Requirements for Maryland High School Diploma

Credit Requirements

To be awarded a diploma, a student shall be enrolled in Charles County Public Schools (CCPS) and have earned a minimum of 23 credits that include the following:

Subject Area	Specific Credit Requirement
English	4 credits
Mathematics	4 credits 2 in Algebra 1 in Geometry 1 additional course with Algebra I as the prerequisite. COMAR 13.A.03.02.03 Each student shall enroll in a mathematics course in each year of high school that the student attends, up to a maximum of 4 years of attendance, unless in the 5th or 6th year a mathematics course is needed to meet a graduation requirement. A student must earn four math credits, including one with instruction in algebra aligned with the Maryland Comprehensive Assessment for algebra or one or more credits in subsequent mathematics courses for which Algebra I is a prerequisite, and one with instruction in geometry aligned with the content standards for geometry.
Science	3 credits 1 Earth science, 1 Life science, and 1 Physical science Recommended sequence: Earth Systems Biology Chemistry or Physics	Students in PLTW programs/North Point Academy of Health Professionals-CNA, Biotechnology, and Engineering programs ONLY 3 credits 1 Earth science, 1 Life science, and 1 Physical science Recommended sequence: Biology Chemistry Honors Earth Systems or AP Environmental Science
Social Studies	3 credits Recommended sequence: U.S. History LSN Government World History
Fine Arts	1 credit
Physical Education	½ credit Fitness for Life
Health	1 credit Recommended sequence: ½ credit in 9^th grade ½ credit in 11^th grade
Technology Education	1 credit
Financial Literacy	½ credit
Graduation Pathways (choose one)	2 credits of the same World Language
Graduation Pathways (choose one)	AND any remaining credits in electives OR 3-5 credits through the completion of state-approved career and technical education program AND any remaining credits in electives

The Maryland High School Assessment (MHSAs)
Maryland State Department of Education, Division of Curriculum,
Assessment, & Accountability

Course	Assessment	Requirement
Algebra I	MCAP Algebra I	Participate only and pass Algebra I course
English II	MCAP English II	Participate only and pass English II course
Biology	MCAP LS MISA	Participate only and pass Biology course MCAP will count as 20% of student’s final grade
LSN Government	HSA Government	Participate only and pass LSN Government course MCAP will count as 20% of student’s final grade

Student Service Learning (SSL)

Student Service Learning (SSL) service is a Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) graduation requirement. This program requires all students to prepare, implement, and reflect upon a project that addresses a need or concern in their schools or community. All projects must meet the MSDE criteria for a quality service-learning experience. In Charles County, components of this program are embedded in grades 6, 7, 8, and 10. Students who have not completed service learning by the end of their 10th grade year must contact the service-learning coordinator at their school for information on how to complete the graduation requirement.

Diplomas

Maryland High School Certificate

Enrollment

High School Requirements Met in Middle School

Algebra I, Geometry, Technology Education, and World Language courses completed in middle school can be used to meet high school graduation requirements and are awarded high school credit. Students who earned a High School credit in Middle School who want an opportunity to improve their grade, may re-take course in High School. Both grades will appear, but High School grade will replace one taken in Middle School. Courses not successfully completed must be re-taken in high school. There will be no summer school option.

College and Career Ready

As outlined in the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future, students need to be classified as College and Career Ready (CCR) by the end of 10th grade. Currently students are identified as CCR by one of two ways:

Option 1: Earn a High School Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.00 or higher AND earn grade of A, B, or C in Algebra I or score proficient or above on the Algebra I MCAP

Option 2: Score proficient or above on the ELA 10 AND Algebra I MCAP Assessments

After a student is CCR, they must enter a Post-CCR pathway. Charles County Public Schools offers three different options. A student can choose to enter an Early College or Dual Enrollment program, a Career and Technical Education (CTE) pathway, or the Advanced Placement (AP) pathway.

Early College and Dual Enrollment: Students can apply to the Early College program in 10th or 11th grade. CCPS offers one- and two-year programs, resulting in varying certificates and degrees. Students can complete Dual Enrollment during their junior or senior year. Dual Enrollment allows college courses to count toward the high school graduation credits and the college transcript. For more information, please visit: Early College Program (csmd.edu).

Career and Technical Education (CTE): Starting as early as 9th grade, students can choose to enter a CTE pathway. CCPS offers 33 different CTE pathways. Some pathways require an application in either 8th or 10th grade, and other pathways can be entered through the regular course selection process. All CTE pathways offer the opportunity for students to earn industry certifications and/or college credits. For more information, visit www.ccboe.com/cte.

Advanced Placement (AP) Pathway: Students can choose to take a succession of AP courses in specific areas of study. If they attain the necessary score on the exam for 5 courses in the identified categories, they earn the certification of completion.

For more information about the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future, College and Career Readiness, and Post-CCR pathways, please visit: Blueprint – Maryland State Department of Education (marylandpublicschools.org).