WHICH CLASSES ARE REQUIRED TO GRADUATE FROM ONLINE HIGH SCHOOL?
Graduation requirements for online high schools are basically the same as requirements to graduate from a “regular” high school. But – just in case you’re not clear as to which classes you must take to graduate, here’s a quick summary:
- Math – Most of us think we hate math. But math is at the very base of what you’ll need to be competitive in the work world once you graduate. Most schools require that you take from two to four years of math in order to graduate, which usually include algebra and geometry. If you want to be ambitious add calculus and trigonometry.
- Science – Overall, most high school curriculum requires at least two years of science, most common are Biology and Chemistry. Some schools offer advanced science classes for students who are interested in more than just a brief knowledge of scientific principles.
- English – English is a four-year requirement at basically all schools, which means there’s really no way to avoid taking a course every year. These courses include reading and analyzing classic and contemporary literature; improving writing skills and grammar; speech; and critical thinking.
- Social Studies – Social studies is another four-year requirement for your high school curriculum. Schools more commonly offer offer classes ranging from American and world history to economics and government studies.
- Foreign Languages – Most high schools in the United States, including homeschool students, require at least two years of language studies in order to graduate. The most often offered courses are Spanish, French and German, but many schools are starting to offer training in Arabic, Japanese, Mandarin and more.
- Gym – Hard to believe, right? High school students, even online students, are required to spend at least two years in gym classes. In some states, they are requiring health and nutrition classes as a part and in addition to gym classes. Why? The theory is that gym encourages physical fitness which is a necessity if you want to be professionally successful and also teaches students how to be members of a team. Also important if you want to hold down a great job. (NOTE: Check with your homeschool program to find out if you must complete gym requirements, and, if you must, find out how it’s done.)
- Other Classes – A semester or a year of music or art classes are part of a required curriculum. These classes can actually be fun, so don’t be afraid to sign up for them.
WHAT IS AN “ELECTIVE” CLASS?
To make this simple – Electives are pretty much classes that aren’t on the list of required classes from above. Electives are not required, but really great students take them anyway. You might want to choose electives that complement your personal interests, or teach you a new skill, or might be related to the career path you want to pursue. Often, electives don’t require as much hard work or time as do core, required, classes. You may be able to take classes that more completely train you for the work you’d like to do in the future. You may be able to take classes in agriculture, business, computers, physical education, construction, drama, non-profit management. The sky’s the limit, so check your high school’s course catalog to find a class you might enjoy. If you’re not a hard core cyber-geek, perhaps the most useful elective you could take would be an advanced computer course.
DO I HAVE TO TAKE ELECTIVES TO GRADUATE FROM ONLINE HIGH SCHOOL?
We all understand that a person can graduate from high school (and online high school) by just completing the minimum requirements to “get out” and move on. But, if you’re planning on applying for college admission, you might want to think about doing more than just squeaking by. As a student, you do have choices about which classes you’d like to take. Yes, it’s tempting to take just what you need to get by, but taking a few more challenging classes will not only impress college admissions offices, but will make you more prepared for college. Who knows, in the bargain, you will have fun!
Although taking electives is not always required, ask your school guidance counselor or check with your online school contact to find out how important taking electives can be to your chances of getting into the college of your choice. You may be able to load your schedule with Honors and AP classes and extra-curricular activities to show that you didn’t take the easy way out, but taking electives will help you demonstrate your commitment to success.
The basic idea behind taking electives is that these courses are offered to assist you in becoming what is often called a “well-rounded individual.” College admissions offices love to see people that make good grades, are at the top of their class, are active in their community, AND have interests outside of the core/required curriculum. They don’t want students with one-track minds because people with one-track minds often do not adjust well to change.
So – the answer to the question “Do I have to take electives to graduate from online high school?” is ….. No, but why not? By taking electives, you’ll definitely increase your chances of getting into the college of your choice, and – who knows? You might even have fun!
Global Student Network has over 100 electives to choose for high school students to take online. To learn more view our list of high school curriculums.