Requirements for Graduation

Graduation, as used herein, refers to the satisfactory completion of a program of studies at Chatham High School under the policies of the Board of Education of the School District of the Chathams. In order to earn a state-endorsed Chatham High School diploma, students must demonstrate proficiency in the Core Curriculum Content Standards, including the credit and testing requirements outlined below.

A. Requirements for Graduation

A student must meet each of the following requirements to be eligible for graduation:

  1. Participate in a local program of study of not fewer than 120 credits;

  2. Demonstrate the required proficiency on the NJSLA as per the NJDOE or alternative assessment

  3. Successfully complete one (1) year of comprehensive health and physical education for each year of enrollment;

  4. Demonstrate attainment of minimum curricular proficiencies through successful completion of courses, including, but not limited to, credit hours in the following distribution:

  • At least 20 credits in language arts literacy, aligned to grade 9 through 12 standards

  • At least 15 credits in mathematics, including algebra I or the content equivalent, including geometry or the content equivalent; and including a third year of mathematics that builds on concepts and skills of algebra and geometry and that prepares students for college and 21st century careers, effective with the graduating class of 2016;

  • At least 15 credits in science, including at least 5 credits in laboratory biology/life science or the content equivalent; including one additional laboratory/inquiry-based science course which shall include chemistry, environmental science, or physics; and including one additional laboratory/inquiry-based science course, effective with the graduating class of 2016;

  • At least 15 credits in social studies, including United States History I and II; five credits in world history; and the integration of civics, economics, geography, and global content in all course offerings;

  • At least 2.5 credits in financial, economic, business, and entrepreneurial literacy

  • At least 5 credits in visual and performing arts;

  • At least 10 credits in world languages or student demonstration of proficiency; 

  • At least 5 credits in 21st -century life and careers or career-technical education. 

 Technological literacy, consistent with the Core Curriculum Standards, is integrated throughout the curriculum