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 (See pages 43-46)	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	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, and 8. During the 2023-24 SY students will not need to complete the 9^th grade SSL component because of the LSN Government/U.S. History Course transition. 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. High school credits earned in middle school are not calculated in high school GPA or Rank. Courses not successfully completed must be re-taken in high school. There will be no summer school option.