The Tennessee Department of Education has raised standards and aligned graduation requirements to best prepare students for college and the workforce.

Following the implementation of the Tennessee Diploma Project in 2009, high school students must complete 22 credits to graduate. They also will be tested in core subject areas with End of Course exams, part of the Tennessee Comprehensive Assessment Program, or TCAP. Their performance on these exams will factor into their semester grade for the course.

Total Required Credits: 22

• Math: 4 credits, including Algebra I, II, Geometry and a fourth higher level math course (Students must be enrolled in a mathematics course each school year.)

• English: 4 credits

• Science: 3 credits, including Biology, Chemistry or Physics, and a third lab course

• Social Studies: 3 credits

• Physical Education and Wellness: 1.5 credits

• Personal Finance: 0.5 credits (May be waived for students not going to a University to expand and enhance the elective focus)

• Foreign Language: 2 credits (May be waived for students not going to a University to expand and enhance the elective focus)

• Fine Arts: 1 credit (May be waived for students not going to a University to expand and enhance the elective focus)

• Elective Focus: 3 credits consisting of Math and Science, Career and Technical Education, Fine Arts, Humanities, Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB)

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