Upper School Division Graduation Requirements

A minimum of twenty academic credits is required for graduation. One credit is awarded for a year-long course meeting 4-5 periods per week; one half credit is awarded for a semester-long course meeting 4-5 periods per week; courses meeting fewer periods will be assigned credit based on the number of hours. The typical minimum course load at one time is five academic courses.

Please understand that the following requirements constitute the minimum standard for graduation from The Oakwood School. Please also keep in mind that admission standards vary across colleges and universities. While Oakwood’s curriculum is designed to prepare students for success in college, you may want to research specific requirements for admission at the schools you are most interested in attending after graduation.

Each student’s course of study will depend upon her or his personal goals. Please think carefully about your interests and talents as you select courses. Oakwood’s standard classes reflect at least honors-level work at most public high schools with AP courses demanding an even greater volume of content mastery. Learning is most fun when students challenge themselves appropriately without spreading themselves too thinly.

If students have questions about academic courses, they should consult their parents, teachers, the college counselor and others at Oakwood who would be happy to share their perspectives and advice.

English 4 Credits
English I, II, III and IV are required courses. They explore Ancient Western Literature, European Literature (including British and Russian Literature), and American literature in 9th, 10th and 11th grade, respectively. In 12th grade, students must take two semester-long English classes or a year-long course.

History 3 Credits
Ancient Western, European and American History are required courses in 9th, 10th and 11th grade, respectively. These courses are coordinated with the literature studied in English. The history of other cultures (e.g. Asia and Africa), and specific eras will be addressed through elective courses. Students pursuing the North Carolina Academic Scholars Program must take a course in civics or economics.

Mathematics 4 Credits
Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II and one course beyond Algebra II are required. High school level courses successfully completed in Middle School may count towards the math requirement. However, they do not count towards the 20-credit graduation requirement. In light of most college and university expectations, students are encouraged to take math during all four years of Upper School.

Science 3 Credits
Biology, Chemistry, and Physics are required, laboratory-based courses typically taken in 9th, 10th and 11th grades, respectively. Advanced placement and additional courses will be offered as electives.

Foreign Language 3 Credits
Students are required to successfully complete a third level language course or three years of study in the same language during their Upper School years. High school level courses successfully completed in Middle School may count towards the foreign language requirement. However, they do not count towards the 20-credit graduation requirement. Students may pursue more than one language (when offered) but are encouraged to study at least one language in depth. Fourth year and AP language courses will be offered.

Fine Arts 1 Credit
Oakwood’s goal of developing well-rounded students includes participation in the arts. Students are required to take the equivalent of one credit of fine arts and are encouraged to pursue their interests well beyond this requirement. The fine arts include studio art, music and drama or dance (as offered).

Physical Education 1 Credits
Students are required to complete one credit of physical education including a Health and Wellness course, preferably in the 9th or 10th grade. Students may fulfill the rest of the requirement by participating on Oakwood athletic teams or participating in approved physical activities at or outside school. Students not participating on Oakwood teams are encouraged to develop their own independent fitness study proposals. These may include pursuits while at school (in free periods or after school, such as a walking or jogging program) or they may be supervised activities outside of school (for example, horseback riding, weight training, yoga or outside sports participation).

Electives 2 Credits