As graduation season draws near, it is crucial to remember that it is never too early to know what your child needs to graduate high school and to start creating a graduation plan. By engaging in early discussions and planning, parents can help their children identify academic goals, explore career interests, and develop essential skills that will pave the way for success beyond high school. Here are the requirements necessary for your child to graduate:

Under Act 158, School District of Philadelphia high school students must fulfill three main criterias in order to graduate and be well prepared for beyond high school. These three requirements are:

1. Earn 23.5 credits in key content area
   • 4 in English, 3 in Mathematics, 3 in Science, 3 in Social Studies, 1 in African American History, 2 in World Language, 2 in Arts and Humanities, 1 in Physical Education, 0.5 in Health, 4 in electives – One elective must be a college preparatory Mathematics or Science course, an IB course, an AP course, or a terminal CTE course. Schools or programs may predetermine specific subject area elective credits.
2. Successfully complete a Multidisciplinary Project or a Service Learning Project
3. Meet the requirements for one of the five Pathways to Graduation defined by the Pennsylvania Department of Education.
   • Pathway One: Keystone Proficiency
   • Pathway Two: Keystone Composite
   • Pathway Three: Career & Technical Education Concentrator
   • Pathway Four: Alternative Assessment
   • Pathway Five: Evidence-Based Pathways

You can find a more detailed outline of the Pathways to Graduation HERE. In addition to the above three requirements:

• If your child is in a Dual Enrollment Program, they must attend all classes and satisfactorily complete all dual enrollment courses.
• If your child is in a Career & Technical Education Program, they will also need to satisfactorily complete the program and attain all required credits.
  • Additional credits are included in their academic program

Celebrating your student’s graduation is a significant milestone, but it can also be a stressful time for them. To effectively support your child during this period, it’s essential to understand their graduation requirements and work together to create a graduation plan. Stay updated on your child’s progress by regularly checking their Parent Portal account and attending report card conferences. Encourage consistent school attendance and explore various learning opportunities to enrich your child’s education. Lastly, don’t hesitate to ask questions! Utilize your school’s main office and school staff to ensure your child remains on track for graduation!