Florida Graduation Requirements: What You Should Know

Florida graduation requirements outline the essential guidelines students must follow to earn their high school diploma in the Sunshine State. These requirements ensure that graduates develop the academic skills and knowledge they need to succeed in higher education or the workforce.

Pathways to High School Graduation in Florida

In Florida, students can choose from various pathways to graduation, including the traditional 24-credit program, the 18-credit ACCEL option, the Career and Technical Education (CTE) pathway, and specialized tracks like the International Baccalaureate (IB) and Advanced International Certificate of Education (AICE).

Additionally, there are options specifically designed to support students with disabilities, ensuring they can meet their unique needs. By understanding these pathways, students and parents can make informed decisions about their educational paths and future opportunities.

Graduation Requirements for the 24-Credit Program

Florida’s 24-credit program pathway is the most common route for students seeking a standard high school diploma. This pathway requires students to complete a total of 24 credits across various subject areas.

To fulfill the 24-credit requirement, students must earn credits in the following categories:

• English Language Arts: 4 credits (English I, II, III, and IV).
• Mathematics: 4 credits, including Algebra I and Geometry. Students must pass the Algebra I End-of-Course (EOC) assessment, while the Geometry EOC is factored into the final course grade.
• Science: 3 credits, including Biology and two courses with a lab component.
• Social Studies: 3 credits, which must include 1 credit in World History, 1 credit in U.S. History, and a half credit each in U.S. Government and Economics.
• Physical Education: 1 credit, with options for substitutions such as participation in marching band or Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (JROTC).
• Fine Arts: 1 credit in fine arts, performing arts, practical arts, or public speaking.
• Electives: 8 credits, allowing students to explore various interests and subjects.
• Online Course: Students must complete at least one online course on any topic.
• Personal Financial Literacy: .5 credit, beginning with students entering grade 9 in the 2023-2024 school year, each student must earn one-half credit in personal financial literacy and money management.

In addition to these credit requirements, students must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale and demonstrate proficiency in basic skills through state assessments.

Graduation Requirements for ACCEL Pathway

The Academically Challenging Curriculum to Enhance Learning (ACCEL) pathway offers an accelerated option for high school students in Florida. This pathway is designed for advanced learners and allows students to graduate in a shorter time frame by completing 18 credits instead of the traditional 24.

Students still need to meet the same core requirements as the 24-credit program in subjects such as English, mathematics, science, social studies, and fine arts.

However, the ACCEL pathway waives the physical education requirement and reduces the fine arts requirement to 1 credit. Instead of completing 8 elective credits, students only need to complete 3 elective credits, and they do not have to fulfill the online course requirement.

Graduation Requirements for CTE Pathway in Florida

The Career and Technical Education (CTE) pathway in Florida provides students with an opportunity to earn a standard high school diploma while gaining valuable skills and industry certifications. The CTE pathway is particularly well-suited for students interested in gaining hands-on experience and skills in specific careers, as it prepares them for immediate entry into the workforce or further technical training.

To earn a standard high school diploma through the CTE pathway, students must complete a minimum of 18 credits and maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 2.0 on a 4.0 scale.

Students need to fulfill the following requirements:

• English: 4 credits, which must include passing the statewide grade 10 Reading assessment or the grade 10 ELA assessment or achieving an equivalent score on an alternative test.
• Mathematics: 4 credits, including passing the statewide Algebra I End-of-Course assessment or achieving an equivalent score on an alternative test.
• Science: 3 credits
• Social Studies: 3 credits
• Career and Technical Education: 2 credits, focusing on courses that lead to program completion and an industry certification.

Work-Based Learning Programs: 2 credits, allowing students to substitute up to two elective credits for work-based learning courses, including one-half credit in financial literacy.

Graduation Requirements for IB Pathway

The International Baccalaureate (IB) pathway in Florida provides a rigorous and globally recognized curriculum for high school students. This pathway is available at select schools and includes the Middle Years Program (MYP) for grades 9 and 10 and the Diploma Program (DP) or Career-related Program (CP) for grades 11 and 12.

To successfully graduate through the IB pathway, students must complete the following requirements:

Middle Years Program (Grades 9-10)

Students must take courses in English, social studies, foreign languages, math, and science. They must also participate in arts and physical education. Additionally, students need to complete a personal project and fulfill community service hours to develop their skills and contribute to their communities.

Diploma Program (Grades 11-12)

In the Diploma Program, students need to complete core courses in history, English, and other required subjects. They also engage in the Theory of Knowledge course, which promotes critical thinking. Students must write an extended essay on a topic of their choice to demonstrate independent research skills.

Career-related Program (Grades 11-12)

For those in the Career-related Program, students must participate in a Personal and Professional Skills course that focuses on developing workplace skills. They must engage in community service activities to gain practical experience.

Graduation Requirements for AICE Pathway

The Advanced International Certificate of Education (AICE) pathway in Florida provides a challenging academic experience for students who want to earn college credit while still in high school. Managed by the University of Cambridge, the AICE program helps students get ready for college and future careers by developing critical thinking skills and a global outlook.

To earn the AICE Diploma, students must complete a minimum of 7 courses and pass the corresponding examinations within three years. The requirements are as follows:

• Core Course: Students must take Global Perspectives as a mandatory core course.
• Subject Groups: Students must select at least one course from each of the following three subject groups:‍
• Group 1: Mathematics and Sciences (e.g., AICE Biology, AICE Environmental Management)‍
• Group 2: Languages (e.g., AICE English Language, AICE Spanish)‍
• Group 3: Arts and Humanities (e.g., AICE US History, AICE Geography)‍
• Optional Group: Students may choose additional courses from Group 4, which includes interdisciplinary skills such as AICE Thinking Skills or AICE General Paper.

Florida Graduation Requirements for Students with Disabilities

In Florida, students with disabilities have graduation options designed to meet their needs and help them earn a diploma with the support they require. In addition to the standard diploma pathways, they also have two extra options specifically for them:

• Alternate Assessment Participation: Students with severe learning disabilities can earn credits through access courses designed to meet their unique needs. The Florida Alternate Assessment evaluates their skills.
• Academic and Employment Competencies: For students whose Individualized Education Plan (IEP) team determines that mastering both academic and employment skills is the best way to demonstrate their abilities, this pathway integrates job-related skills into their education. Students must earn at least 0.5 credit through paid employment as specified in the student’s transition plan.

The Bureau of Exceptional Student Education manages the Alternate Assessment Participation and Academic and Employment Competencies programs to make sure students with disabilities receive appropriate resources and guidance.

Conclusion

In summary, Florida graduation requirements provide diverse pathways for all students, including those with disabilities. These tailored options ensure that each student receives the support they need to succeed and be successful. By focusing on individual strengths and skills, Florida helps students transition successfully to life beyond high school.

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