505.5 - Graduation Requirements

Students must successfully complete the courses required by the board and Iowa Department of Education in order to graduate.
Semester credit = approximately 18 weeks of instruction
Unit of Instruction = approximately 36 weeks of instruction

It shall be the responsibility of the superintendent to ensure that students complete grades one through twelve and that high school students complete 48 Semester credits or 24 units of instruction prior to graduation. The following credits will be required:

Courses and Credits

English Credits (8) semester credits or (4) units of instruction
Required:                         

• English I (F,S)   (2 semester credits or 1 unit of instruction)
• English II (F,S)  (2 semester credits or 1 unit of instruction)
• English III (F,S)  (2 semester credits or 1 unit of instruction)

Math Credits (6) semester credits or (3) units of instruction during grades 9-12          
Courses selected based on teacher recommendations

Sciences Credits (6) semester credits or (3) units of instruction
Required:   

• Conceptual Physics/Physical Science (F/S) (2 semester credits or 1 unit of instruction)
• Biology (F,S) (2 semester credits or 1 unit of instruction)             

Social Studies Credits (6) semester credits or (3) units of instruction
Required:                   

• Intro. to Geography (1 semester credit or .5 units of instruction)
• US History (F,S) (2 semester credits or 1 unit of instruction)
• World History  (1 semester credit or .5 units of instruction)
• Government (1 semester credit or .5 unit of instruction)

Physical Education/Health (5 semester credits or 2.5 units of instruction)
Required:                            

• Health I  (1 semester credit or .5 units of instruction)
• Fitness (1 semester credit or .5 units of instruction)

A minimum of five semester credits or 2.5 units of instruction of physical education/health over 4 years is required unless excused by a M.D. or waiver to accommodate early graduation.  Four Physical Education exemptions may be requested through participation in Athletics, Marching Band, or Weightlifting. An exemption from Physical Education class allows a student to take another academic class and does not reduce the overall total credit requirement (48 semester credits/24 units of instruction) needed for graduation.  

Business Courses (2 semester credits or 1 unit of instruction)
Required:                    

• Computer Applications I  (1 semester credit or .5 units of instruction)
• Personal Finance (1 semester credit or .5 units of instruction)

A regular enrolled student will not be allowed to graduate with fewer than 48 semester credits or 24 units of instruction without the approval of the board of directors.

Special education and alternative school students may meet individual graduation requirements as stated in their individual education plan.  The Board of Directors shall have complete discretion to determine extraordinary circumstances.

Required classes exist in the areas listed above and in other academic areas.  Dual/CPI enrolled students are eligible for a Forest City CSD Diploma only if 75% of their incoming credits (36 of the required 48 semester credits) have been completed at Forest City CSD or through an accredited institution or delivery system recognized by the State of Iowa.  Students who have not met all district graduation requirements will not be allowed to participate in the graduation ceremony. 

The required courses of study will be reviewed by the board of directors annually.

Prior to graduation, the district will advise students on how to successfully complete the free application for student aid.

A student that has not fully completed the requirements will not be allowed to go through the graduation ceremonies, or have had disciplinary consequences, or outstanding fees/fines, will not be allowed to participate in graduation ceremonies.

Graduation requirements for special education students will include successful completion of four years of English, three years of Math, three years of Social Studies, and three years of Science.

Students who complete a regular session in the Legislative Page Program of the general assembly at the state capitol will be credited for ½ credit of social studies.

Students enrolled in a junior officers’ training corp will receive ⅛ physical education credit for each semester the student is enrolled in the program.

Legal Reference:
Iowa Code §§ 256.7, 11, .41; 279.8; 279.61;280.3, .14.
281 I.A.C. 12.3(5); 12(5).

Cross Reference:

Approved 4-10-89  
Reviewed 6-10-24
Revised 6-10-24