505.05 - Graduation Requirements

Students must successfully complete the courses required by the board and Iowa Department of Education in order to graduate.

It is the responsibility of the superintendent to ensure that students complete grades one through twelve and that high school students complete credits prior to graduation. The following credits will be required for graduation:

English/Language Arts                          8 credits

Science                                                        6 credits

Mathematics                                              6 credits

Social Studies                                           6 credits

Physical Education                                 8 credits

Health                                                          1 credit

Computer Applications                          1 credit

Advanced Computer Applications          1 credit

Career/Technical Education

(to Include Financial Literacy)   4 credits

Electives                                               7 credits

The required courses of study will be reviewed by the board annually.

Prior to graduation, the district will advise students on how to successfully complete the free application for federal student aid.

Graduation requirements for special education students include successful completion of four years of English, three years of math, three years of social studies and three years of science.

Students who complete a regular session in the Legislative Page Program of the general assembly at the state capitol will be credited ½ credit of social studies.

Students enrolled in a junior officers’ training corp will receive 1/8th physical education credit for each semester the student is enrolled in the program.

Beginning with the school year starting July 1, 2026, students must receive a passing score on the civics test as set forth by the Iowa Department of Education and required by relevant laws.

 

 

Legal Reference:  Iowa Code §§ 256.7, 11, .41; 279.8; 279.61; 280.3, .14.
                                       281 I.A.C. 12.3(5); 12.5

I.C. Iowa Code                          Description
Iowa Code § 256.11                  DE - Educational Standards
Iowa Code § 256.41                  DE - Online Learning Requirements
Iowa Code § 256.7                    DE - Duties of State Board
Iowa Code § 279.8                    Directors - General Rules - Bonds of Employees
Iowa Code § 280.14                  Uniform School Requirements - Administrators
Iowa Code § 280.3                    Education Program - Attendance Center Requirements
Iowa Code § 279.61                  Individual Career and Academic Plan

I.A.C. Iowa Administrative Code           Description
281 I.A.C. 12.3                                     Administration
281 I.A.C. 12.5                                     General Accreditation Standards - Educational Program

Cross References  603.03  Special Education

Approved: 7/18/2016, 9/20/2021, 8/15/2022, 9/15/2025
Reviewed: 8/15/2025
Revised:  8/15/2025