Graduation Requirements

 

Standard Diploma

English: 4 units
Mathematics: 3 units (at or above the level of Algebra and including two different courses from among Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II or others above Algebra and Geometry)
Science: 3 units (must include two different disciplines from among Earth Science, Biology, Chemistry or Physics)
History/Social Science: 3 units (must include U. S. and Virginia History, U. S. and Virginia Government, and one of a variety of World History/Geography options)
Physical Education and Health: 2 units
Fine or Practical Arts: 1 unit
Electives: 6 units
 
Standard Units of Credits Required: 22 units
 
For students entering 9th grade in 2000-01, 2001-02, and 2002-03:

Of the total credits shown above, students must earn a minimum of 6 Verified Units of Credit (pass State end-of-course tests): 2 English, plus 4 of the student's choice among Mathematics, Science, and History/Social Science.

For students entering 9th grade in 2003-04 and beyond:

Of the total credits shown above, students must earn a minimum of 6 Verified Units of Credit (pass State end-of-course tests): 2 English, 1 Mathematics, 1 Science, 1 History and Social Science, 1 Student's Choice.

Of the total credits shown above, students must earn at least two sequential elective credits from a concentration of courses selected from within a specific content or elective program area.

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Advanced Studies Diploma
 
 
English: 4 units
Mathematics: 4 units (at or above the level of Algebra and including three different courses from among Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II or above Algebra II)
Science: 4 units (must include three different disciplines from among Earth Sciences, Biology, Chemistry or Physics)
History/Social Science: 4 units (must include U. S. and Virginia History, U. S. and Virginia Government, and two of a variety of World History/Geography options)
Foreign Language (or two years each of two languages): 3 units
Physical Education and Health: 2 units
Fine or Practical Arts: 1 unit
Electives: 2 units
 
Standard Units of Credits Required: 24 units
 
For students entering 9th grade in 2000-2001 and beyond:
Of the total credits shown above, students must earn a minimum of 9 Verified Units of Credit (pass State end-of-course tests): 2 English, 2 Science, 2 History/Social Science, 2 Mathematics, 1 Student's Choice.
 
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General Information

 

Special Diploma
Any student receiving special education services who does not earn the units of credit prescribed by the Board of Education and/or who does not pass the prescribed literacy tests, but who does complete the requirements of his/her individualized education program, shall be awarded a special diploma. Completion of an IEP will normally require at least four years in a high school setting with age-appropriate students 13 to 17 years of age.
 
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Modified Standard Diploma
A new diploma has been created for certain students with disabilities who are unlikely to meet the requirements for a Standard Diploma but may achieve above the level of the Special Diploma.
 
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Certificates of Program Completion
Any student who does not earn prescribed units of credit for graduation or completes the requirements of his/her individualized education program does not qualify for diplomas, but does qualify for a certificate if he/she completes a prescribed course of study* as defined by the local School Board.
 
*A prescribed course of study consists of thirteen units of credit including one unit of math, one unit of English, one unit of computer technology, one unit of social studies, one unit of science, and two additional units from any of the four core subject areas, four units from career cluster courses, and two units of electives. A receiving student must be at least 17 years of age.
 
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Independent Study High School (ISHS) Diploma
This is a fully accredited high school diploma that can be earned through participation in correspondence courses from Independent Study High School in Lincoln, Nebraska. To earn a diploma from ISHS the student must earn the following credits:

English

4 Credits

Social Studies

3 Credits

Math

2 Credits

Science

2 Credits

Financial Planning

1/2 Credits

Career Planning (ISHS)

1/2 Credits

Multicultural Studies (ISHS)

1/2 Credits

2 Additional Electives (ISHS)

1 Credits

Electives

6 1/2 Credits
Total

20 Credits

 
Credits earned in Rockingham County Public Schools will be transferred to ISHS and applied toward meeting ISHS diploma requirements. However, five courses must be taken through ISHS. The expectation is that up to 17 1/2 credits will be earned by completing Rockingham County Public Schools courses. RCPS teachers will secure course materials from ISHS, supervise student work, and monitor student progress toward meeting ISHS diploma requirements. Students remain members of their home high school and are eligible to participate in school activities, including graduation services where students will be recognized for meeting the diploma requirements for an ISHS diploma. There is no cost for the five courses taken through ISHS. Depending on when a student enrolls in the ISHS diploma program and his/her progress in meeting the above requirements, this program may require an extra year of study and the student may not be able to graduate with his/her class.
 
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General Educational Development Equivalency Certificate (GED) Prep Program
GED prep program is designed for persons who will not complete the requirements necessary to earn a high school diploma. The purpose of this program is to prepare students for taking the five GED tests which consist of language arts writing, language arts reading, social studies, science, and mathematics. A student must have a composite score 2,250 points on the GED test with no individual test score below 410 points to receive the GED certificate. Testing is done at Massanutten Technical Center and the cost for taking the GED tests is paid by the student. The GED is not a high school diploma, however, it may qualify the student for admission to college or to more advanced educational opportunities; meet educational requirements for employment or promotion in a job; satisfy educational qualifications for induction into the United States Armed Forces when applicable; and satisfy educational requirements for occupational licensing.
 
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Locally Verified Credit
Under the Standards of Accreditation, students in the Classes of 2004-06 must earn two verified credits in English (reading and writing) and four verified credits in subjects of the student's own selection in order to earn a Standard Diploma.
 
Local school boards may award verified credits in science and history/social sciences that may be used to fulfill the requirement of four verified credits of the student's own selection. This policy does not apply to the awarding of verified credits in English or mathematics, which must be earned by passing the high school Standards of Learning tests (or approved substitute tests) in reading, writing and mathematics.
 
To apply for locally awarded verified credit under this policy, the student will provide information to his/her school's Verified Credit Review Panel. This review panel includes the Principal (Chairperson), Department Chair of Content Area, and Guidance Counselor.

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Grading
Many of the components in the evaluation of student work cannot be given a numerical equivalent. Where a numerical equivalent is appropriate, the county standard is:
 
A = 94 - 100
B = 86 - 93
C = 78 - 85
D = 70 - 77
F = 69 and below
 
To determine grade point average (GPA) for high school courses, the scale shall be:
 
Regular
Honors
Advanced Placement and College Courses (weighted)
A = 4
4.5
A = 5
B = 3
3.5
B = 4
C = 2
2.5
C = 3
D = 1
1.5
D = 2
 
Plus (+) or minus (-) may be used at the discretion of the teacher.
 
Examinations: Semester examinations will be given beginning at the eighth grade level. Middle school examinations (eighth grade) will count 10% of the semester grade. In courses for high school credit, examinations will count 20% of the semester grade.
 

A student in courses for high school credit shall be exempt from the final examination providing that the student maintains a grade of 94% or higher through the last grading period of the course. All students are required to take first semester examinations. The Superintendent may, at his/her discretion, administratively exempt other students from the examination requirement, i. e. as part of an incentive attendance procedure.

Accelerated courses in grades 9 and 10 cary the CP (college prep) designation. Accelerated courses in grades 11 and 12 carry the H (honors) or AP (advanced placement) designations. College prep, honors, and advanced placement courses are rigorous courses requiring extensive outside reading and challenging assignments.

College prep (CP) courses are available in the core courses of math, science, social studies, and English.

Courses eligible for Honors designation are the following courses: U. S. History, Government, Chemistry, Physics, Biology II, Chemistry II, Foreign Language(s) IV and V, Analysis, Calculus, and English 11 and 12. Summer assignments are controlled by the principal.

Weighted grades will be awarded for courses passed from an accredited college. Weighted college courses must be in the disciplines of mathematics, foreign languages, science, social science, English, computer technology, and technology (integrated and/or engineering type courses). Eligible courses taken for high school credit must have prior principal approval.

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Student Withdrawal From Class
When a student desires to withdraw from a class after school has begun, the request should be made within the first ten (10) days of school. If extenuating circumstances arise which necessitate a student withdrawing from a class after the first ten (10) days of school, the principal will determine final approval for class withdrawal. The following descriptions will apply:
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Career Development Programs
Career development involves organizing the high school program of study around five career areas representing workplace fields. They are:
Each Career Development program of studies includes a challenging academic preparation and workplace readiness training. Students are encouraged to complete three courses in a cluster area, or complete a two-year program at Massanutten Technical Center, or complete a two-year cooperative education program.
 
The flexible curriculum allows students to move among cluster areas as interests and goals change. In each cluster area, students can prepare for a variety of professions. School-to-Work transition opportunities are available to provide work site learning and exploration of a profession. These include work study, cooperative education, job shadowing, apprenticeship, mentorship, and tutoring.
 
With Career Development, students and parents should select courses and course sequences, and participate in activities that will lead to lifelong careers. Upon completion of the program, students will have the academic foundation to continue their education at a two or four-year institution, or enter the job market with specific skills and a solid academic background.
 
Click below to download a .pdf version for the following
Career Development Planning Guide
Career Development Program Courses
 
 
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 College Credit Opportunities

Rockingham County Public Schools encourages college-bound students to explore the variety of options which allow students to acquire college credits while still in high school. In most cases, these options will be exercised by students in grades 11 and 12. Interested students should carefully examine and plan their course of study with guidance counselors as early as 10th grade. There are a number of requirements that must be met before credit can be earned through any higher education institution. Students wishing to take college courses must have prior approval from the principal. Students and parents may consider these options:

Students who choose to take college level courses for college credit only, should carefully consider the college's suggested and required prerequisites. Discussion with school guidance counselors are strongly recommended before any course registration. Prior principal approval is needed for college credit only courses if a student is requesting release during regular school hours.

Articulated Credit - Rockingham County Public Schools and Blue Ridge Community College have entered into an articulation agreement where certain career and technical education courses offered in the high schools and at Massanutten Technical Center may yield BRCC credit. Students interested in receiving possible BRCC credit should carefully examine and plan their course of study cooperatively with their school counselor. There are several requirements that must be met before credit can be earned at BRCC.

Tech Prep Academy - The Blue Ridge Community College Tech Prep consortium provides full tuition scholarships for senior students to take up to four BRCC courses (one academic class, one occupational class) during the fall and spring sessions. Scholarship recipients are selected through a competitive application process. Rising seniors must be recommended by their school principal and counselor and met the admission requirements for BRCC, including demonstrating academic proficiency through the College Preparedness test. Students are responsible for purchasing textbooks for classes.

In all cases, access to college courses is based upon course availability and upon any eligibility requirements by the college. Students are responsible for completing the registration process and paying tuition.

Please note that the granting of credit or the acceptance/designation of earned credits (via distance learning, dual enrollment, or concurrent enrollment) is solely at the discretion of the college or university in which a student chooses to enroll after high school.

Ask your counselor for current "college course information sheet" listing high school credit-college credit equivalents.

 

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Selecting Courses
Through careful course selection and close cooperation between the student and guidance counselor, a student will be able to pursue a career goal and still have time for other course offerings without excluding any particular area of study.
 
The courses chosen should be based on the student's ability, past record of academic achieve-ment, interest in the subject, the career goal(s) of the student, and teacher recommendations. The pursuit of a course of studies leading to entrance into college can include those courses not directly related to college entrance. Art, music, career and technical courses, and other electives offer students the opportunity to explore new areas of study as well as gain knowledge and skills which may likely prove useful to them in whatever career they choose.
 
In core courses where SOL tests exist, the length of the course may vary. Also, remediation may be required for certain students needing verified credit. For example, in English and mathematics, a student in need of remediation may be double blocked at any grade level for his/her one credit class.
 
The following list of courses are offered in all Rockingham County High Schools. Courses which are offered are contingent upon sufficient student enrollment. This may result in some courses not being taught in certain schools even though they are offered in all schools.
 
Parents/guardians are encouraged to contact a school counselor at any time regarding any course selection.
 
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 High School Planning Sheet

Click to download a .pdf version of a High School Planning Sheet.

 

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