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 Government
• 1 Semester of Economics 

Math (12 credits)
4 credits per year x 3 years

• 1 Year of Algebra 1
  • 1 Year or Math beyond Algebra 2 may be substituted for Algebra 1 requirements if Intermediate Algebra was taken in middle school
• 1 Year of Geometry
• 1 Year of Algebra 2

Starting with the class of 2027, students will take:

• 1 Year of Integrated Mathematics 1
• 1 Year of Integrated Mathematics 2
• 1 Year of Integrated Mathematics 3

Science (12 credits)
4 credits per year x 3 years

• 1 Year of Science
• 1 Year of Biology
• 1 Year of Chemistry or Physics  

Arts (4 total credits)

• 2 Semesters of Performing or Visual Arts

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

Critical Ethnic Studies (2 total credits)

• 1 Semester of Critical Ethnic Studies 

Electives (20 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. 

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

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 

Critical Ethnic Studies (2 total credits)

• 1 Semester of Critical Ethnic Studies

Personal Finance (2 total credits)

• 1 Semester of Personal Finance 

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.

As the workforce becomes more technologically oriented, it is increasingly important for all students to think about education beyond high school. All options should be considered. The chart and paragraph below identify common entrance exam and college admission recommendations.

Four-year college bound students should consider the importance of taking the PSAT (Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test) in their junior year and the ACT (American College Testing) and/or SAT (Scholastic Aptitude Test) in the spring of their junior year or early in their senior year. See your school counselor, Ms Schmitz,  for additional information about testing and/or other state college and university requirements.

It will be important to continue your education in some sort of post-secondary program. This could be college, technical college, military, or an apprenticeship. Please visit with Ms. Schmitz to plan for your future.

Create a plan with Ms. Schmitz

Select your high school courses carefully according to your future plans.  Leave your options open, in case you change your plans. Your counselor can help you decide which options are best suited to your needs, interests, and abilities, and what opportunities are available to further your education or employment.  Remember that they can give you information, but YOU, with the aid of your parents, must make the final decision about your future.

The following information serves only as an example of high school course selection recommendations.  It is strongly recommended that once a  student has a specific college or university in mind, they inquire directly to the college regarding any specific high school course requirements.     

Minnesota State Colleges, University of Minnesota System, University of Wisconsin System

All applicants must meet the minimum following requirements:  

High School (9-12) completion of:

• 4 years of English
• 4 years of math – algebra 1, geometry, algebra 2 and above
• 4 years of science – including one year each of physical science and biology, chemistry or physics          
•  4 years of social studies
• 2-3 years of a single world language
• 1 year of fine arts
• ACT or SAT College Entrance test (Check school requirements)

Applicants not meeting these requirements may be admitted if they have promising academic records and meet other entrance requirements, but they must make up any deficiencies before graduation from college.

Note: Biological Science, Chemistry, and Physics are required for the Carlson School of Management, College of Biological Sciences, and College of Science and Engineering. 

Minnesota Private 4 Year Colleges

• 4 years of English
• 4 or more years of math – algebra 1, geometry and  algebra 2. 
• 4 or more years of science 
• 4 or more years of social studies
• 2-3 years of the same world language
• 1 year of Art 
• ACT or SAT College Entrance Test and SAT II

Highly Selective Colleges

Highly selective colleges strongly recommend the following subjects in grades  9-12 for admission:

• 4 years of English
• 4 years of math
• 4 years of science
• 4 years of social studies
• 4 years of one world language
• ACT or SAT College Entrance Test and SAT II, and subject tests, if required

Highly selective colleges and universities expect you to take a challenging, well-rounded schedule of courses.  Take advantage of these classes as rigorous  training for what lies ahead for you in college.

Community Colleges

Community colleges offer a two-year degree or provide the first two years of a four-year college education. Graduates of community colleges can transfer to Minnesota state universities or other colleges to complete four-year degrees. Community colleges offer general education courses, occupational programs and developmental and college preparatory courses for those who need to brush up on basic skills. Like four-year universities, most offer a chance to participate in athletics, clubs and activities in theater, music and arts.

Apprenticeship Programs/ Professional Schools

Apprenticeship training includes on-site training as well as quality classroom instruction.  The programs usually last from one year to five years,  depending on the trade, and are determined by the standards adopted by the industry.  All apprenticeship programs require a high school diploma

or GED certificate.  Some require math and science courses, good health, and physical fitness.  Some of the trades require vocational education or some related work experience.    

Technical Colleges

Technical colleges offer education for employment, courses, and programs that teach specific knowledge/skills leading to particular jobs.  Instructors often are former business owners or skilled practitioners with solid experience in the occupations they teach.  Local employers work closely with each of the colleges to make sure they are teaching the skills demanded in today’s job market.  Technical colleges offer programs ranging in length from three months to two years.  

Saint Paul Career Pathways Academy

Saint Paul Career Pathways Academy is a high school program located at Saint Paul College where students can explore careers, take Career and Technical Education courses and have the opportunity to earn high school and college credit. Saint Paul Career Pathways Academy is an option for:  

• Students in grades 11 or 12 who are on track for graduation;  
• Students who learn best in “hands-on” activities;  
• Students who want to explore advanced career and technical education and certification possibilities;  
• Students who are ready to prepare for highly skilled technical workplaces. 

What is the registration process?  
Students interested in attending Saint Paul Career Pathways Academy must see their school counselor for registration application information.  

What is the schedule? 
Students attend a two-hour block career course and take their remaining courses at their home high school.  

Programs offered
Medical Careers/Nursing Assistant 

High School Automotive Center

The Saint Paul High School Automotive Center is open to all Saint Paul High School students in 10th, 11th and 12th grades. The automotive program follows the Automotive Youth Education Systems (AYES) curriculum, and prepares students for ASE certification. The program has post-secondary articulation agreements with all technical colleges and community colleges within the Minnesota State College and Universities System, as well as Dunwoody College. Students completing two semesters may also be eligible for a summer internship at a local automotive dealership or independent facility. Public transportation will be provided for students attending the program or students may provide their own transportation. The High School Auto center is located at Monroe Community School, 810 Palace Avenue, Saint Paul, MN  55102, 651-293-8697.

ATHLETICS BEYOND HIGH SCHOOL

National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Eligibility Standards for All Division I and II Scholarship Prospects:  All students/athletes must register with the NCAA Initial-Eligibility Clearinghouse.

To be certified by the Clearinghouse, students must earn a grade-point average of at least 2.30 (on a 4.00 scale) in a core curriculum of at least 14 academic courses that were successfully completed during Grades 9 through 12. Only courses that satisfy 

The NCAA definition of a core course can be used to calculate your NCAA GPA. No special values are allowed for “plus” or “minus” grades. The chart below shows the minimum requirements for eligibility.

Course Units Required for NCAA Certification

Check with your school counselor for more information on NCAA approved courses.

*Verify with NCAA Initial Eligibility Clearinghouse: https://www.ncaa.org

NCAA Academic Eligibility

If you plan to compete in athletics at the college level, you need to start researching the NCAA Eligibility Requirements.  As a prospective student athlete, you are responsible 

for finding out if you are on track to meet the NCAA Eligibility Requirements and NCAA 

Core-Course Requirements.  The place to start is the NCAA Clearinghouse website www.ncaaclearinghouse.net.  Once you access the website, click on Prospective Student-Athletes.  You can view the complete NCAA guide and Eligibility Requirements and you can access a list of all of our high school courses that fulfill NCAA’s Core-Course Requirements.  

**NCAA would like all prospective student-athletes to register online.  You can access the online registration at the above web address.  If you are not comfortable registering online, you can print out the application and send it via the mail.

SPPS Online High School offers a variety of tests to students. Some tests are college preparatory and some a state standardized tests the Minnesota Department of Education requires secondary schools to give students:

ACCESS 
ACCESS for ELLs Online (ACCESS Online) is a computer-based, adaptive test that responds to student performance and may be administered in group or individual settings. This assessment is given annually to students in Grades 1-12 whose home language is not English. It tests students' language in four domains: Listening, Reading, Speaking, Writing.

ACT
The ACT is a standardized test used for admission to four-year colleges and universities. All grade 11 students can take the ACT for free on a state-selected date each spring. Students can also register to take ACT on their own at www.act.org

ACCUPLACER
The ACCUPLACER is a college placement exam required at local two-year community and technical colleges. It assesses a student’s reading and math level and helps determine course placement at the college level. 

MCA / MTAS
The Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments (MCA) and alternate assessment Minnesota Test of Academic Skills (MTAS) are the state tests that help districts measure student progress toward Minnesota’s academic standards and also meet federal and state legislative requirements.

PSAT
The Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test is an exam given to high school juniors in the fall of each year. Students must sign up for the test in the counseling department. In addition to a preparatory test for the college placement exam, SAT, the PSAT is also the National Merit Scholar Qualifying Test. 

GRADE REPORTING

1. Students earn one credit per quarter for each course; courses are scheduled on a semester or year long basis (i.e. English 9 = 4 credits for 1 year) with the exception of Crew.  Crew  is .25 credits per quarter.  Students may earn a total of 33 credits per school year including advisory. 
2. Students must earn a total of 86 credits for graduation.  The 86 credits must include the MN state graduation requirements. 
3. After a student has failed a given course, the student may not repeat that course for credit during the Online High School school day. Credit recovery can be done in Extended Day Learning, Evening High School and summer school.
4. An “NP” is a failed course and no credit is earned.  

Grading System and Honor Roll 
Saint Paul Public Schools uses both a 4.0 unweighted grading system for standard classes and a 5.0 weighted grading system for Honor classes. Honor classes use a weighted grading system: 1.25 times the standard Grade Point Average (GPA):  e.g., the GPA for an “A” mark is 4.0 x 1.25 = 5.0 a “B” mark is 3.0 x 1.25 = 3.75, etc.  Standard classes use a 12-point grading scale:   

4.0 Unweighted GPA Grading System

• A+ = 4.0 
• A = 4.0  
• A- = 3.7 
• B+ = 3.3 
• B = 3.0  
• B- = 2.7 
• C+ = 2.3 
• C = 2.0  
• C- = 1.7 
• D+ = 1.3 
• D = 1.0 
• D- = 0.7
• NP = 0

Class Ranking and Honors 
Class rankings and the honor-point averages for members of the senior class shall NOT be made public. This shall apply to school newspapers, yearbooks, public announcements, and public news media. In addition, no valedictorian or salutatorian shall be named.

Students will be recognized for academic achievement based on the Latin Honor system, using their weighted GPA.  

1. High Honors with Distinction (Summa Cum Laude) – Cumulative GPA average of 4.000 and above  
2. High Honors (Magna Cum Laude) – Cumulative GPA average of 3.75 to 3.99  
3. Honors (Cum Laude) – Cumulative GPA average of 3.3 to 3.749 

Transcripts   
The transcript is a legal and technical document that records a student’s grades and credits earned.  Transcripts received from an accredited program will be accepted and data recorded on the student’s Saint Paul Public School (SPPS) transcript.  Grades and credits cannot be changed unless a revised transcript is received from the original accredited program.  PSEO (Post-Secondary Enrollment Options), advanced academic credit, home school, and out-of-district transfers are examples of appropriate documents.  When considering a transfer document, all grades and credits that can be applied to a student’s record will be included without exception.  

Online High School Grading/Assessment Policy (effective: SY 2022-2023) 
Late Work
OHS holds the following expectations regarding the acceptance and scoring of late work: 

Student Role and Responsibility: 

• Students are accountable for their effort and commitment to learning and will strive to produce quality work. 
• Students will make every effort to meet deadlines. 
• Students will communicate with teachers regarding submission of late work. 

Teacher Role and Responsibility: 

• Teachers will accept late work, eligible for full credit until the summative due date, as long as students have met their responsibilities described above. 
• Teachers will work with students to foster the development of self-advocacy skills. 
• Teachers will work with their colleagues to ensure that students in different sections of the same course are offered similar opportunities and are held to the same standard. 

Retakes 
OHS holds the following expectations regarding students’ ability to retake assessments: 

Student Role and Responsibility: 

• Students will communicate with teachers regarding opportunities to retake an assessment. 
• Students are accountable for meeting the teacher-communicated conditions under which retakes are permitted. 

Teacher Role and Responsibility: 

• Teachers will create and communicate to students clear guidelines regarding the conditions and any requirements for retakes. 
• Teachers will be consistent and reach consensus with others who teach the same course regarding student requirements and conditions for retakes. 

Summative/Formative Work 
At OHS, teachers will reach consensus to determine what work in a given course is “summative” and what work is “formative” and is defined as follows: 

• Formative (20%) = work that includes pre-assessment, practice, and ongoing checks for understanding. Its purpose is to help students learn and to guide teacher instruction. 
• Summative (80%) = work that takes place after the learning experiences have occurred. Its purpose is to evaluate and report how well students have met learning goals. 

OHS Grading Scale: 

Letter Grade/Letter Grade % Range 

A+ 100 

A 93-99

A- 90-92

B+ 87-89

B 83-86

B- 80-82

C+ 77-79

C 73-76

C- 70-72

D+ 67-69

D 63-66

D- 60-62

NP 0-59

Individual Education Plan (IEP)
The Individualized Education Plan (IEP) team shall identify needed accommodations to facilitate student participation in mainstream curriculum requirements for graduation. Students with disabilities will participate in statewide and  district-wide assessment. If the IEP team determines that the state and/or district assessments are not appropriate,  the student will participate in the alternative assessment designed by the state.

Students with significant disabilities for whom the IEP Team determines the regular curriculum is not appropriate will have a modified or alternative curriculum. Students with significant disabilities who are unable to participate in statewide and district wide assessment are granted reasonable accommodation and shall have an assessment designed by the IEP team which will measure student’s progress toward graduation. A multi-disciplinary team that includes the parent(s) or guardian(s) of the student will develop an IEP inclusive of transition planning. The IEP will define each student’s  educational program and graduation requirements. The IEP will be reviewed and revised annually. The amount and type of support will be based upon the student’s educational needs as defined by the IEP team. 

The Saint Paul Public School District provides educational programming to students with disabilities from birth to age 22.  State and federal law define categories of disabilities as follows: 

• Autism Spectrum Disorders;
• Physically Impaired; 
• Blind/Visually Impaired;
• Emotional or Behavioral Disorders; 
• Specific Learning Disability; 
• Developmental Cognitive Disability; 
• Deaf - Hard of Hearing Speech or Language Impaired;
• Severely Multiply Impaired
• Other Health Disability 
• Traumatic Brain Impairment

Section 504 Accommodation 
Students who demonstrate a substantial limitation in a major life function, such as talking, learning or socialization are eligible for an Accommodation Plan. Parents are invited to participate in the identification and development of the plan for their child. The plan will describe accommodations which the team has determined to be necessary to allow the  student to access instruction, such as modified assignments, untimed tests, adaptive equipment, assigned seating, or adjusted schedule. Students who are placed on an Accommodation Plan will participate in state and local assessments.  The Accommodation Plan must identify accommodations necessary for the student’s participation in the state and district wide assessment.