File: IKF GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS South Hadley Public Schools The graduation requirements for South Hadley Public Schools reflect our commitment to ensuring that all students are well-prepared for success in post-secondary education, careers, and lifelong learning. We believe that a well-educated graduate demonstrates proficiency in the essential competencies outlined in the Massachusetts Common Core of Learning, as well as a strong foundation of knowledge and skills across all academic disciplines. Our goal is to equip students with the critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving abilities necessary to navigate an ever-evolving world. Through a rigorous and comprehensive curriculum, we strive to foster intellectual curiosity, adaptability, and a commitment to continuous learning Graduation Requirements include demonstrating mastery through passing grades and the earning of credits in the following as well as demonstrating competency in the areas of ELA Math and Science as determined by the Principal or Designee: 150 credit diploma – Common Core plus 4 year Post Secondary College Planning: 4 years of English 4 years of Math 3 years of Social Studies (including U.S. History and World History) 3 years of Science (req. Biology or Physics or Chemistry) 2 years of the same Foreign Language at the high school level 1 year of Fine or Applied Arts 3 semesters of Physical Education 1 semester of Health 126 credit diploma – meets expectations of Mass Common Core 4 years of English 4 years of Math 3 years of Social Studies (including U.S. History & World History) 3 years of Science (req. Biology or Physics or Chemistry) 1 year of Fine or Applied Arts 3 semesters of Physical Education 1 semester of Health File: IKF GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS South Hadley Public Schools STEM Diploma Requirements (Equivalent to 150+ Diploma): Students must complete 60 Honors or AP-level credits in STEM courses. A minimum grade of 85 or higher is required in all qualifying STEM courses. Up to two semesters of Physical Education may be waived if absolutely necessary. Required within the 60 STEM credits: At least one AP-level science course At least one Honors or AP-level technology course Students must minimally reach H Precalculus in mathematics SHHS CTE Diploma (150 credits) 4 years of English 4 years of Math 2 years of Social Studies (Including U.S. History and World History) 2 years of Science (Biology or Physics or Chemistry) A minimum of 48 CTE credits including capstone final year *Students must maintain a full credit bearing schedule CTEC CTE Diploma (150 credits) 4 years of English 4 years of Math 2 years of Social Studies (Including U.S. History and World History) 2 years of Science (Biology or Chemistry or Physics) 4 years of CTEC classes (84 credits) *If at CTEC less than 4 years then 3 years of Social Studies and Science are needed *Students must maintain a full credit bearing schedule In addition to course completion, all students are responsible for 10 total hours of documented community service due before the last day of senior year. *Individual plans may be developed based on scheduling needs, student support plans, or participation in CTE programming such as cooperative education opportunities with final determination regarding graduation requirements made by the principal and director of counseling. **Students who have the room available in their course of study are strongly encouraged to complete three years of social studies and three years of science; especially, if planning to apply directly to a four-year college or university upon graduation. CTE students may not be able to meet four-year college admission requirements depending on their plan of study. File: IKF GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS South Hadley Public Schools ***Students who request to exit a CTE program will be required to meet general graduation requirements; therefore, exiting such programs should be carefully considered, reviewed with your school counselor, and exited prior to the start of junior year. The above requirements are intended as general policy for academic standards, founded on the belief that all students are capable of mastering demanding academic programs. Of necessity, in order to comply with our philosophy and objectives for personalizing education for students, it is understood that in a few cases, a requirement may indeed to be waived or modified by the high school principal or designee if there is a conflict between the requirement and the students planned vocational or special education program. Such waivers or modifications will be granted only to the extent necessary to meet an individual student's needs after consultation with the appropriate team. REF.: High School Student Handbook Adoption: 1/10/2006; Re-adoption: 4/29/2014 Revision: 09/18/2025