Course Credits
1. A unit of credit is granted for work completed in a subject meeting one period for the academic year. One-half unit of credit is granted for work completed in a subject meeting one period for one-half the academic year (one semester). Seventh and eighth graders do not receive credit toward high school graduation. High school courses taken in 7th and 8th grade may be placed on the student's transcripts but do not count towards the fulfillment of graduation requirements. Only students enrolled in grades 9-12 receive credit for high school graduation.
2. Freshman, sophomores and juniors are required to take six courses. Seniors may enroll in a minimum of four courses if they are on track to meet graduation requirements. Seniors should complete a credit check with their counselor to insure that all graduation requirements are being met.
3. Course work in accredited summer and night school may be taken toward graduation requirements. Students may also enroll in a limited number of correspondence courses if approved by the student's counselor and school administrator.
4. Students attempting to earn credits at sites other than the school campus from which they intend to graduate need to exert care and caution. Acceptance of transfer credits from sources outside the Chandler School District is not automatic. It is recommended that students consult with their counselor before enrolling in courses outside the Chandler Unified School District to clarify if credit will be granted and to determine what process must be followed to have the credit transferred. Through careful planning and consultation, disappointments and confusion can be avoided.
5. At the beginning of a given school year, a student is considered to be a freshman when fewer than five credits have been earned, a sophomore when at least five credits have been earned, a junior when at least ten credits have been earned, and a senior when at least fifteen credits have been earned.
6. Teacher aides will receive .50 credit per period, per semester with a maximum of 1/2 credit counting towards graduation as elective credit.
Curriculum Requirements/Recommendations
Curriculum Area |
Chandler Schools
Graduation Requirements Beginning Class of 2013 |
Chandler Schools
Graduation Requirements Class of 2009-2012 |
Arizona University
Entrance Requirements |
|
English |
4 credits |
4 credits |
4 credits |
|
Math |
4 credits |
3 credits |
4 credits |
|
Laboratory Science |
3 credits
Student must complete one year in the same science course to receive credit towards graduation. Investigative Science, Biology, Chemistry and Human Biology
|
2 credits
Student must complete one year in the same science course to receive credit towards graduation. Investigative Science, Biology, Chemistry and Human Biology
|
3 lab science credits
One credit in each of three different laboratory sciences selected from the following: Chemistry, Physics, or Biology. An integrated laboratory science or an advanced level laboratory science (Human Biology, Biotechnology, and Investigative Science) may be used to substitute for one required course. |
|
Social Studies |
3 credits
World History/Geography, Economics, American/AZ History,
US/AZ Government |
3 credits
World History/Geography, Economics, American/AZ History,
US/AZ Government |
2 credits |
|
Career and Technical Education/Fine Arts |
1 credit |
1 credit |
1 Fine Arts credit |
|
Foreign Language |
0 credit |
0 credit |
2 credits
Two years of the same language |
|
Physical Education |
1 credit |
1 credit |
0 credit |
|
Comprehensive Health |
½ credit |
½ credit |
0 credit |
|
Required Courses |
16 ½ credits |
14 ½ credits |
16 credits |
|
Elective Courses |
5 ½ credits |
7 ½ credits |
4 credits |
|
Total Required Credits |
22 credits |
22 credits |
20 credits |
Cross Credit Courses
The following list of courses may be used to substitute for credit in other areas. The courses listed are outlined in their respective course descriptions throughout the catalog.
• Courses that may be used or applied toward the physical education requirement: Spiritline, Beginning
Dance, Intermediate Dance, Advanced Dance, Drill/Color Guard, Marching Band, Flags. Marching Band
and Flags credit will only waive PE credit at the ratio of three semesters of Band/Flags to two semesters of
P.E.
• Courses that may be applied toward the science requirement: Applied Biological Systems may be applied as a lab science course (Biology), Agriscience I and Agriscience II may be applied towards fulfillment of the
science requirement at the ratio of each full year course equates to 1/2 year of lab science.
• Courses that may be applied toward the economics requirement: Agriculture Business Management, Cooperative Education courses.
• Criminal Justice for one full year will fulfill the one semester requirement for US/AZ Government.
Questions regarding graduation requirements can be directed to your students counselor
