Academics

As an academic institution, we expect all students to maintain passing grades. Students are encouraged to take full advantage of available educational resources, including support from their teachers, guidance from their grade-level counselors, and participation in the after-school tutoring program to strengthen their learning and performance. Students with failing grades may be restricted from after-school activities.

20 Credits Minimum

Ohio law outlines the course requirements all students must complete to earn a diploma. Ohio students must earn a minimum of 20 course units in specific subject areas. Districts and schools may have requirements that exceed the state minimums outlined below.

Courses	State Minimum
English Language Arts	4 credits
Health	½ credit
Mathematics	4 credits
Physical education	½ credit
Science	3 credits
Social studies	3 credits
Electives	5 credits

Other Requirements

All high school students must be enrolled with a minimum of 5 credits per semester. Students must receive instruction in economics and financial literacy (in high school) and complete at least two semesters of fine arts (during grades 9-12).

Mathematics

Students must earn 4 mathematics units, which must include at least one unit of Algebra II or its equivalent. Exceptions: Algebra II or advanced computer science is not a requirement for students following a career-technical pathway. However, students still must have four units in mathematics. A student may choose to apply one unit of advanced computer science to satisfy one unit of algebra II/math III or equivalent. Districts also may use credit in a computer science course approved by the Department to fulfill a student’s mathematics credit.

Physical Education

School districts may adopt policies that would exempt students who participate in interscholastic athletics, marching band, or cheerleading for two full seasons or an approved Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC) program for two years from the physical education requirement. Districts may include Show Choir as a permissible activity as part of the PE Waiver policy. Students satisfying the physical education waiver must take another course of study of at least 60 hours of instruction (1/2 unit).

Science

Science units must include one unit of physical sciences, one unit of life sciences, and one unit of advanced study in one or more of the following sciences: chemistry, physics, or other physical science; advanced biology or other life science; astronomy, physical geology, or other earth or space science. A student can choose to apply for one credit in advanced computer science to satisfy one unit of advanced science (excluding biology or life sciences).

Social Studies

Elective Credits

Financial Literacy

Ohio law requires students to receive instruction in financial literacy as part of the high school graduation requirements. However, it is up to local districts to determine how to meet the needs of their students. For example, financial literacy content may be incorporated into another course, or some districts may require students to take a standalone financial literacy course for half credit, which can meet either a graduation requirement in social studies or an elective.