Garrison Forest Upper School operates on a two-semester system. One credit is given for a full-year course; semester courses earn one half-credit.
General Requirements:
- A minimum of 21 academic credits is required for graduation.
- In Grade 9, students carry 6½ credits. In Grade 10, students carry 6 to 6½ credits. In Grades 11 and 12, students carry 6 to 7 credits, unless the student is enrolled in 3 Advanced Placement courses.
- Students may take a maximum of 3 Advanced Placement courses each year, but are strongly recommended to take only 2 Advanced Placement courses.
- In order to graduate, seniors must remain in, and pass, all courses in which they are enrolled at the end of the drop/add period.
Graduation Requirements:
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English: 4 credits
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Language: 3 credits in consecutive years of a language, through Level III. For those students electing a second language, at least 2 credits must be completed to receive credit.
Recommendation:Language students who complete 3 credits at the end of Grade 10 are recommended to continue at least one language in Grade 11.
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History: 2½ credits, one of which must be in Modern Civilizations and one of which must be in United States History.
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Mathematics: 3 credits in Grades 9, 10, and 11 including at least Algebra I and II and Geometry.
Recommendation: Students are strongly urged to elect a fourth credit in Mathematics.
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Science: 3 credits of laboratory science. Credits must include one biological and one physical science, one of which must be in Grades 11 or 12.
Recommendation: Students are encouraged to complete Biology, Chemistry, and Physics before choosing an advanced elective.
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The Arts: 1½ credits including ½ credit of Music/Design Lab in Grade 9. For students entering Garrison Forest after Grade 9, Performing and Visual Arts must be represented in the Arts credits.
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Physical Education: 2 credits, ½ credit required each year.
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Decision Making: Non-credit, required in Grades 9, 10, and 12.