Graduation Checklist
BP Policy 6146.1: High School Graduation Requirements. Adopted 5/14/2024
District students shall complete graduation course requirements as specified in Education Code 51225.3. Unless exempted as provided in "Exemptions from District-Adopted Graduation Requirements," district students shall also complete other course requirements adopted by the Board. Students who are exempted from district-adopted graduation requirements shall be eligible to participate in any graduation ceremony and school activity related to graduation in which other students are eligible to participate.
Course Requirements
The minimum requirements to obtain a high school diploma in the state of California are as follows. Students shall complete the following courses in grades 9-12, with each course being one year unless otherwise specified:
- Three courses in English (Education Code 51225.3)
- Two courses in mathematics (Education Code 51225.3)
Students shall complete at least one mathematics course that meets the state academic content standards for Algebra I or Mathematics I. Students may complete such coursework prior to grade 9 provided that they also complete two mathematics courses in grades 9-12. (Education Code 51224.5)
Successful completion of an approved computer science course that is classified as a "category C" course based on the University of California (UC) and California State University (CSU) "A-G" admission requirements shall be counted toward the satisfaction of additional graduation requirements in mathematics. (Education Code 51225.3, 51225.35)
- Two courses in science, including biological and physical sciences (Education Code 51225.3)
- Three courses in social studies, including United States (U.S.) history and geography; world history, culture, and geography; a one-semester course in American government and civics; and a one-semester course in economics (Education Code 51225.3)
- One course in visual or performing arts, world language, or career technical education (CTE). For purposes of this requirement, a course in American Sign Language shall be deemed a course in world language (Education Code 51223)
To be counted towards meeting graduation requirements, a CTE course shall be aligned to the CTE model curriculum standards and framework adopted by the State Board of Education. (Education Code 51225.3)
- Two courses in physical education, unless the student has been otherwise exempted pursuant to other sections of the Education Code (Education Code 51225.3)
- Beginning with the class of 2030, a one-semester course in ethnic studies (Education Code 512)To obtain a high school diploma from Downieville High School, students shall complete the following credit requirements in grades 9-12:
English 40
Mathematics 30 (with 10 credits in Algebra)
Science 20 (with 10 credits in biological sciences and 10 credits in physical sciences)
World History 10
US History 10
Government 5
Economics 5
Geography 5
Beginning with the class of 2030 school year, a one-semester course in ethnic studies (Education Code 51225.3) 5
Fine Art, Foreign Language, or CTE 10
Physical Education 20
Electives 145
Senior Project
Total: 300
The senior project is completed in grade 12 or academic equivalent, the requirements of which are determined and outlined by the high school faculty and administration, to include a research paper, project activity and formal presentation.
Mathematics 30 (with 10 credits in Algebra)
Science 20 (with 10 credits in biological sciences and 10 credits in physical sciences)
World History 10
US History 10
Government 5
Economics 5
Geography 5
Beginning with the class of 2030 school year, a one-semester course in ethnic studies (Education Code 51225.3) 5
Fine Art, Foreign Language, or CTE 10
Physical Education 20
Electives 145
Senior Project
Total: 300
The senior project is completed in grade 12 or academic equivalent, the requirements of which are determined and outlined by the high school faculty and administration, to include a research paper, project activity and formal presentation.