Class of 2018 and Beyond To Have New Graduation Requirements from the State

Students starting ninth grade this fall will have new state requirements for earning a high school diploma. The change will ensure that our students are better prepared for success after high school whether they attend college, pursue other training or go directly into a job.

What’s New
Students have three ways to qualify for graduation:

• Earn an appointed, combined passing score on a series of seven end-of-course exams in English, math, physical science, American history and American government. Students who take physical science, American history or American government as part of Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate or College Credit Plus programs can take the end-of-course exams designed for these courses instead of the state’s end-of-course exams. This will avoid double testing.

• Earn a “remediation-free” score on a nationally recognized college admission exam, such as the ACT or SAT. The score must show that a student will not need to take high school-level review courses in college before earning college credits. Every student entering ninth grade this year, and all those beyond, will take a college admission exam in grade 11 at the state’s expense.

• Earn an industry-recognized “credential” or state license to practice a vocation and receive a score on a job-skills test that shows the student is ready for employment.

What Will Not Change
• Students who have exceeded Ohio’s curriculum requirements for graduation have an opportunity to earn a diploma with honors.

• To graduate students still must earn a certain number of credits in English, math, science, social studies, physical education, health and elective courses.

• Through the class of 2019, students can meet alternative requirements in mathematics and science.

The state has designed these options to ensure that every high school student has access to a high-quality education and is prepared for success in college and careers. Be sure to monitor your child’s high school coursework and credits, and encourage your child to do the same. For more details, visit education.ohio.gov and type new graduation requirements in the Search box.