Graduating high school in Florida requires students to meet specific credit and assessment requirements set by the Florida Department of Education. Understanding these requirements is essential for students and parents to ensure a smooth path to graduation. In this article, we’ll explore the credit requirements to graduate high school in Florida, break down the core subject requirements, and outline additional criteria needed to earn a standard diploma.

How Many Credits Are Needed to Graduate High School in Florida?

To earn a standard high school diploma in Florida, students must complete a total of 24 credits. These credits are distributed across core academic subjects, electives, and other mandatory courses.

Credit Breakdown for High School Graduation in Florida

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the 24 credits required to graduate high school in Florida:

1. English Language Arts (ELA) – 4 Credits

Students must complete four years of English courses, including:

  • English I
  • English II
  • English III
  • English IV

These courses focus on developing reading, writing, and critical thinking skills.

2. Mathematics – 4 Credits

Four credits in mathematics are required, which must include:

  • Algebra I(Earning credit in Algebra I is mandatory, and students must pass the Algebra I End-of-Course (EOC) assessment.)
  • Geometry

The remaining math credits can be earned through courses like Algebra II, Pre-Calculus, or other advanced math classes.

3. Science – 3 Credits

Students must complete three credits in science, which must include:

  • Biology I(with an EOC assessment)
  • Two additional science courses, such as Chemistry, Physics, or Earth Science

At least two of these courses must include a laboratory component.

4. Social Studies – 3 Credits

Social studies requirements include:

  • S. History(1 credit)
  • World History(1 credit)
  • S. Government(0.5 credit)
  • Economics with Financial Literacy(0.5 credit)

5. Physical Education – 1 Credit

Students must complete one credit of physical education, which typically includes the Health Opportunities through Physical Education (HOPE) course.

6. Fine Arts – 1 Credit

One credit in fine or performing arts, speech, or debate is required. This allows students to explore creative or communication-based subjects.

7. Electives – 8 Credits

Students have the freedom to choose 8 elective credits, which can include additional academic courses, career and technical education (CTE) classes, or other interests. Electives provide an opportunity to tailor the high school experience to a student’s goals and interests.

Additional Requirements for Graduation in Florida

In addition to earning the required 24 credits, students must meet the following criteria to graduate:

1. Online Course Requirement

Students must complete at least one course online during high school. This requirement ensures that students are prepared for the digital demands of higher education and the workforce.

2. Grade Point Average (GPA)

Students must achieve a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale to graduate.

3. State Assessments

To graduate, students must pass the following standardized assessments:

  • Florida Standards Assessments (FSA)in English Language Arts for Grade 10
  • Algebra I EOC Assessment

Students who do not pass these assessments can use alternative scores from standardized tests such as the SAT or ACT to meet graduation requirements.

4. End-of-Course (EOC) Exams

EOC assessments are required for certain courses, including:

  • Algebra I
  • Geometry
  • Biology I
  • S. History

The results of these EOC exams count as 30% of the final grade in the respective courses.

Graduation Pathways in Florida

Florida offers several pathways to help students meet graduation requirements:

  1. Standard 24-Credit Pathway
    This is the most common graduation pathway, requiring students to complete 24 credits across core subjects, electives, and additional requirements.
  2. 18-Credit ACCEL Option
    For students seeking an accelerated graduation option, the ACCEL program requires 18 credits, eliminating physical education and some elective requirements.
  3. Career and Technical Education (CTE) Pathway
    This pathway focuses on integrating career and technical courses, allowing students to graduate with industry certifications or credentials.
  4. Special Diploma Options
    For students with disabilities, Florida offers alternative diploma options that align with their individualized education plans (IEPs).

Tips for Staying on Track for Graduation

  1. Monitor Credit Progress
    Regularly review your transcript with a school counselor to ensure you’re meeting credit requirements and are on track for graduation.
  2. Prepare for Assessments
    Take advantage of study resources and tutoring to prepare for the FSA, EOC exams, and alternative standardized tests if needed.
  3. Utilize Elective Opportunities
    Choose electives that align with your career or college goals, such as career and technical courses or advanced academic subjects.
  4. Explore Online Learning Options
    Complete the online course requirement early to avoid last-minute stress. Many schools offer flexible options for this requirement.
  5. Seek Academic Support
    If you’re struggling with a particular subject or test, don’t hesitate to seek help from teachers, tutors, or academic support programs.

To graduate high school in Florida, students must earn 24 credits, pass state assessments, complete an online course, and maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0. By understanding these requirements and planning accordingly, students can successfully navigate their high school journey and achieve their diploma. Whether you’re aiming for college, a career, or other future goals, meeting Florida’s graduation requirements is a critical step toward success.