Graduation requirements for Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS) are mandated by state law and the Milwaukee Board of School Directors to ensure that all graduates are college and career ready.
During high school, students earn credits and progress toward graduation by successfully completing courses each year. They must earn a minimum number of credits to move on to the next grade level:
Grade 9 (Freshmen): 0–4.9 credits
Grade 10 (Sophomores): 5–9.9 credits
Grade 11 (Juniors): 10–15.9 credits
Grade 12 (Seniors): 16+ credits
To graduate from high school, students need a minimum of 22 total credits. These are made up of both required credits in different content areas and elective credits earned through a variety of optional courses that students can choose from. For specific course offerings at each school, reach out to the school counselor.
|
Core Credit Requirements
- English Language Arts: 4.0 credits
- Mathematics: 3.0 credits (courses at or above the level of Algebra I)
- Science: 3.0 credits, including at least one course with a lab1.0 credit of life science
- 1.0 credit of physical science
- 1.0 additional science credit
- Students can choose from district-approved science courses.
- Social Studies: 3.0 credits, including state and local government
- World Languages: 2.0 credits
- IMPORTANT: English language learners (ELLs) may substitute English as a Second Language (ESL) courses instead
Other Credit Requirements
- College and Career Readiness: 1.0 credit
- This requirement can be met through any combination of approved college and career readiness courses. Some courses, such as Advanced Placement or International Baccalaureate diploma courses, may count dually to meet another requirement as well. Beginning with the class of 2026, 0.5 credit of personal finance is a mandated college and career readiness course at select MPS high schools.
- Electives: 3.0 or 4.0 credits
- Many electives are available for students to choose from. Course offerings are often related to a school’s specific focus.
- Fine Arts:1.0 credit (such as Art, Dance, Music, or Theater)
- Health:0.5 credit
- Physical Education: 1.5 credits (one course per year over a three-year period*)
*A waiver of the final 0.5 credit is available junior or senior year.
- Personal Finance .05 credits (required for Class of 2028 and beyond)
Total: 22.0 credits
Students who meet the credit requirements for graduation MUST have their transcripts validated by their school counselor prior to participating in a graduation ceremony.
Additional Graduation Requirements
Students must complete ONE of the following requirements: community service, online learning, or service-learning.
Students must pass the district civics test.
Students must complete their academic and career plan.
Students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Those who are undocumented, are unable to access parental financial information, or are asked to abstain by their parents must complete a waiver.
Some high schools have additional requirements for specific programs or endorsements. Please contact a high school directly for more information.
|
|
|
|
|
