Graduation Credits Required by Minnesota Department of Education and Saint Paul Public Schools
English Language Arts (16 credits)
4 credits per year x 4 years
- 1 year of English 9
- 1 year of English 10
- 1 year of English 11
- 1 year of English 12
Social Studies (14 credits)
- 1 Year of World History
- 1 Year of U.S. History
- 1 Semester of Human Geography
- 1 Semester of Economics
- 1 Semester of Government
Math (12 credits)
4 credits per year x 3 years
- 3 full years of mathematics, to include Integrated Math I, Integrated Math II, Integrated Math III or beyond
Science (12 credits)
4 credits per year x 3 years
- 1 Year of Integrated Science or Earth and Space Science
- 1 Year of Biology
- 1 Year of Chemistry or Physics
Arts (4 total credits)
- 2 Semesters of Performing or Visual Arts
Critical Ethnic Studies (2 total credits)
- 1 Semester of Critical Ethnic Studies
Personal Finance (2 total credits)
- 1 Semester of Personal Finance
Physical Education (2 total credits)
- 1 Semester of Physical Education
Health (2 total credits)
- 1 Semester of Health, Individual & Community
Career & Technical Education(2 total credits)
- 1 Semester of a Career and Technical Education course
Electives (18 total credits over 4 years)
Recommended Elective Credits for College and Career Readiness
Math (4 credits)
4 credits x 1 year
- Additional coursework in math is encouraged and required for many colleges and career training programs.
Science (4 credits)
4 credits x 1 year
- Additional coursework in science is encouraged and required for many colleges and career training programs.
Indigenous or World Language (8 credits)
4 credits x 2 years
OR Achievement of the World Language Proficiency Certificate or the Seal of Biliteracy (Gold or Platinum)
- There is no MDE requirement for Indigenous or world language, however, many colleges require at least two years of an Indigenous or world language.
Career Pathway (6+ credits)
2 credits or more per year x 3-4 years
- Additional Career Pathways courses are encouraged to prepare for postsecondary college or career readiness.
Assessment
According to the Minnesota Department of Education (January 18, 2018), “Districts have a number of requirements to fulfill for students’ career and college planning for students first enrolled in grade eight in 2012-13 and later. This includes offering students in grades 11 and 12 an opportunity to participate in a nationally recognized college entrance exam (ACT or SAT) on a school day.” SPPS currently offers a school day ACT in the spring of each school year.
