Graduation Requirements

In order to receive a diploma, a student must complete 57 academic credits in courses o!ered at the 9th through 12th grade level. A yearlong course receives three credits and a trimester course receives one credit. The 57 credits must include:

Students must be enrolled in an English course every trimester (ELL courses qualify).

This must include Algebra I, Geometry, and Algebra II; most students go beyond these requirements.

Three credits must be a yearlong physical science (Physics or Chemistry) and three credits must be a full-year life science (Biology). Most students go beyond these requirements.

Each student must complete at least six credits in the same language during grades 9 through 12. Students for whom English is not a first language need not fulfill credits in this department. Many of the most competitive colleges and universities either recommend or require at least three years of continuous language study. As a result, the Williston Northampton College Counseling O"ce strongly recommends that students study a language through at least the third level.

Four year students are required to complete the humanities program in the ninth grade. All students must complete the equivalent of World History (10th grade) and U.S. History (11th grade). Two- and three-year students must also take two additional history credits; one of the two must be a religion or philosophy course (6700 level).

Two-, three-, and four-year students must complete three credits. Students are urged to select from offerings both in the studio/performance courses and in the humanities courses. Note: Students, parents, and faculty advisors are advised to check the distribution requirements of particular colleges in which students may be interested, since requirements and recommended course programs vary.

LANGUAGE: 6 sequential credits

To receive a diploma, students must also: • Enroll and receive a passing grade in all courses taken senior year (including five courses in the third trimester, each worth one credit) • Exhibit positive citizenship • Continue regular participation in the afternoon program • Maintain attendance through graduation ceremonies

Diplomas are granted on the voted recommendation of the faculty prior to graduation, and confirmed by a vote of the Board of Trustees. Waiver of any diploma requirement may be granted only by the head of school or his designated representative, the academic dean, the college counselor, and,