Graduation and Testing Requirements (.pdf)
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With many options available to students to prepare them for college and careers, it can be quite a task figuring out what requirements are needed to graduate and then ensuring that students stay on track.
To graduate, students must meet the course and credit requirements as well as testing requirements set by the State of Ohio and Akron Public Schools.
PLEASE NOTE: As each student's situation is unique, students are strongly encouraged to speak to their school counselor and teachers, in addition to using this guide.
Required courses/credits
Each student needs to earn a minimum of 21 credits in the following courses:*
- English/language arts - 4
- Mathematics (must include one credit of Algebra II or equivalent) - 4
- Science - 3
- Social studies (must include 1/2 credit of U.S. history and 1/2 credit of U.S. government) - 3
- Health - 1/2
- Physical education - 1/2
- Electives - 6 (must include one credit of fine arts)
*Student athletes interested in playing Division I or Division II college athletics have additional course, credit and GPA requirements and must be registered with the NCAA Eligibility Center. See your coach or school counselor for more information.
Testing requirements for students graduating in 2018 and beyond
Students must accumulate a minimum of 18 points on seven Ohio State Tests (OST) end-of-course exams. These exams are replacing the OGT for classes 2018 and beyond.
Students earn one to five points per exam, based on performance. Of these overall points, students must earn at least four math points, four English points, and six points between the science and social studies exams. This allows students to take advantage of their stronger subjects to total at least 18.
Required exams:
- Algebra I
- Biology
- Geometry
- U.S. government
- English 9 and 10
- U.S. history
Tests are administered at the conclusion of each course, much like a final exam.