Graduation Requirements

INSTRUCTION      BP 6146.1 (a)

High School Graduation Requirements

Students shall receive diplomas of graduation from high school only after completing the 
prescribed course of study established by the district and attaining a passing score on the 
High School Exit Examination.

Fowler High School students will be eligible to receive a diploma of graduation, while in 
grades 9 to 12 inclusive, after completing the 260 credit requirements listed in Table 1 of 
Administrative Regulation 6146.1, which meet or exceed Education Code requirements 
(Education Code Section 51225.3):

1. At least the following number of courses in the subjects specified with each course having a duration of one school year unless otherwise specified:

   1. Four (4) courses in English.

   2. Three (3) courses in Mathematics.

   3. Three (3) courses in Science, including Biological and Physical Sciences.

   4. Three and one-half (3.5) courses in Social Studies, including United States History and World History; one (1) semester course in American Government and Civics; one (1) semester course in Economics; and one (1) semester of Freshman Orientation.

   5. One (1) course in Visual or Performing Arts or Foreign Language.

   6. Two (2) courses in Physical Education, unless the student has been exempted pursuant to Education Code provisions.

   7. One (1) semester (0.5) of Computer Technology

2. Other elective courses prescribed by the Governing Board

Recognizing that the prescribed course of study may not accommodate the needs of some 
students, the Board shall adopt alternative means for the completion of the prescribed 
course of study. Alternative means may include, but are not limited to, the following:

1. Practical demonstration of skills and competencies

2. Work experience or other outside school experience

3. Interdisciplinary study

4. Independent study

5. Earned credit at a postsecondary institution

Requirements for graduation and specified alternative means for completing the 
prescribed course of study shall be made available to students, parents/guardians and the 
public.

INSTRUCTION BP 6146.1 (b)

High School Graduation Requirements (cont.)

High School Exit Examination

Commencing with the 2005-2006 school year and each school year thereafter, each pupil 
completing grade 12 shall successfully pass the exit examination as a condition of 
receiving a diploma of graduation or a condition of graduation from high school.

Each pupil shall take the high school exit examination beginning in grade 10 and may 
take the examination during each subsequent administration, until each section of the 
examination has been passed.

An exit examination may not be administered on any date other than those designated by 
the Superintendent of Public Instruction as examination days or makeup days.

Legal Reference:

INSTRUCTION      AR 6146.1

High School Graduation Requirements

The diagram below depicts graduation standards for the entering freshman class. These 
requirements will be communicated to students and parents during their orientation 
meetings.

SUBJECT & UNIT REQUIREMENTS FOR THE ENTERING FRESHMAN CLASS 
TABLE 1

Note:  Ten (10) semester units of credit are earned when a student passes one subject for one year.  Five (5) unites of credit may be earned each semester for a completed course.