Graduation Requirements
For students entering ninth grade on or after July 1, 2022, Ohio’s new graduation requirements provide more flexibility for you to choose a graduation pathway that builds on your strengths and passions. Through participation in College and Career Academies of Akron, you can graduate ready for your next steps – whether you choose enrollment in higher education, employment in a career field, or enlistment in the military services.
Learn more about the State of Ohio’s graduation requirements:
1. Cover the Credits
To graduate, every APS student must earn a minimum of 21 credits that satisfy requirements for subject areas and electives. Students earn one credit per full-year course and one half credit per semester course.
| Akron Public Schools Credit Requirements | Number of Credits |
|---|---|
| English Language Arts | 4 |
| Mathematics | 4 |
| Science | 3 |
| Social Studies | 3 |
| Health | .5 |
| Physical Education | .5 |
| Financial Literacy | .5 |
| Electives* | 5.5 |
| Total | 21 |
*A note on Physical Education: Students might be eligible for a PE Waiver under certain circumstances, which can affect how elective credits are counted. Talk to your school counselor early (ideally in 8th or 9th grade) to make sure your four-year course plan puts you on track to meet the 21-credit minimum.
2. Show Competency
To show competency, students must earn a score of 684 or higher on both the Algebra I and the English II Ohio State Tests. These tests are administered during high school as part of Ohio's standard assessment schedule.
Students have at least two attempts to meet the score. If the required score is not reached after two attempts, competency can be demonstrated through one of four alternative pathways:
- Career-Focused Competency: Students can demonstrate competency through career and technical education by meeting two career-focused measures. Options include proficient scores on WebXams (industry-specific assessments), earning a 12-point industry-recognized credential combined with the Ohio Means Jobs Readiness Seal, a passing WorkKeys score, or documented work-based learning hours.
- Military Enlistment Competency: Students who enlist in any branch of the U.S. military upon graduation can demonstrate competency by meeting all military enlistment requirements. Documentation of enlistment is required.
- College Coursework Competency: Students enrolled in College Credit Plus can demonstrate competency by earning a passing grade in a college-level English or math course. This pathway is available to eligible students while still in high school.
- College Entrance Exam Competency: Students who score at the college-ready benchmark on a nationally recognized standardized test – such as the ACT or SAT – can use that score to demonstrate competency.
Your school counselor can help you understand which competency pathway best fits your academic plan and how to document alternative pathways if needed.
3. Demonstrate Readiness
To demonstrate readiness, students must earn a minimum of two diploma seals, at least one of which must be a state-defined seal. Seals are official recognitions that appear on your diploma and transcript, each representing a specific area of achievement or readiness.
State-Level Seals
Local Seals
You don't earn seals all at once – counselors and graduation planning staff at your high school will guide you throughout your four years, helping you identify seals that align with your strengths and post-graduation goals and ensuring you complete all required steps and documentation along the way. Contact your school counselor to start building your graduation pathway plan.
For more information on APS graduation requirements, see your school counselor and visit the APS Grads site.
