.
The Florida Counseling for Future Education Handbook serves as a comprehensive resource for school counselors and advisors to guide students in planning for postsecondary education in the state.
Florida Connections Academy
Florida Connections Academy provides support for online school students to understand and meet their graduation requirements effectively. Starting with the 2023-2024 cohort, students have two options to earn a high school diploma: the Standard High School Diploma (24-credits) and the ACCEL option (18-credits).
Students must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0, complete the required credits, and participate in state tests to graduate successfully.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How many credits are required to graduate high school in Florida?
In Florida, students typically need to earn a minimum of 24 credits to graduate with a standard high school diploma.
2. What are the core subject requirements for high school graduation in Florida?
Core subject requirements in Florida include English/Language Arts, Math, Science, Social Studies, Fine and Performing Arts, Physical Education, and Elective Courses.
3. Are there alternative pathways to earning a high school diploma in Florida?
Yes, Florida offers various diploma options such as the ACCEL program, Career and Technical Education Pathway, International Baccalaureate, and Advanced International Certificate of Education.
4. What assessments are mandatory for high school graduation in Florida?
Students in Florida must pass Grade 10 English Language Arts and Algebra I end-of-course (EOC) exams to meet graduation requirements.
5. How can transfer students from out-of-state or private schools fulfill graduation requirements in Florida?
Transfer students’ transcripts are reviewed to determine if they need to take Florida end-of-course (EOC) assessments to comply with state graduation standards.
6. Where can students find resources for academic advising and college readiness in Florida?
FloridaShines offers a range of resources for academic advising, career readiness, and online learning to help students prepare for college or a career after high school.