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Graduation Requirements

Credits

  • 20 credits in English (English 9, 10, 11 and 12, or AP English Lit/AP English Language)
  • 20 credits in Mathematics
  • 15 credits in Social Studies (US History I, US History II, Modern World History are required)
  • 15 credits in Science (Physics and Biology are required)
  • 10 credits in Physical Education
  • 10 credits in World Languages (unless approved by waiver)
  • 2.5 credits in the Arts (art, band, chorus)
  • Remaining credits in additional core or electives courses (25 credits must be in courses that meet MassCore requirements)
TOTAL CREDITS REQUIRED:
  • 130 for the Class of 2016
  • 125 for the Class of 2017
  • 120 for the Class of 2018 and beyond

Five credits are normally granted for a course, which meets one period for a full year. These graduation requirements indicate the minimum credits needed to receive a diploma from Hopkins Academy. Students and parents must realize that the admission to many four-year colleges and universities is more competitive that Hopkins Academy's minimum graduation requirements. Therefore, we strongly urge that students take specified challenging courses to allow them to be more competitive in the college admission process standards to these schools. We also recommend that all students visit the guidance office on a regular basis to discuss future plans, specific course needs, and available options.

Failure to meet all graduation requirements by the close of school (2:00) on the last day of senior classes will result in a student not being allowed to participate in the commencement exercises and senior week activities.

Seniors identified as being in danger of not graduating receive the following:

  • An evaluation meeting with the guidance counselor and principal that includes a summary of their current status.
  • A written Graduation Plan that must be followed.
  • Mandatory help and remediation sessions, that may include weekends or vacations as assigned by the principal.
  • Numerous other contacts beyond mid-term reports and report cards.

Students in Grade 10 will be taking a competency test (MCAS) mandated by the Education Reform Act of 1993. The passing of this test in English, Mathematics and Science/Technology by students is a prerequisite for graduation from high school. Students must satisfy the following conditions in English Language Arts, Mathematics, and Science to earn a competency determination:

  1. Meet or exceed the Proficient threshold scaled score of 240 on the Gr. 10 English Language Arts and the Math MCAS tests; or
  2. Meet or exceed the Needs Improvement threshold scaled score of 220 on the Gr. 10 English Language Arts and Mathematics grade 10 MCAS tests and fulfill the requirements of an Educational Proficiency Plan and
  3. Meet or exceed the Needs Improvement threshold scaled score of 220 in Science/Technology.

Special Notes

Credit will not be granted to a student for a withdrawal prior to the normal ending of the course. Exceptions may be made by the principal for good cause such as transferring to or from another school, early graduation, and unusual circumstances. All students in grades 9 through 12 are expected to be enrolled in a minimum of the equivalent of 40 credits (eight class periods) during each marking period.

Class Standing

(Promotion/Retention Graduation Requirements)

Class Standing with incremental adjustments to account for changes in credit-earning opportunities are listed below. Each represents total credits to be achieved at the end of a school year in order for high school students to be promoted to the next grade or to graduate:

2015-2016 for High School Students to be Considered:
  • Sophomore (10th Grade) - 30 Credits
  • Junior (11th Grade) - 62.5 Credits
  • Senior (12th Grade) - 97.5 Credits
  • A Graduate (Graduate) - 130 Credits
2016-2017 for High School Students to be Considered:
  • Sophomore (10th Grade) - 30 Credits
  • Junior (11th Grade) - 60 Credits
  • Senior (12th Grade) - 92.5 Credits
  • A Graduate (Graduate) - 125 Credits
2017-2018 for High School Students to be Considered:
  • Sophomore (10th Grade) - 30 Credits
  • Junior (11th Grade) - 60 Credits
  • Senior (12th Grade) - 90 Credits
  • A Graduate (Graduate) - 120 Credits

Note: Homeroom assignments will be made on the basis of credits earned. A student who has not completed the minimum for his/her class will be assigned to the grade level homeroom that corresponds with credits earned.