Rochester Public Schools

Requirements for High School Graduation

Required Credits

Students must successfully complete a minimum of 24 credits. This chart lists the District #535 requirements (.5 credit equals one class period for one semester).

Credit Requirements for Graduating
Graduating Class of 2027

Course Credits
English 4.0 credits
  • English I – 1.0
  • English II – 1.0
  • English III – 1.0
  • Speech – 0.5
  • Elective – 0.5
Math 3.0 credits

Encompassing algebra, geometry, and statistics/probability sufficient to satisfy the standards. (Including Algebra II or its equivalent)

Science 3.0 credits
  • Biology Option – 1.0
  • Chemistry Option
  • Physics Option – 1.0
Social Studies 3.0 credits
  • World History – 1.0
  • U.S. History – 1.0
  • Geography – 0.5
  • U.S. Government – 0.5
Economics 0.5 credit
Physical Education 0.5 credit
Health 0.5 credit
Fine Arts 1.0 credit
Electives 8.5 credits
Total Credits 24.0

Credit Requirements for Graduating
Graduating Class of 2028 and beyond

Course Credits
English 4.0 credits
  • English I – 1.0
  • English II – 1.0
  • English III – 1.0
  • Speech – 0.5
  • Elective – 0.5
Math 3.0 credits

Encompassing algebra, geometry, and statistics/probability sufficient to satisfy the standards. (Including Algebra II or its equivalent)

Science 3.0 credits
  • Biology Option – 1.0
  • Environmental Science – 1.0
  • Chemistry Option or Physics– 1.0
Social Studies 3.0 credits
  • World History – 1.0
  • U.S. History – 1.0
  • Geography – 0.5
  • U.S. Government – 0.5
Economics 0.5 credit
Personal Finance 0.5 credit
Physical Education 0.5 credit
Health 0.5 credit
Fine Arts 1.0 credit
Electives 8.0 credits
Total Credits 24.0

School Board policies may change throughout the year. School Board policy updates and changes overrule this handbook. For the most current policy statement, please check School Board Policy 613 in the Superintendent's Office, or at the principal's office.

Credit for Employment with Health Care Providers

consistent with the career and technical pathways program, a student in grade 11 or 12 who is employed by an institutional long-term care or licensed assisted living facility, a home and community-based services and a supports provider, a hospital or health system clinic, or a child care center may earn up to two elective credits each year toward graduation at the discretion of the enrolling school district or charter school.

A student may earn one elective credit for every 350 hours worked, including hours worked during the summer. A student who is employed by an eligible employer must submit an application, in the form or manner required by the school district or charter school, for elective credit to the school district or charter school in order to receive elective credit. The school district or charter school must verify the hours worked with the employer before awarding elective credit. EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective for the 2023-24 school year and later.

warning Elective courses will only run if there are adequate student numbers. warning