Palo Alto High School Graduation Requirements
Students are required to have a minimum of 210 semester credits for graduation. Students must be enrolled in at least five courses each semester. If enrollment drops below five courses, the student will be referred to an alternative placement. In addition, all students must pass the District's competency examinations.
Generally, a semester class is 5 credits and a year class is 10 credits.
English - 35 credits
Social Studies - 40 credits
• 10 credits of U.S. History
• 10 credits of World History
• 5 credits of U.S. Government
• 5 credits of Contemporary World
• 5 credits of Economics
• 5 credits of a Social Studies elective
Mathematics - 20 credits
Science - 20 credits
• 10 credits Physical Science
• 10 credits Biology
Physical Education - 20 credits
Visual and/or Performing Arts -
• 10 credits Art, Music, Dance, Photography, Theater
Career/Vocational Education -
• 10 credits Industrial Arts, Home Economics, Business Computer courses, Work Experience, Exploratory Work Experience, Regional Occupation Program