Graduation Requirements
The Pine-Richland School Board will acknowledge each student's successful completion of the instructional program appropriate to the student's interests and needs by awarding diplomas and certificates of attendance at graduation ceremonies. View Graduation Policy #217.
In addition to locally developed graduation requirements, the Pennsylvania State Board of Education outlines regulations within Chapter 4: Academic Standards and Assessment that outline additional graduation requirements for students.
Graduation Credit Requirements
English and Language Arts |
4 |
Social Studies |
3 |
Mathematics |
3 |
Science (includes biology) |
3 |
Flexible Core Academic Credit |
1 |
Health and Physical Education |
1 |
Electives |
9 |
Total Credits Required |
24 |
Students are strongly encouraged to investigate college admissions requirements. Many colleges recommend four years of English, social studies, math and science. Many colleges recommend 2-3 consecutive years of study of a world language in high school.
Guidelines
- Accurate recording of each student's achievement of academic standards shall be maintained, as required by law and state regulations.
- Waivers to graduation requirements may be granted by either the superintendent or the Pennsylvania Secretary of Education on a case-by-case basis for specific reasons outlined in the legislation.
- Keystone Exams are end-of-course exams developed by the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) in the areas of Algebra 1, Literature, and Biology. Proficiency on these exams or proficiency through the pathway options listed in the Graduation Grid is a stand-alone graduation requirement and a state accountability requirement under federal law. If a student is exempted from the Keystone Exam for religious reasons, the student can demonstrate proficiency through one of the other pathway options. Local assessments (USATestPrep) are no longer an option.
- Beginning with the Class of 2023, Keystone Exam results will not be listed on student transcripts. Students and families may request that the highest overall performance level demonstrated for each Keystone Exam be listed on the transcript. Requests need to be made directly to the school counseling office. The performance ratings will not be included on the transcript unless requested in writing by the student and family.
- Students may receive counseling to inform them of the graduation requirements they are required to complete. Periodic warnings shall be issued to students in danger of not fulfilling graduation requirements.
- The board will permit a student with a disability, who has attended four (4) years of high school, to participate in commencement ceremonies with his/her graduating class and receive a certificate of attendance, even if the student's Individualized Education Plan (IEP) prescribes continued educational services. The student may receive a high school diploma when s/he completes his/her Individualized Education Plan.
- A requirement for graduation shall be the completion of required assessments, work, and studies representing the instructional program which are aligned to established academic standards.
- The board requires that each candidate for graduation shall have earned 24 credits.
- The fourth year of high school shall not be required for graduation if a student has completed all requirements for graduation and attends a post-secondary institution as a full-time student.
- A student may qualify for graduation by attending the high school part-time when officially and concurrently enrolled part-time in a post-secondary institution.