Academic Requirements

Requirements for Graduation

The St. Joseph High School diploma is not exclusively an indication of the successful completion of academic requirements. Since we educate the whole person, we expect and require the student to exhibit, by his or her own behavior, an appreciation for and acceptance of the values and ideals on which the school was founded and which we continue to teach, as a prerequisite for the awarding of a St. Joseph High School diploma.

A senior who fails more than two full credits will not receive a diploma from St. Joseph High School.Seniors must complete their required fifteen hours of community service and be in compliance with school disciplinary and attendance policies in order to receive a diploma. The service form with all proper signatures will be collected at the end of the third quarter.

• Religion: 4 credits (1 credit each year)
• English: 4 credits (1 credit each year)
• Science: 3 credits 
• Mathematics: 3 credits
• Social Studies: 3.5 credits (including 1.5 credits of American History). In addition, Civics (.50 credit) is required in senior year.
• World Language: 2 credits (of same language)
• Phys. Ed./Health: 1 credit (1/2 credit each of the first two years)

One credit earned from the following during the first two years: 

• Computer 610                .50 credit
• Computer 620                .25 credit
• Art Appreciation             .25 credit
• Band or Chorus             .50 credit

Electives: 4.5 credits 

Total Credits: 26

Core curriculum may be required in each discipline. All students are required to complete fifteen hours of community service each year. Underclassmen must complete these hours in order to be eligible to advance to the next grade level. Seniors must complete these hours in order to receive a diploma. Transfer student credit requirements will be determined on a case by case basis.

Noncompliance with the Community Handbook policies and regulations may result in the denial of a St. Joseph High School diploma.

College Requirements and Recommendations  

The following is a list of recommended and minimum credit requirements for students entering most liberal arts programs:

• English: 4 Credits
• Mathematics: 4 Credits (*3 credits minimum)
• Science: 3 Credits (including Chemistry) (*at least one credit Laboratory Science)
• History: 3 Credits
• World Language 3 Credits (Same Language) (*2 credits minimum)

Students are reminded that college majors other than liberal arts (e.g. engineering, nursing, etc.) may have additional requirements. Before selecting courses, students should check college admission requirements and consult with their guidance counselors.  

Academic Levels

A brief explanation of our academic level rating system follows. Please note that some college preparatory electives are Honors II even though they are the usual selection for college prep students.

Academic Level: AP, CL:  Advanced Placement and/or College Level courses. AP courses are college level courses taught according to the recognized Advanced Placement program curriculum. All students taking AP courses are required to take the AP exam. The cost per AP exam for 2010-2011 was $87.00 and is subject to change.

The St. Joseph High School - Sacred Heart University Collaborative Program offers college credit for those students who successfully complete college level courses and earn a minimum grade of 85. A minimum GPA of 85 is required to enroll in these courses. In addition, those students taking any English course for college credit will be required to take SacredHeart University’s placement test. This is given at St. Joseph in the spring. Students will be notified of the date. The cost per course for 2010-2011 was $195.00 and subject to change.

Grades recorded for an AP or College Level course will reflect an extra 8.0 quality points added (e.g. 90 = 98.0).           

Academic Level: H1, Honors I. Superior quality work, output, and achievement will be required in these most competitive courses. An extra 5.0 quality points will be added to the grade earned (e.g. 90 = 95.0).

Academic Level: H2, Honors II. Above average quality work, output, and achievement will be required in these highly competitive courses. An extra 3.0 quality points will be added to the grade earned (e.g. 90 = 93.0).

Academic Levels: CP, CP2, CEP. College Preparatory. Average quality work, output, and achievement will be required in these competitive courses which will involve the majority of students (e.g. 90 = 90.0).

Please note: Grade averages reported on the student’s report card and transcript already reflect weighting.