Graduation Requirements

Ohio’s graduation requirements consist of three key components:

1. Complete Coursework – Ohio law outlines the course requirements all students must complete to earn a diploma. Ohio students must earn a minimum of 20 course units in specified subject areas.

• • Mathematics – 4 credits
  • English Language Arts – 4 credits
  • Social Studies – 3 credits
  • Science – 3 credits
  • Health – 1/2 credit
  • Physical Education – 1/2 credit
  • Electives – 5 credits
  • Financial Literacy – 1/2 credit
  • Fine Arts – students must complete 2 semesters of fine arts during grades 7-12

2. Demonstrate Competency – To graduate, students must earn a “competency” score on the English language arts II and Algebra I (or integrated math I) end-of-course tests or complete other options. The competency score for both tests is 684. Students not earning competency scores on the first attempt must be offered appropriate remediation and supports and retake the relevant test at least once. In lieu of attaining competency scores on the state tests, students can choose between four other ways to demonstrate competency following remediation and second test attempts.

• • Remediation free score on ACT or SAT
  • College Credit Plus credit earned in a non-remedial English or math course
  • Career Experience or Technical Skill
  • Military Enlistment

3. Show Readiness (Seals) – Students will show readiness for their post-high school paths by earning two diploma seals that allow them to demonstrate important foundational and well-rounded academic and technical knowledge, professional skills, and leadership and reasoning skills. State seals and local Summit Academy seals are offered. Students must earn at least one state seal. 

• • State seals include: 
    • Technology
    • Citizenship
    • Biliteracy
    • Ohio Means Jobs
    • Honors Diploma
    • Science
    • Military Enlistment
    • College Ready
    • Industry Recognized Credential
  • Local Summit Academy seals include:
    • Community Service
    • Student Engagement
    • Fine & Performing Arts

Additional information about graduation requirements in Ohio schools can be found on the DEW website at https://education.ohio.gov/Topics/Ohio-s-Graduation-Requirements/Ohio%E2%80%99s-Graduation-Requirements