Promotion and Graduation Requirements

These are the basic requirements for students seeking to earn their high school diploma. For detailed information about requirements for a specific student, please contact the Counseling Office.

Ninth Grade Promotion - To be promoted from ninth to tenth grade in a CPS high school, students must pass at least three of their core subject courses during both semesters and must have successfully completed a minimum of 5.0 units of credit.

Tenth Grade Promotion - To be promoted from tenth to eleventh grade in a CPS high school, students must pass at least three of their core subject courses during both semesters and must have successfully completed a minimum of 11 units of credit.

All tenth grade students must have completed at least twenty (20) hours of community service learning in order to be promoted to the eleventh grade.

Eleventh Grade Promotion - To be promoted from eleventh to twelfth grade in a CPS high school, students must have successfully completed a minimum of 17 units of credit .

Graduation - To graduate from a CPS high school, students must complete a minimum of 24 units of credit and 40 hours of community service learning

24 Credit Hours Must Be Earned In These Areas

English - 4.0 Credits

• English I
• English II
• English III
• English IV

Mathematics - 3.0 Credits

• Algebra
• Geometry
• Advanced Algebra/Trigonometry

For students who successfully complete Algebra prior to entering high school or who successfully place out of Algebra upon entering high school as Freshmen, the following three required credits apply:

• Geometry
• Advanced Algebra/Trigonometry
• Pre-calculus or College Algebra/Analytic Geometry or an Advanced Placement mathematics course or an advanced mathematics elective course that is approved by the Office of High School Programs

For students who successfully complete Algebra and Geometry prior to entering high school or who successfully place out of Algebra and Geometry upon entering high school as Freshmen, the following three required credits apply:

• Advanced Algebra/Trigonometry
• Pre-calculus or College Algebra/Analytic Geometry or an Advanced Placement mathematics course
• An advanced mathematics elective course that is approved by the Office of High School Programs

Science - 3.0 Credits

• Biology
• Other Laboratory Science Courses (a combination of the following four courses at either 0.5 or 1.0 credit each for a total of 2.0 credits. No more than 1.0 credit in one course may be used towards satisfaction of the science requirement): a. Chemistry b. Earth and Space Science c. Environmental Science d. Physics

Social Studies/History - 3.0 Credits

• World Studies
• United States History
• Social Studies Elective

World Language - 2.0 Credits

• World Language I
• World Language II

Fine Arts - 2.0 Credits

• Art I
• Music

Physical Education or ROTC (athletic team credit possible in lieu of Physical Education but not in lieu of Health and Driver's Education) - 2.0 Credits

• Physical Education I/Health or ROTC I/Health
• Physical Education II/Driver's Education or ROTC II/Driver's Education

Career Education or ROTC (college career pathways or advanced academic/fine arts options part of Career Education) - 2.0 credits

• Career Education I or ROTC III
• Career Education II or ROTC IV

Electives - 3.0 Credits

Service Learing Requirement

It is the intent of the Board to develop, encourage and promote partnerships with city agencies, community-based organizations and not-for-profit service entities in order to provide appropriate service opportunities for high school students.

1. All students must complete Service Learning project prior to graduation;
2. High School principals shall designate a special Service Learning Coach to oversee projects, student participation, record-keeping and agency involvement;
3. Service Learning projects shall be linked to current academic goals and curriculum and shall promote social awareness and career development;
4. A total of forty hours prior to graduation, with a minimum of twenty hours completed by the end of the sophomore year, which includes preparation, action, and reflection, will be required of each student; and
5. Service Learning criteria shall be developed by the Office of High School Programs.

Other Graduation Requirements

Completion of State non-credit requirements (Consumer Education, demonstrated knowledge of U.S. and Illinois constitutions) as part of subject area curricula.

Taking the Prairie State Achievement Examination (PSAE) unless otherwise excused by state law. Students must qualify as having taken the PSAE in accordance with state guidelines.