High School > Diploma Requirements

IMPORTANT: The following list shown in chart A constitutes the requirements for an HLA Diploma. It is the parent's responsibility, along with help from our high school staff, to build upon this list according to your student's goals. Students who plan on attending a 4 year university should refer to Chart B. Parents should check with the College/Univ. of your choice for specific admissions requirements concerning ACT/SAT and courses. Parents are also responsible for ensuring their students meet their state requirements as well as HLA. Below is a list of recommendations to assist you with planning. Click here to download the new Goal-Based Planning Sheet.

If you know your student is not going to attend a 4 year university but may desire to attend a 2 year college or business school, please be aware these schools often require entrance exams for admissions. These students will need to adequately prepare themselves in the areas of English, Math and Science in preparation for these tests. Planning sheets are available to assist you with planning. Also, typical course descriptions, as well as frequently asked questions, are provided for your convenience.

                                                Chart A:                                               

High School Credit Requirements	Total: 22 Credits*
English	4 Credits
Mathematics: (Any four maths)	4 Credits
Science (Any three sciences, labs optional)	3 Credits
US History	1 Credit
Social Studies	1 Credit
U.S. Government (if U.S. resident)	0.5 Credits
Personal Finance (In addition to four maths)	0.5 Credits
Economics	0.5 Credit
Physical Education (150 hours)	1 Credit
Health / Wellness	0.5 Credit
Electives	6 Credits

*A credit is considered the equivalent of 150 hours of education.
Traditional schooling is 180 days of 50 minute classes, which equals 150 hours per credit.
Home education is, of course, more flexible. Scheduling ideas can be found in the High School FAQ.


You are not obligated to follow these descriptions or recommendations. These are provided for informational purposes only.

You may make substitutions to course content depending on a student’s interests and strengths.
THERE ARE MANY MORE POSSIBLE COURSES THAN JUST THOSE LISTED HERE.
Read High School FAQ for more ideas.

(Click on course for typical description.)

	Recommended Core Courses	Additional Electives
English	English I, II, III, IV	Business Communications
4 Credit Min.		Journalism
		Speech
		Study Skills
		Etymology
		African American Literature
		Creative Writing
		ACT Prep
Math	Algebra I or Math Tech II	Accounting I, II, III
4 Credit Min.	Algebra II	Consumer Mathematics I, II
	Geometry	Arithmetic
	Advanced Algebra and Trigonometry	Business Math
	Statistics	Computer Technology
	Discrete Mathematics with Probability	Math for Technology I
	Pre-Calculus	Pre-Algebra
	Calculus	Competency Mathematics
	Integrated Mathematics I, II, III Logic	Foundations I, II
Natural / Physical Sciences
3 Credit Min.	Biology I, II (with Lab)	Earth Science
	Biology for Technology	Environmental Science (Non-AP)
	Chemistry I, II (with Lab)	Life Science
	Physics (with Lab)
	Principles of Technology I, II
	Anatomy and Physiology
	Ecology
	Geology
	Nutrition Science
	Physical Science
	Agriscience
Further Explanation: Two (three) lab sciences are highly recommended. Biology, Chemistry, Physics are all great lab sciences.
US History	US History
I Credit Min.
Social Studies	Ancient History	US Government
1 Credit Min.	European History	Civics
	Modern History	Contemporary Issues
	World Geography	Economics
	World History	Psychology
		Sociology
Foreign Language	French	American Sign Language is accepted at some colleges
Recommend 2 Credits of Same Language	German
	Latin
	Spanish
	Other Languages
Visual / Performing Arts	Art History	Commercial Art
Recommend 1 Credit	Dance	Drafting
	General Music	Public Speaking (Speech)
	Instrumental Music	Photography
	Music History
	Music Theory
	Theater Arts
	Visual Arts
	Vocal Music
Economics	Economics***
0.5 credit min.
Physical Education	Any form of physical education that consists of 150 or more hours
150 hours min.
Health / Wellness	Health / Wellness
0.5 credit min.
Electives	Electives can be anything that is not a requirement.	Bible, Bible History
6 or more credits  recommended for college	Driver's Education	Old Testament Study, New Testament Study