Embedded Files
Graduation requirements below are effective beginning with students entering grade 9 in the 2025-2026 school year. Students entering grades 10-12 must meet the graduation requirements established for their respective class. Copies of archived Program of Studies documents are on file in the school’s counselor's office and online at www.smcps.org/dci.
CREDITS FOR GRADUATION
CREDITS FOR GRADUATION
Students are encouraged to present more than the minimum units of credit for graduation. Most students will graduate with more than 26 units of credit. Units of credit are earned at the end of the year with a passing score. A unit of credit is based on all four marking periods for a year-long course. All credits required for graduation must be taken at an SMCPS high school to fulfill graduation requirements unless otherwise noted in the Program of Studies.
Maryland Core Requirements (22 Credits)
Maryland Core Requirements (22 Credits)
English - 4 Credits
Mathematics - 4 Credits*
Algebra 1
Geometry
Additional Math Credit*
*Must take math each year in high school
Science - 3 Credits
Science credits must include a course in Life Science, Physical Science, and Earth/Space Science aligned to NGSS.
Social Studies - 3 Credits
United States History
American Government
Modern World History
Physical Education/Health - 1.5 Credits
Physical Education - (0.5 credit)
Health - (1 credit)
Fine Arts - 1 Credit
Technology Education - 1 Credit
Foundations of Technology
Foundations of Computer Science
OR
AP Computer Science Principles
CORE CREDIT TOTAL = 17.5 Credits (As cited above)
OTHER GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS = (minimum)
OTHER GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS = (minimum)
World Language - 2 Credits - OR - CTE Completer Sequence - 4 Credits
2 World Languages - 2 Credits of the same language
OR
CTE Completer - CTE Sequence Courses
Electives
2.5 Credits minimum for University Completers
0.5 Credit minimum for CTE Completers
Assessments
Take High School Assessments for
Government*
Algebra 1
English 10
Biology*
*Will be 20% of the final course grade.
Student Service Learning
75 Hours
Career Portfolio
Complete
PROGRAM COMPLETION
PROGRAM COMPLETION
To receive a High School Diploma in St. Mary’s County Public Schools (SMCPS), students must select and enroll in a course of study for a program pathway. All students must complete the Maryland core requirements. Students must also select a University Sequence or a Career and Technology Education Completer Sequence. All students are highly encouraged to take advantage of all that SMCPS offers and to be a Dual Completer, meeting the requirements of both sequences.
University Completer
University Completer
Complete 17.5 core credits
Complete 4 credits in Mathematics to include Algebra 1, Geometry, and Algebra 2 (non-trivial Algebra minimum in senior year)
Complete 2 credits in the same World Language
Career & Technology Education (CTE) Completer
Career & Technology Education (CTE) Completer
Complete the 17.5 core credits
Complete an approved Career and Technology Program Sequence
Dual Completer
Dual Completer
Complete the 17.5 core credits
Complete an approved Career and Technology Program Sequence
Meet all the requirements of the University Sequence
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