GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS

Students must successfully complete at least the 24-25 credits (depending on years enrolled in Union High School) noted below to qualify for graduation and to participate in Commencement. Remember, however, that you have no vested right to participate in the Commencement ceremony and could well forfeit that privilege through discipline or attendance violations. Credits are earned in courses completed in Grades 9, 10, 11, and 12 and must meet Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) mandates. These credits must include at least the following: English – four (4); Social Studies – three (3); Math – three (3); Science – three (3); Health – one-half (0.5); Physical Education – one (1); Careers (0.25-1.0, depending on the years enrolled in UHS); Arts & Humanities Electives – two (2); and Electives – seven (7). Beginning with the graduating class of 2027 students will be required to earn ½ (.5) credits in Personal Finance.

Students are recommended to follow the track below:

Grade 9: English (1); Social Studies (1); Math (1); Science (1); Physical Education (0.25); Careers 9 (0.25)

Grade 10: English (1); Social Studies (1); Math (1); Science (1); Physical Education (0.25); Careers 10 (0.25)

Grade 11: English (1); Government/Economics (1); Math (1); Science (1); Health (0.5); Physical Education (.25); Careers 11 (0.25)

Grade 12: English (1); Social Studies (1); Math (1); Science (1); Physical Education (0.25); Careers 12 (0.25); Personal Finance (students may take this course in 11th grade) (.5)

All students are required to take no fewer than 6.5 credits each year, unless the Principal authorizes fewer.

Elective-credit courses may be selected by you or assigned by the Guidance Office and may include credits earned at the Career Center.

Students are required to successfully complete a minimum of a one-credit course in each of the following disciplines each year: English, Social Studies, Mathematics and Science, plus a fractional-credit course in Physical Education. Students attending the Career Center may substitute career program credit for up to one core credit. Substitutions for these discipline areas may be made only by the School Counselor and must be approved in writing by the Principal. While ultimate responsibility for scheduling and successfully completing all courses rests with you, the School Counselor will attempt to assist you in scheduling core and elective courses if you have failed courses or have an excessive number of study halls.

In addition to the credit completion requirement, students must demonstrate proficiency on the Algebra I, Biology, and Literature Keystone Exams, or meet the requirements of one of the Pennsylvania Department of Education approved graduation pathways.