Mission

The mission of Huntsville City Schools, the Nations premier educational system in one of the
worlds most technologically advanced communities, is to guarantee that every student will
graduate with the capacity to compete successfully and contribute responsibly in a global
technological society through an educational process characterized by

effective instruction,

individualized learning,

superior academic and personal achievement, and

safe and orderly centers of excellence,

in partnership with families and the community.

Beliefs
We believe that. . .

All individuals can learn.

A free and democratic society depends on an educated public.

Families play a fundamental role in the development of children.

All people have equal, intrinsic worth.

Excellence in education dramatically improves the quality of life.

Well-prepared, dedicated teachers motivate and inspire students to achieve.

A shared moral foundation is essential for individuals to become a cohesive community.

It is possible for dreams to be realized with creativity, commitment, hard work, and support.

The education of all of our children is vital to our communitys success.

Community support and involvement are essential to the success of public education.

Every child has the potential to do something well that is a positive contribution to society.

A safe, healthy, disciplined environment is essential for optimal learning.

Understanding cultural diversity enriches individuals and prepares them to live in a global
society.

Individuals are responsible for their actions.

Change is essential for the continued success of an organization.

ALABAMA HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION

REQUIREMENTS
(Alabama Administrative Code 290-3-1-02(8) and (8)(a))
Effective for students in the ninth grade in the 2013-2014 school year, all students shall earn the required credits
for the Alabama High School Diploma. A local board of education may establish requirements for receipt of
diplomas and endorsements, but any diploma or endorsement shall include the requirements of the Alabama
High School Diploma. The Alabama courses of study shall be followed in determining minimum required content
in each discipline.

COURSE REQUIREMENTS
Four credits to include:

English
Language Arts

Credits

English 9

English 10
English 11
English 12

1
1
1

Equivalent/substitute options may include: Advanced Placement/International Baccalaureate/postsecondary

courses/SDE approved courses.

Mathematics

Science

Social Studies*

English Language Arts total Credits

Three credits to include:
Algebra I or its equivalent/substitute
Geometry or its equivalent/substitute
Algebra II w/Trigonometry or Algebra II, or its
equivalent/substitute
Equivalent/substitute options may include: Career And Technical
Education/Advanced Placement/International
Baccalaureate/postsecondary courses/SDE approved courses.
One credit from:
Alabama Course of Study for Mathematics or Career and
Technical Education/Advanced Placement/International
Baccalaureate/postsecondary courses/SDE approved courses.
Mathematics Total Credits
Two credits to include:
Biology
A physical science (Chemistry, Physics, Physical Science)
Equivalent/substitute options may include: Career and Technical
Education/Advanced Placement/International
Baccalaureate/postsecondary courses/SDE approved courses.
Two credits from:
Alabama Course of Study for Science or equivalent/substitute
courses from Career and Technical Education/Advanced
Placement/International Baccalaureate/postsecondary
courses/SDE approved courses.
Science Total Credits
Four credits to include:
World History
United States History I
United States History II
United States Government
Economics

4
Credits
1
1
1

1
4
Credits
1
1

2
4
Credits
1
1
1
0.5
0.5

Equivalent/substitute options may include: Advanced Placement/International Baccalaureate/postsecondary

courses/SDE approved courses.

Social Studies Total Credits

Physical Education Lifelong Individual Fitness Education (LIFE) or one JROTC Credit

4
1

Health Education
Career Preparedness
Career and Technical Education and/or Foreign Language and/or Arts
Education
Electives
Total Credits

0.5
1
3
2.5
24

Local boards shall offer foreign languages, arts education, physical education, wellness education, career and
technical education, and driver education as electives.

ENDORSEMENTS
Huntsville City Schools Board of Education has approved the following endorsements for students in
cohorts 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13:

Advanced Academic Endorsement, which requires students to pass all required courses, Algebra
II/Trig, and two years of the same foreign language.
Career and Technical Endorsement, which requires students to pass all required courses, and
three career technical courses.

GRADE CLASSIFICATION CREDIT REQUIREMENT

A student progresses toward graduation by earning Carnegie units in the required and elective
subjects. For student, parent, and administration convenience, grade level designations of 9th, 10th,
11th, and 12th are used for homeroom placement and to indicate progress towards completion of
graduation requirements.
GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS: 24 CREDITS
A 10th grader must have a minimum of
An 11th grader must have a minimum of
A 12th grader must have a minimum of
To Graduate

5 units
12 units
17 units
24 units

GRADUATION CLASS RANKING

To determine class ranking the following calculations are used:
1. Weighted GPA (all core and elective classes)
2. Numerical average carried to 4 digits (all core and elective classes)
3. ACT composite score

UNIT OF CREDIT
One unit of credit is awarded upon successful completion of 140 clock hours of instruction; one-half
unit of credit will not be awarded for a course that is a full unit. One-half unit of credit is awarded
upon successful completion of 70 clock hours of instruction for a semester/half credit course. A

student may earn no more than a total of ten (10) units of credit in one academic year (August-July)
without approval of the Superintendent or designee. This includes the regular school year,
summer school, and correspondence courses.

CORE COURSES
Definition of a Core Course
To meet the core-course requirement, a core course is defined as a recognized academic course
(as opposed to a career technical or personal-services course) that offers fundamental instruction in
a specific area of study. Courses taught below the high schools regular academic instructional level
(e.g., remedial, special education, or compensatory) cannot be considered core courses regardless
of the content of the courses. At least 75 percent of the courses instructional content must be in one
or more of the required areas (as listed below) and statistics, as referred to in the math section,
must be advanced (algebra-based).
English Core courses in English include instructional elements in grammar, vocabulary
development, composition, literature, analytical reading, or oral communication.
Math Core courses in mathematics include instructional elements in algebra, geometry,
trigonometry, statistics, or calculus.
Social Science Core courses in social science contain instructional elements in history, social
science, economics, geography, psychology, sociology, government, political science, or
anthropology.
Natural or Physical Science (including at least one full unit of laboratory classes if offered by your
high school). Core courses in natural or physical science include instructional elements in biology,
chemistry, physics, environmental science, physical science, or earth science.
Additional Academic Courses The remaining units of additional academic credit must be from
courses in the above areas or foreign language, computer science, philosophy, or nondoctrinal
religion (e.g., comparative religion) courses.
One unit of credit is awarded upon successful completion of 140 clock hours of instruction for a full
credit course, and one-half unit of credit is awarded upon successful completion of 70 clock hours of
instruction for a half credit course.
The NCAA Initial-Eligibility Clearinghouse lists only those courses that qualify as a core course after
receiving information provided by the high school principal. All approved courses are listed on the
List of NCAA Approved Core Courses (formerly Form 48-H), which is mailed to your high school
each year.
Additional NCAA eligibility information may be obtained by calling 1-877-262-1492 or visiting this
website: http://blog.ncaa.org/GetTheGrades/