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Richmond County Schools Graduation RequirementsStudents enrolled in Grade 9 for the first time during 2025-2026 (Cohort: Class of 2029)
Students must earn the specified 23 Carnegie units to earn a high school diploma.
REQUIRED AREA
OF STUDY
HIGH SCHOOL COURSES
English/Language Arts
4 Units
· 9th Grade Literature/Composition (1 unit)
· American Literature/Composition (1 unit)
· 2 Additional Units in English/Language Arts
Mathematics
4 Units
· Algebra (1 unit)
· Geometry (1 unit)
· Algebra II (1 unit)
· 4th year math (1unit)
4th year math options: Advanced Mathematical Decision-Making, Pre-Calculus or AP Statistics, Dual Enrollment, or other math courses.
*Note: Pre-Calculus is a prerequisite for AP Calculus
Science
4 Units
· Biology (1 unit)
· Physical Science or Physics (1 unit)
· Chemistry, Earth Systems, Environmental Science, or an AP course
(1 unit)
· Additional Science Unit (1 unit)
*Any AP/IB science course may be substituted for the appropriate courses listed above.
Social Studies
3 Units
· American Government (.5 units)
· Economics (.5 units)
· World History or AP World History (1 unit)
· U.S. History or AP U.S. History (1 unit)
Health and Physical Education
1 Unit
· Health and Safety (.5 units)
· Personal Fitness (.5 units)*
*Three (3) units of credit in JROTC (Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps) may be used to satisfy the requirements
CTAE (Career Technology, Agriculture, and Education)and/or Fine Arts, and/or Modern Language/Latin
3 Units
3 units in CTAE, Fine Arts, or Modern Language/Latin
*Students are encouraged to select courses in a focused area of interest
Additional Elective Units
4 Units
For students entering a University System of Georgia institution, two units of the same world language are required; many colleges and universities require three units.
TOTAL
23 Units