Graduation Requirements

What Graduates Will Know

All graduates of the Sioux City Community School District will be prepared to compete in a global society with content knowledge focused on the Iowa Core Curriculum (Common Core and 21st Century Skills) and strive for growth that exceeds proficiency on state assessments.

What Graduates Will Be Able To Do

All graduates of the Sioux City Community School District will demonstrate critical thinking and problem solving. They will demonstrate comprehensive communication skills with and without the use of current technology, including; reading, writing, speaking, and listening. Graduates of the Sioux City Community School District will also be self-sufficient and autonomous lifelong learners and citizens.

College Preparatory Curriculum

Students should plan a program that will satisfy their interests and prepare them for further education and employment. Completion of the following program will assist students in meeting the admission requirements at most four-year colleges and universities, including all three Iowa public universities:

Language Arts: 8 Credits

2 credits of English I or Honors English I
2 credits of English II, Honors English II, or AP Language & Composition
2 credits of English III, Honors English III, or AP English Literature & Composition
2 credits of English IV or English Composition I & II

Math: 6 Credits

2 credits of Math must include Algebra I
4 additional Mathematics electives

Science: 6 Credits

2 credits of Science must include Biology
2 credits of Physical Science and 2 credits of elective OR
2 credits of Chemistry and 2 credits of Physics

Social Studies: 6 Credits

2 credits of American History (state required)
2 credits of World History
1 credit of American Government (state required)
1 credit of Next Gen Personal Finance (NGPF) (state required Financial Literacy)

Fine Arts: 2 Credits

These credits must be earned from two different areas including Music, Visual Arts, Theatre/Drama, or any Additional Fine Arts Courses as noted in the Online High School Course Guide.

Physical Education Required Each Year

Board Policy 602.11 outlines exceptions and exemptions to this requirement.

Graduation Requirements for Special Education Students

Graduation requirements for special education students will be in accordance with the prescribed course of study, as described in their Individualized Education Program (IEP). Prior to the student’s graduation, the IEP team shall determine that the graduation requirements have been met. Upon successful completion of the prescribed courses of study, students with disabilities will enjoy the same ceremonial activities as any other student. The District shall issue to special education students the same certificate of diploma as granted to other students.

Graduation Requirements for English Language Learners

English Language Students (ELs) taking ELD courses are awarded credit in Language Arts. EL students taking ELD sheltered courses are awarded credit in Math, Science, and/or Social Studies. Students who are ELD Level 3-5, with a designation of progressing, will receive English language instruction in Language Arts courses, beginning with English I as a Level 3 progressing student.

Early Graduation Requirements

Students may graduate prior to the completion of grade 12 if all course work required for graduation has been fulfilled, as stated in Board Policy 605.4. In addition:

Students and their parents should review the advantages and disadvantages of early graduation with consideration given to dual enrollment in a post-secondary program during the senior year.
Written approval from a parent or guardian is required.
Approval must be granted by the counselor and the principal.
A student who takes early graduation forfeits his/her eligibility to participate in all school-sponsored or sanctioned activities after the semester that the student leaves school.