Program of Studies 2011-2012 - Gorham High School!

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS
Students who graduate from Gorham High School must have earned a minimum of twenty-two credits
and have successfully completed the following graduation requirements:
All students must complete 22 Carnegie Units (credits) in order to graduate.
16.5 of the 22 credits must be obtained in the One credit is awarded for each passing final grade in a fullyear
course or two semester courses.
following disciplines:
English
4 credits
Mathematics
3 credits .5 credit is awarded for each semester course, such as
Science
3 credits Health or Physical Education.
Social Studies
3 credits*
Technology
1 credit *All students must earn credit in World History 1, American
Physical Education
1 credit Studies or American History, and World History 2, United
Fine Arts
1 credit States and the World, or AP Modern European History.
Health
.5 credit
Subtotal 16.5 credits NOTE: Community service is not required to earn a diploma.
Other
5.5 credits However, each student must have accumulated twenty (20)
TOTAL
22.0 credits
community service hours in order to participate in graduation
ceremonies.
EARLY COLLEGE FOR ME / EARLY STUDIES
Juniors and seniors may be eligible to take courses at USM or one of the community colleges. Students
who qualify will be able to get an early start on college for little or no cost. Students should discuss their options
for this early studies program with their school counselor.
FULL TIME STATUS
Students must be enrolled in and attending a minimum of five courses each semester to have full time
status. A student will not be eligible to participate in extracurricular activities if he/she is not a full time student.
PROMOTION REQUIREMENTS (eligibility for class status)
Grade 9 to 10............A student must have earned 5.0 credits
Grade 10 to 11..........A student must have earned 10.0 credits
Grade 11 to 12..........A student must have earned 16.0 credits
LEVELS
Gorham High School believes strongly in challenge by choice. If a student wants to take an advanced
class, they may, with the approval of their parents and with knowledge of the demands of the course.
Advanced Placement - These courses are highly challenging academic subjects designed to provide
students with the background to take the AP exams. It is possible to earn college credit or advanced standing by
scoring within a certain range on the AP exam. AP courses are offered in Biology, U.S. History, Comparative
Government and Politics, English Language, English Literature, Calculus, European History and Latin Vergil.
Advanced Level - These courses are rigorous and should be elected by the student with a strong
foundation in the subject area. Completion of these courses with an "honors" grade will prepare a student for
entrance into most four- (4) year college programs.
Standard Level - These courses are for students with a good background, but who need time and practice
for mastery of the skills and concepts of the subject.
Program of Studies: 2011-2012 Page 5