4 Credits English Language Arts (ELA)
4 Credits Mathematics
-One of which must be Algebra I and one of which must be Geometry
-Industry certifications that lead to college credit may substitute for up to two mathematics
credits (except for Algebra I and Geometry)
3 Credits Science
-One of which must be Biology I, two of which must have a laboratory component
-An industry certification that leads to college credit substitutes for up to one science
credit (except for Biology I)
-An identified rigorous Computer Science course with a related industry certification
substitutes for up to one science credit (except for Biology I)
3 Credits Social Studies
1 credit in World History
1 credit in U.S. History
.5 credit in U.S. Government
.5 credit in Economics
1 Credit Fine and Performing Arts, Speech and Debate, or Practical Arts
Eligible courses are specified in the Florida Course Code Directory at
http://www.fldoe.org/articulation/CCD/default.asp.
1 Credit Physical Education - To include the integration of health
8 Elective Credits
1 Online Course
Students must pass the following statewide assessments:
-Grade 10 FSA ELA (or ACT/SAT concordant score)
-Algebra I end-of-course (EOC) if Algebra I is taken after 2010–2011 or a comparative score on the Postsecondary Education Readiness Test (P.E.R.T.)
-Algebra I
-Biology I
-Geometry
-U.S. History
1 Hour of Community Service (100 hours for Bright futures)
The purpose of the standard diploma is to certify that the student has met all District and State standards for graduation. A standard diploma will be awarded to graduates if the student has earned the required 24 credits and attained a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale. Also, students must pass the statewide standardized assessments or attain the concordant and/or comparative examination scores, applicable to the cohort year when the student entered 9th grade. A special education student will be awarded a standard diploma if all of the criteria for a standard diploma have been met by that student.
In addition to meeting the 24-credit standard high school diploma requirements, a student must:
- Earn 1 credit in Algebra II
- Earn 1 credit in Statistics or an equally rigorous mathematics course
- Pass the Biology I EOC
- Earn 1 credit in Chemistry or Physics
- Earn 1 credit in a course equally rigorous to Chemistry or Physics
- Pass the U.S. History EOC
- Earn 2 credits in the same World Language
- Earn at least 1 credit in AP, IB, AICE or a dual enrollment course
A student is exempt from the Biology I or U.S. History assessment if the student is enrolled in an AP, IB or AICE Biology I or U.S. History course and the student:
- Takes the respective AP, IB or AICE assessment; and
- Earns the minimum score to earn college credit.
Meet the standard high school diploma requirements
Attain one or more industry certifications from the list established (per s. 1003.492, F.S.)
The Seal of Biliteracy shall be awarded to students in M-DCPS upon graduation who meet the following:
- Completed the English requirements for graduation with a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 or above;
- Earned a level 3 or above on the grade 10 statewide, standardized assessment in Reading/English Language Arts (FCAT/FSA); and
- Successfully completed four credits of sequential high school level world language instruction courses, attained a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or higher in such courses, and demonstrated competency in one or more languages other than English through one of the following:
- passed a World Language International Baccalaureate examination;
- passed a World Language Advanced Placement examination; or
- passed a World Language Cambridge Advanced International Certificate of Education.
This diploma will be awarded to students who meet the requirements of a standard diploma and complete an academically rigorous course of study. The requirements include at least four Honors, Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, Advanced International Certificate of Education, dual enrollment, and/or International Studies courses; and completion of 75 hours of community service, which includes identification of a social problem of interest, development of a plan for personal involvement in addressing the problem and, through papers and other presentations, evaluate, and reflect upon the experience. All students must earn a 3.5 GPA (weighted scale) by the end of the first semester of the senior year with no final grade less than a "C."
Summa Cum Laude: the upper 5% of the graduation class using a weighted GPA
Magna Cum Laude: the upper 10% of the graduating class, excluding the Summa Cum Laude group, using a weighted GPA
Cum Laude: the upper 15% of the graduating class, excluding the Summa and Magna Cum Laude group, using a weighted GPA of students who have a 4.0 GPA or higher
Students in the top 20% of their graduating class may qualify for the Florida Talented 20 Program based on academic eligibility requirements. For the purposes of the Talented 20 Program, placement in the top 20% of the senior class must be based upon the ranking by cumulative grade point average after the posting of seventh semester grades.
Students who have completed 1000 community service hours, achieved a 3.0 weighted GPA or higher, had no more than 20 tarides and 10 absences are eligible to receive our distinguished community service cord. All community service hours must be recorded into the school information system.