High School Graduation Requirements
The minimum requirements for high school graduation from Washington County Public Schools adhere to but are not limited by the standards established by the State of Maryland. There are four components to WCPS and Maryland high school graduation requirements:
1. Students must complete a minimum of twenty-four credits in required and elective courses. Click here to see a list of required courses. Advanced students should consider fulfilling course requirements with Advanced Placement level classes whenever possible.
2. Students must fulfill requirements in at least one of the following two completer programs: University System of Maryland or Career Technology Education. In the University System Completer Program, students complete the minimum requirements for admission to a University System of Maryland college. Additional advanced courses are recommended. In the Career Technology Education Completer Programs, students complete a pre-approved sequence of courses in a specific career field. Many students fulfill requirements for both completer programs.
3. Students must complete at least seventy-five Student Service Learning (SSL) hours, including proper preparation and reflection. All activities completed must meet nine guidelines for successful student service. Finally, all SSL hours must be recorded and approved using the Washington County Student Service Learning Record of Participation Sheet. Students are encouraged to continue service beyond the required hours, and seniors who have more than twice the required number are honored each year. Click here for more information about SSL.
4. Students must take and pass High School Assessments in English II, Algebra, and Biology OR earn a combined score equal to the passing scores OR successfully complete the Bridge Program. Read Parents Support HSA School Improvement in Maryland for more information.
Students and parents with questions about high school graduation requirements should contact their school counselor.
1. Students must complete a minimum of twenty-four credits in required and elective courses. Click here to see a list of required courses. Advanced students should consider fulfilling course requirements with Advanced Placement level classes whenever possible.
2. Students must fulfill requirements in at least one of the following two completer programs: University System of Maryland or Career Technology Education. In the University System Completer Program, students complete the minimum requirements for admission to a University System of Maryland college. Additional advanced courses are recommended. In the Career Technology Education Completer Programs, students complete a pre-approved sequence of courses in a specific career field. Many students fulfill requirements for both completer programs.
3. Students must complete at least seventy-five Student Service Learning (SSL) hours, including proper preparation and reflection. All activities completed must meet nine guidelines for successful student service. Finally, all SSL hours must be recorded and approved using the Washington County Student Service Learning Record of Participation Sheet. Students are encouraged to continue service beyond the required hours, and seniors who have more than twice the required number are honored each year. Click here for more information about SSL.
4. Students must take and pass High School Assessments in English II, Algebra, and Biology OR earn a combined score equal to the passing scores OR successfully complete the Bridge Program. Read Parents Support HSA School Improvement in Maryland for more information.
Students and parents with questions about high school graduation requirements should contact their school counselor.
