High school students in every state face different graduation requirements. This guide explores how many credits are needed to graduate, which courses are mandatory, and other high school graduation requirements. It also delves into how homeschool laws affect graduation.
Graduation requirements help ensure all students with a high school diploma have mastered fundamental academic skills that will serve them in their future education or career plans. For most students, fulfilling high school graduation requirements means earning a specific number of credit hours and taking courses in required academic subjects (like science and English) as well as electives. Non-credit criteria for graduation can include completing service hours, maintaining a minimum grade point average, or passing standardized tests.
Requirements for high school graduation vary by state, and in most cases, the state's education department sets graduation standards for the entire state. However, a few states, such as Colorado, Massachusetts, and Pennsylvania, allow local school districts to determine most or all of the high school graduation requirements. Below is a state-by-state overview of high school graduation requirements, including the number of credits for core courses. In this table, a single credit represents about 120 hours of one course, which typically completed in one school year, through four or five one-hour class sessions per week. The credit requirements listed here are the total for four years of high school. To meet the four-credit English requirement that most schools require for graduation, for example, students would need to take an English course every year of high school.
| State or District | English Credits | Math Credits | Science Credits | Social Studies Credits | Other Credits | Required Total Number of Credits | Other Requirements for Graduation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 3 - Foreign Language, Career and Technical Education (CTE), or Arts Education; 1 - Physical Education; 0.5 - Health Education; 1 - Career Preparedness; 2.5 - Electives | 24 | Students must earn a passing score on the Civics Exam. Online learning students must complete one online/technology enhanced course or experience. |
| Alaska | 4 | 3 | 2 | 3 | 1 - Health/Physical Education | At least 21, and local districts may require more credits and specific classes | One-half credit of social studies must include Alaska history or the students must meet the Alaska history performance standards. |
| Arizona | 4 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 1 - Fine Arts or Career and Technical Education and Vocational Education | At least 22, and local districts determine the remaining 7 additional required course credits | Students must earn a passing score on the Arizona Civics Test. |
| Arkansas | 4 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 0.5 - Oral Communication; 0.5 - Physical Education; 0.5 - Health & Safety; 0.5 - Fine Arts | At least 22 | Students are required to pass the Arkansas Civics Exam and complete CPR training. One credit needs to be in a course that covers personal & family finance topics, and one credit must be earned in an ADE-approved high school computer science course. Starting with the 2026-27 graduating class, students are required to complete a minimum of 75 clock hours of community service. |
| California | 3 | 2 | 2 | 3 | 1 - Foreign Language, ASL, Performing Arts, or Career and Technical Education; 2 – Physical Education | At least 13, and local districts may supplement the state minimum requirements | Starting with the 2029–30 school year, students will be required to take one semester of Ethnic Studies. |
| Colorado | Determined by local districts | Determined by local districts | Determined by local districts | Determined by local districts | The only state-required courses are Civics and a course that incorporates Genocide and Holocaust Studies. | Determined by local districts | School districts set their own requirements, which will usually require students to take academic courses as well as prove their college and career readiness in math and language arts by choosing from a menu of options that include taking the SAT, completing AP classes, taking college courses, or earning an industry certificate, among other options. Some districts might also have additional requirements, such as community service. |
| Connecticut | Determined by local districts | Determined by local districts | Determined by local districts | Determined by local districts | 1 - Physical Education; 1 - Health and Safety; 1 - World Language; 1 - Mastery Based Diploma Requirement | 25 | Connecticut law requires that students take 9 Humanities credits and 9 STEM credits, and local school districts determine the breakdown of these credits with most requiring around 4 credits in English, 3 credits in Social Sciences, 3 credits in Science, 3 credits in Math, and additional credits in these subjects. There are also 3 required elective credits that can be in areas like fine arts. |
| Delaware | 4 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 2 – World Language; 1- Physical Education; 0.5 - Health Education; 3 – Career Pathway; 3.5 - Electives | At least 24 with some districts requiring more | Some districts might include additional requirements, such as a senior research project. |
| District of Columbia | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 2 – World Language; 0.5 - Art; 0.5 - Music; 1.5 – Health and Physical Education; 3.5 - Electives | 24 | All students must complete 100 hours of community service. Additionally, students must be enrolled in Algebra 1 by 10th grade, and 2 credits must come from approved College Level or Career Preparatory courses. |
| Florida | 4 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 0.5 - Personal Financial Literacy; 1 – Fine and Performing Arts, Speech and Debate, Career and Technical Education, or Practical Arts; 1 – Physical Education; 7.5 - Electives | 24 | Students must maintain a minimum 2.0 GPA on a 4-point scale, pass the required state assessments, and take one online course. Some local school districts might have additional requirements, such as documented community service hours. |
| Georgia | 4 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 1 – Physical Education and Health; 3 - World Language, Fine Arts, or Career and Technical Education; 4 - Electives | 23 | Students must pass the Georgia Milestones End-of-Course tests in each required subjects (American Literature and Composition, Algebra Concepts and Connections, Biology, and United States History). |
| Hawaii | 4 | 3 | 3 | 4 | 2 – World Language, Fine Arts, or Career and Technical Education/JROTC; 1 - Physical Education; 0.5 – Health; 0.5 - Personal Transition Plan; 6 - Electives | 24 | If a student choose a World Language, the 2 credits must be in a single language, and if they choose the 2-credit option for Career and Technical Education/JROTC, the credits must be in a single career pathway program or the JROTC must be 2 consecutive courses. |
| Idaho | 9 (Language Arts/Communications) | 6 | 6 | 5 | 2 – Humanities (may include Arts, Music, World Language, etc.); 1 – Health and Wellness, including CPR training; 17 - Electives | 46 | Students must all complete a senior project, pass the Government and Civics Proficiency exam, and take a course that includes the study of financial literacy. All Juniors must take a college entrance examination. |
| Illinois | 4 | 3 | 2 | 2 | At least one course (many districts require more) in World Language/ASL, Arts/Music, or Career and Technical Education; local districts determine other required credits in Physical Education, Drivers Ed, Health Education, and other subjects. | At least 16.75, although most districts require 22-26 credits | Students must complete state testing, a course that includes the study of Consumer Education, and demonstrate knowledge of the U.S. and Illinois constitutions. Some districts also require the completion of a Service Learning project and a driver education course. Students are required to fill out the The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Starting in 2028-2029, students will be required to take 2 years of a foreign language. |
| Indiana | 8 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 5 - World Languages, Fine Arts Career and Technical Education; 2 - Physical Education; 1 - Health and Wellness; 6 - Electives | 40 | Students must demonstrate employability skills through the completion of a Project-Based, Service-Based, or Work-Based Learning Experience as well as postsecondary readiness competency, such as taking a college entrance exam, earning an industry credential, or taking AP courses, among other options. |
| Iowa | 4 units | 3 units | 3 units | 3 units | 1 unit - local districts determine the number of credits in Computer Science, Vocational Education/ CTE, World Language, Fine Arts, and Health | At least 14 units, but some districts use course credits based on the semester or trimester system | Students must complete one half unit of Financial Literacy and a CPR certification course. |
| Kansas | 4 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 1 – Physical Education; 1 – Fine Art; 6 - Electives | At least 21 with some local districts requiring additional courses in subjects like technology and consumer studies | New requirements will come into effect for the 2028 graduating class. These changes include requiring half a credit in communications and 3.5 credits in English, 1 credit of a STEM elective, half a credit of personal financial literacy, half a credit of physical education, half a credit of health, and at least 4.5 credits of electives. Students will also need to complete the FAFSA and 2 post-secondary assets, such as completing work-based learning or college entrance exams. |
| Kentucky | 4 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 0.5 – Health; 0.5 – Physical Education; 1 - Visual and Performing Arts; 6 - Electives | At least 22 | Students must pass the state-mandated civics test, complete a financial literacy course or program, have instruction in essential workplace ethics, and demonstrate competency in technology. They must also complete 1 of 8 graduation qualifiers, which include taking a college admissions exam, completing an apprenticeship, or earning postsecondary credit hours, among other options. |
| Louisiana | 4 (Both Diplomas) | 4 (Both Diplomas) | 4 (TOPS University Diploma); 2 (Jump Start TOPS Tech Diploma) | 4 (TOPS University Diploma); 2 (Jump Start TOPS Tech Diploma) | TOPS University Diploma: 2 – Foreign Language; 1 – Arts; 2 – Physical Education; 3 – Electives; Jump Start TOPS Tech Diploma: 2 – Physical Education; 9 – Career-Focused Electives | 24 (TOPS University Diploma); 23 (Jump Start TOPS Tech Diploma) | Students can earn either the TOPS University Diploma (for students planning on attending a 4-year college) or the Jump Start TOPS Tech Diploma (for students wanting to focus on career education), which requires industry based certifications. Students are required to take and pass the LEAP 2025 Tests and fill out the FAFSA. |
| Maine | 4 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 1 – Fine Arts; some districts also require courses on Physical Education, Health, World Language, and Electives | At least 11 but most local districts require more | Some local school districts have additional requirements, such as the completion of a capstone project or community service hours. |
| Maryland | 4 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 1 – Fine Arts; 0.5 - Physical Education; 1 - Health Education; 1 - Technology Education/Computer Science; 2 – World Language, Advanced Technology, or 3 credits from a Career Academy; 1 – 3 - Electives | 22 – 26, depending on the local district | Students must complete coursework in financial literacy, take the Maryland Comprehensive Assessment Program (MCAP) exams, and complete 75 hours of Student Service Learning (SSL). Some districts have additional requirements, such as required coursework or a senior research paper. |
| Massachusetts | 4 (MassCore recommended) | 4 (MassCore recommended) | 3 (MassCore recommended) | 3 (MassCore recommended) | Students are required to take Civics and Physical Education. Additional recommended credits are: 2 - Foreign Language; 1 – Arts; 5 - Electives | 22 are the recommended number of credits that meet the MassCore diploma but local districts determine exact course and credit requirements | Students must receive passing scores on the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS) exams. |
| Michigan | 4 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 1 - Physical Education/Health; 2 - World Languages; 1 – Visual, Performing, or Applied Arts | At least 18, although local districts may require more | Students must complete an online learning experience and take the Michigan Merit Exam or MI ACCESS exam. |
| Minnesota | 4 | 3 | 3 | 3.5 | 1 – Arts; 7 – Electives; Local districts determine Physical Education and Health Education credits | At least 21.5 with some districts requiring more | Local school districts might set additional requirements, such as community service. Students are also required to take specific exams like the state assessments or the ACT test. |
| Mississippi | 4 | 4 | 4 | 3.5 | -1 - Physical Education/Health; 1 - College and Career Readiness; 1 – Arts; 1 - Technology or Computer Science; 5.5 - Electives | 24 for Traditional Diploma; 26 for Traditional Diploma with Career and Technical Endorsement or Academic Endorsement; 28 for Traditional Diploma with Distinguished Endorsement | Depending on if the student chooses an endorsement, the number and type of course credits will vary. Each diploma also has additional requirements, such as completing career training, taking AP or IB classes, or meeting specific scores on college entrance exams. |
| Missouri | 4 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 1 - Physical Education; 0.5 – Health; 1 – Fine Arts; 1 – Practical Arts; 0.5 - Personal Finance; 7 - Electives | At least 24 | Students are required to comply with state testing requirements and some districts have additional requirements like completing community service or completing assessments (SAT, ASVAB, or WorkKeys). |
| Montana | 4 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 1 – Health/ Physical Education; 1 – Fine Arts; 1 - Career and Technical Education; 7 - Electives | At least 20 with some districts requiring more | Within their coursework, students must complete one half credit of financial literacy or economics and one half credit of civics or government. |
| Nebraska | 40 credit hours | 30 credit hours | 30 credit hours | 30 credit hours | Students may be required to take additional credits in Physical Education, Health, Personal Finance, Fine Arts, and other subjects. | At least 200 credit hours with local districts determining exact number and credit format | Some districts require community service or job shadowing. |
| Nevada | 4 | 3 | 2 | 2 | Students may be required to take additional credits in Physical Education, Health, Computers, Arts, and other electives. | At least 23, although the Advanced Diploma/Advanced Honors Diploma and the College and Career Ready Diploma require at least 24 | The Advanced Honors Diploma requires a specific GPA and for the student take honors classes and a foreign language. The College and Career Ready Diploma requires a specific GPA and for the student to earn a College-Ready endorsement or a Career-Ready endorsement as well as choose from a foreign language, AP classes, dual enrollment, or work-based learning. |
| New Hampshire | 4 | 3 | 2 | 2.5 | 1.5 - Physical Education & Health; 0.5 – Arts; 0.5 - Digital Literacy; 6 - Electives | At least 20, and local districts might require more | Students must have a passing score on the Citizenship Test and fill out the FAFSA. Some local districts may require community service and/or a senior project. |
| New Jersey | 20 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 3.75 - Physical Education & Health; 5 – Languages; 5 - Fine Arts; 5 - Career and Technical Education; 2.5 - Financial Literacy | At least 120 with some local districts requiring more | Students must take state assessment exams. Specific local districts may have extra requirements, such as community service, a senior thesis, submission of the FAFSA, or other requirements. |
| New Mexico | 4 | 4 | 3 | 3.5 | 1 - Physical Education; 1 - Career or Workplace Readiness or Language other than English; 1 - Health; 7 - Electives | At least 24, although some local districts will require more | Students must demonstrate competency, usually by completing SBA, PARCC/Transition, or EOC assessments but there are other options available. |
| New York | 4 | 3 | 3 | 4 | 1 - World Language; 1- Visual Art, Music, Dance, and/or Theater; 2 - Physical Education; 0.5 – Health; 3.5 - Electives | 22 | Students must pass 4 NYS exams along with completing 1 pathway, which may include passing a subject-specific exam or completing a Career and Technical Education program. |
| North Carolina | 4 | 4 | 3 | 4 | 1 - Physical Education; 2 - Career and Technical Education (CTE), Arts Education, or World Language; 4 - Career and Technical Education (CTE), ROTC, Arts Education, or other subjects | At least 22 with some districts requiring more | Beginning in 2025-26, students will be required to earn 1 Fine Arts credit and in 2026-27, students will be required to take a computer science course. |
| North Dakota | 4 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 1 - Physical Education/Health; 3 - Languages, Fine Arts, or Career and Technical Education (CTE); 1 - Computer Science or Cyber Security; 5 - Electives | At least 22, although some districts require more | Students must have a passing score on the North Dakota Civics Exam. |
| Ohio | 4 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 1 - Physical Education/Health; 5 - Electives | At least 20 | Students are required to receive instruction in economics and financial literacy and take at least two semesters of fine arts (during grades 7-12). They must also demonstrate competency on end-of-course tests in English Language Arts II and Algebra I (or Integrated Math I)—students can also prove competency through completing college credits or taking a college entrance exam. Last, students need to earn two diploma seals, which demonstrate college and career readiness. |
| Oklahoma | 4 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 1 - Computer Technology or World Language; 1 - Fine Arts; 8 - Electives | 23 | Students must take personal financial literacy passport coursework, complete CPR/AED training, complete Service Learning and/or Work-Based Learning activities, create an Individual Career Academic Plan (ICAP), and take assessments, such as the SAT. |
| Oregon | 4 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 1 – Health; 1 – Physical Education; 3 - Career and Technical Education, Arts, or World Language; 0.5 - Personal Financial Education; 0.5 - Higher Education and Career Path Skills; 6 - Electives | 24 | Students must complete personalized learning, which includes an Education Plan and Profile, Extended Application, and Career-Related Learning Experiences. Some local districts might also require things like community service hours. The requirement for demonstrating proficiency in certain essential skills has been paused through the 2027-28 school year. |
| Pennsylvania | Determined by local districts in coordination with state academic standards. | Determined by local districts in coordination with state academic standards. | Determined by local districts in coordination with state academic standards. | Determined by local districts in coordination with state academic standards. | Determined by local districts but may include courses in Health, Arts, and Physical Education. | Determined by local districts in coordination with state academic standards. | Students have five pathway options for earning a diploma. These options may include requirements like completing coursework, taking subject-specific Keystone Exams, earning industry-based certifications, and completing a CTE course of study. |
| Rhode Island | 4 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 6 - Physical Education and Health, the Arts, Technology, and/or Foreign Language | At least 20 with some local districts requiring more | Students must demonstrate proficiency in 6 core areas and complete one performance-based diploma assessment, such as a capstone project or graduation portfolio. Local districts might have additional requirements like displaying college/career readiness. |
| South Carolina | 4 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 1 - Computer Science; 1 - Physical Education or JROTC or Marching Band with PE; 1 - World Language or Career and Technology Elective; 0.5 - Personal Finance; 6.5 - Electives | 24 | Students are required to demonstrate proficiency in computer literacy. |
| South Dakota | 4 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 1- Fine Arts; World Language, Career and Technology Education, or Capstone Experience; 0.5 – Personal Finance or Economics; 0.5 – Physical Education; 0.5 – Health or Health Integration; 5.5 – Electives | At least 22 | Students are allowed to replace one science elective unit (except biology) with a computer science course. There are three endorsement options (Advanced Endorsement, Advanced Career Endorsement, or Advanced Honors Endorsement) that require specific coursework. |
| Tennessee | 4 | 4 | 3 | 3.5 | 1.5 - Physical Education and Wellness; 0.5 – Personal Finance; 2 – Foreign Language; 1 – Fine Arts; 3 – Electives | At least 22 with some local districts requiring more | Students must pass End of Course exams in the required subjects. Some local districts may have additional requirements, such as community service. |
| Texas | 4 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 2 – Foreign Language; 1 - Physical Education; 1 – Fine Arts; 5 – Electives | At least 22 with endorsement options requiring more | Students are required to take End of Course (EOC) Exams in Algebra, Biology, History, and English. Students must also fill out the FAFSA or the Texas Application for State Financial Aid (TASFA). |
| Utah | 4 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 2 – Physical Education & Health; 1.5 – Fine Arts; 1 - Career and Technical Education; 0.5 - Financial Literacy; 0.5 - Digital Studies; 5.5 – Electives | At least 24, and some local districts might require more | Students must pass a Civics Exam. |
| Vermont | Determined by local districts but usually 4 | Determined by local districts but usually 4 | Determined by local districts but usually 4 | Determined by local districts but usually 4 | Students might also take courses in Physical Education, Arts, Health, Capstone Project, and Electives. | At least 20 with most local districts requiring more | Vermont has Proficiency-Based Graduation Requirements (PBGRs) that are determined by local school districts, which set the total number of credits needed for graduation and the required coursework. Some districts might also require things like service learning/community service and courses in consumer studies and/or information technology. |
| Virginia | 4 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 2 - Health/ Physical Education; 2 – Languages, Fine Arts, or Career and Technical Education; 1 - Economics & Personal Finance; 4 - Electives | At least 22 with an Advanced Studies Diploma requiring more | Students must complete an AP, honors, IB, or dual enrollment course or complete a work-based learning experience or earn a career and technical education credential. They must also complete CPR training and a virtual course. |
| Washington | 4 | 3 | 2 | 3 | 2 – Physical Education & Health; 2 – Fine Arts; 1 - Career and Technical Education; 2 – World Languages; 4 – Electives | At least 24 with some districts requiring more | Students are required to complete a High School and Beyond Plan and complete coursework in Washington state history. Additionally, they must complete one graduation pathway option, such as passing AP/IB exams, taking the SAT, or completing Career and Technical Education (CTE) courses among other options. |
| West Virginia | 4 | 4 | 3 | 4 | 2 – Physical Education & Health; 1 – Fine Arts; 1 - Career and Technical Education; 4 - Personalized Education Plan | At least 22 with local districts usally requring anywhere from 22 - 28 | Local districts might also require coursework in such subjects as Personal Financial Literacy, Career Exploration, Digital Citizenship, and/or Computer Applications. The Personalized Education Plan requires students to take courses that correlate to future plans of attending a 4-year college or technical college, entering the workforce, or joining the military. |
| Wisconsin | 4 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 1.5 – Physical Education; 0.5 – Health; Other required course may include Financial Literacy, Electives, IT Fundamentals, or other subjects | At least 15 with most local districts requiring anywhere from 22 - 24 | Students must pass a Civics Exams. |
| Wyoming | 4 | 3 | 3 | 3 | Local districts set additional course requirements, which can include Physical Education, Health, Fine Arts, Foreign Languages, Career/Technical Education, and/or Personal Finance | At least 13 with local districts usually requiring anywhere from 24 - 29 | Students need to demonstrate proficiency in at least five areas of study, including in such subjects as English, Social Studies, Math, Arts, Science, and other areas. They must also pass a U.S. and Wyoming Constitution civics exam. |
Sources: National Center for Education Statistics, Education Commission of the States and individual state Dept. of Education standards
As an academic subject, foreign languages are a special case. While some states require students to take one to two years of a foreign language, with at least one year spent studying the same language, many states treat foreign languages as electives. Further, a bilingual student may be able to test out of a foreign language requirement for graduation without enrolling in high school language classes.
Some of the total credit requirement for high school graduates is made up of electives, which are courses a student might choose out of personal interest. Whereas a high school science requirement might include both general chemistry and biology, science electives could mean studies in astronomy, marine biology, or forensic science, among other topics.
Electives often include courses in the arts, technical or career training, or foreign language education. Courses in computer programming, culinary arts, performing arts, photography, or vocational training are all examples of common electives.
Especially in these elective subjects, substitutions for high school classes may be permitted to prove the student's knowledge or experience. For example, a student-athlete might receive academic credit for playing on the school's basketball or lacrosse team.
Students might also decide to take additional courses in a core subject, such as English, if they feel it will enhance their career or college prospects. For instance, a future English major or English teacher might choose to take a British literature course once their basic English course requirements have been met.
Most states require students to complete 20 or more total credits to earn their high school diplomas. Subjects like English, math, and science contribute to the total credits needed for graduation, as do electives like music or fine arts.
About a quarter of the states, including Connecticut, New Mexico, Oregon, and Washington, are at the high end of the spectrum.
Maine, Michigan, and Wisconsin have some of the lowest total credit requirements, with Maine at 11 total credits, Wisconsin at 15, and Wyoming asking each student to earn only 13 credits before the end of their senior year; although it should be noted most local school districts will require students earn more than the minimum state requirements.
The credit requirements for students in Vermont, Pennsylvania, and Massachusetts are determined by local school boards, usually based on state standards.
Students in alternative high school diploma programs, such as those designed for adults, might face different diploma requirements. For example, adult learners can register for programs through their local library or school district and must complete one of the prerequisite courses within the first two weeks of enrollment. Along with receiving their high school diplomas, graduates of the program will earn career certificates in fields such as Office Management or Commercial Driving.
Most states in addition to the District of Columbia have enacted non-course requirements as part of their diploma standards. These non-course requirements can vary greatly and include things like passing standardized tests, such as the New York Regents exam, taking the SAT or ACT college entrance exams, completing community service hours, and/or taking a civic exams.
Other states have unique requirements. For example, in Louisiana, Kansas, and Texas, students must submit the FAFSA -- the Free Application for Federal Student Aid --to graduate. In Idaho, high school seniors must complete a senior-year project, while in Florida, students must maintain a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 out of 4.0.
Most high school seniors will earn a standard diploma, which meets the state or school district's minimum requirements. In some states, a high school diploma could be awarded based on a combination of credits taken and proficiencies demonstrated by a student.
Waiver or special diplomas can be used for students with IEPs (Individualized Education Programs). Depending on an individual student's needs, some of the standard state or local diploma requirements might be substituted with modified requirements.
Students pursuing an advanced, endorsed, or honors diploma might meet some of their diploma requirements through Advanced Placement (AP) courses or International Baccalaureate (IB) programs.
Some states have endorsed diplomas for studies in certain subjects. For example, Idaho has a special STEM diploma, for students who take rigorous STEM courses.
Louisiana's two types of diplomas are designed to show a high school graduate's readiness for either a career or a university education. Similar to Louisiana's Tech Career Diploma path, Wisconsin has a Career and Technical Education (CTE) diploma for students who have gained practical vocational or technical knowledge.
Besides the high school diplomas earned by attending a regular high school, there are diploma options for students who wish to complete their high school coursework through a correspondence course or via online study.
Homeschooled students are generally issued diplomas by their parents. They are not subject to the same requirements as students who attend a regular public or private high school, and homeschool laws and graduation requirements differ in each state.
For instance, students following Illinois homeschool laws, need to enroll in a public school for 12th grade to receive a diploma and meet all state requirements. On the other hand, in Texas, since homeschooling is treated almost the same as a private school, parents or administrators of the homeschool determine graduation requirements for earning a diploma.
Some states may have standards for graduating from homeschool. For example, homeschool laws in Georgia require high school homeschoolers to study specific academic subjects.
When it comes to college admission, knowing and meeting the state's graduation standards can keep homeschooled students more competitive with their peers in public and private high schools. Homeschoolers might also consider their options for earning an accredited diploma, which would show that their high school education was comparable to those of their peers in public or private schools.