High School Graduation Requirements
Graduation Requirements
| Required Course | Credit | Grade When Usually Taken |
|---|---|---|
| English | 4.0 | 9-12 |
| Social Studies | 3.0 | 9-12 |
| Mathematics* | 3.0 | 9-12 |
| Science* | 3.0 | 9-12 |
| Math or Science | 1.0 | 9-12 |
| Computer Science* | 0.5 | 9-12 |
| Physical Education | 2.0 | 9-12 |
| Health | 1.0 (0.5 per year) | 9-10 |
| Freshmen and Junior Seminar | 1.0 (0.5 per year) | 9, 11 |
| Fine and Practical Arts | 1.0 | 9-12 |
| General Electives | 6.0 | 9-12 |
| Community Service | 0.5 (60 hours) | 9-12 |
26.0 credits and satisfactory demonstration of proficiency in Algebra, Literature 10, and Biology are required for high school graduation.
Fine and Practical Arts courses include select elective courses in the English department and all courses in Art, Music, Family and Consumer Science, and Industrial Arts departments.
*Students need to complete a total of 7.0 credits combined in Math and Science with a minimum of 3.0 in each Math and Science.
*Students enrolled in the Bethlehem Area Vocational Technical School pathways may, if necessary, replace up to one required credit in Social Studies* and the fourth credit in Science or Mathematics with a course aligned to their career goals. Eligibility for pursuing such a credit replacement toward graduation will be determined by the principal (or their designee) in consultation with the student, parent, guidance counselor, and the BAVTS.
*Students enrolled in the Vocational-Technical or career course path may, if necessary, replace the fourth required credit in Science or Mathematics with a course aligned to their career goals. Eligibility for pursuing such a credit replacement toward graduation will be determined by the principal (or their designee) in consultation with the student, parent, guidance counselor, and the BAVTS. Students will be required to fulfill 6.0 of general elective credits.
Completion of a course in Computer Science is required for students graduating with the class of 2021 and beyond. More information about the Computer Science requirement can be found in the Business and Technology Department section.
Project Lead the Way Engineering course work or Project Lead the Way Biomedical coursework may, if necessary, replace a fourth Science or Mathematics elective.
Prerequisite Courses: In students’ best interests, teachers, department chairpersons, administrators, and counselors have agreed on certain suggested prerequisites for some course offerings. We strongly recommend that these prerequisite courses must be completed before taking the course. In cases where there are multiple levels of a course, course one serves as a prerequisite for course two and so forth.
For NCAA Eligibility Requirement, please visit the NCAA Eligibility Center.
BASD GRADUATION REQUIREMENT
Beginning with the Class of 2026, all students in the Bethlehem Area School District must demonstrate college and career readiness by achieving one or more of the following:
Complete a 4-course BASD Career Pathway (i.e., Project Lead The Way)
Complete a college dual enrollment course
Complete the BASD Internship course
Achieve a BAVTS industry-based certification, sit for the NOCTI exam, or complete a BAVTS Co-Op experience
Complete the BASD Co-Op Program
Complete PDE-approved Apprentice Program
Complete an Advanced Placement course
Complete the BASD Modern Employability course