High School Graduation Minimum Requirements (IDAPA 08.02.03 104, 105, 106)
This is a summary of the state graduation requirements. Please review IDAPA 08.02.03 for the details of the requirements and be sure to check whether your school district has additional requirements.
| Content Area | State Credit Requirements |
| Core of Instruction | 29 credits (minimum) |
| Electives | 17 credits (minimum) |
| Total Credits | 46 credits (minimum) |
| Core Subject Areas | 29 Credits |
| Language Arts (English – 8 credits and Speech – 1 credit) |
9 Credits Speech credit can be obtained through other courses that meet the state speech requirement as approved by the local district. |
| Mathematics (Algebra 1 or equivalent integrated mathematics, Geometry or equivalent integrated mathematics, Student Choice) |
6 Credits Including Algebra I and Geometry standards. Two (2) credits must be taken in the last year of high school. Students who have completed six (6) credits of math prior to the fall of their last year of high school, including at least two (2) semesters of an Advanced Placement or dual credit calculus or higher level course or 8 credits and Algebra II or higher, are exempt from taking math during their last year of high school. AP Computer Science, Dual Credit Computer Science, and Dual Credit Engineering courses may also be counted as a mathematics credit if the student has completed Algebra II standards. |
| Science (Lab-based – 4 credits) |
6 Credits May include biology, physical science, chemistry, earth, space, and environment or approved applied science. AP Computer Science, Dual Credit Computer Science and Dual Credit Engineering can be considered as either a math or science credit. |
| Social Studies (US History, Economics and American Government) |
5 Credits Courses such as geography, sociology, psychology and world history may not count towards this requirement. |
| Humanities (Interdisciplinary Humanities, Fine Arts or Foreign Language) |
2 Credits May include visual arts, music, theatre, dance, or world language aligned to Idaho content standards for those subjects. |
| Health | 1 Credit CPR is required to be taught in Health. (effective for students entering 9th grade Fall 2015 or later) |
| Electives | 17 Credits Elective courses as determined by the school district |
| Advanced Opportunities | Districts must offer at least one Advanced Opportunity such as Dual Credit, Advanced Placement, Tech Prep, or International Baccalaureate. *For more information on Advanced Opportunities, visit: http://www.sde.idaho.gov/student-engagement/advanced-ops/index.html |
| Senior Project | Senior Projects are required to include a written report and an oral presentation by the end of grade 12 with guidelines set at the district level. May be multi-year group or independent project. Must include elements of research and experiential learning or integrated projects. |
| College Entrance Exam | Students must take either the ACT or SAT exam before the end of the student’s 11th grade beginning with students for School Year 2014-2015. *For more information on college entrance exams, visit: http://www.sde.idaho.gov/assessment/college/ |
| Civics Test | All secondary students must demonstrate that they have met the state civics and government standard by the successfully completing the civics test or alternate path. Successful completion of this requirement must be reflected on the student’s transcript. |