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Requirements for Graduation in Tennessee

High school students must complete 22 credits to graduate. They also will be tested in core subject areas with End of Course exams, part of the Tennessee Comprehensive Assessment Program, or TCAP. Their performance on these exams will factor into their semester grade for the course.

 

To receive a traditional high school diploma, all students enrolled in a Tennessee public school during their eleventh (11th) grade year must take either the ACT or SAT.

Total Required Credits: 22

  • Math: 4 credits, including Algebra I, II, Geometry and a fourth higher level math course (Students must be enrolled in a mathematics course for at least three out of four years of high school, effective in the 2024-25 school year).
  • English: 4 credits
  • Science: 3 credits, including Biology, Chemistry or Physics, and a third lab course
  • Computer Science (CS): 1 credit, CS may be substituted for a fourth math credit or third lab science credit.
  • Social Studies: 3 credits, including U.S. History and Geography, World History and Geography, U.S. Government and Civics, and Economics
  • Physical Education and Wellness: 1.5 credits
  • Personal Finance: 0.5 credits (Three years of JROTC may be substituted for one-half unit of Personal Finance if the JROTC instructor attends the Personal Finance training.)
  • World Language: 2 credits (May be waived by the local school district for students, under certain circumstances, to expand and enhance the elective focus)
  • Fine Arts: 1 credit (may be waived by the local school district for students, under certain circumstances, to expand and enhance the elective focus)
  • Elective Focus: 3 credits consisting of Math and Science, Career and Technical Education, Fine Arts, Humanities, Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB)