Graduation Requirements and Curriculum
All upper school students must enroll in a total of twenty-eight (28) classes divided into seven (7) mods each year. Four (4) classes in a subject, such as English, are equal to two (2) semesters with one (1) class equivalent to one (1) nine (9) week or quarter period. Listed below are the required credits for Upper School. Factors such as placement exams and teacher recommendations are considered in planning each student's course schedule. All students are required to complete a Capstone Project.
28 Credits are Required for Graduation
GPA is calculated by dividing the total number of grade points earned by the number of courses taken per a two mod period (2 mods = 1 semester).
Honor Roll is calculated 4 times a year for the Upper School, Mods 1 & 2, Mods 3 & 4, Mods 5 & 6 and Mod 7. Students who earn a GPA of 3.25 to 3.74 in the above mod groups are placed on the Honor Roll. Students with a GPA of 3.75 or higher are placed on the President’s Honor Roll for that period.
English
Four mods per year required. Required Credits: 4
Mathematics
Students are required to take four years of math beginning with Algebra I. Required Credits: 4
Lab Science
Students must take Scientific Methods, Scientific Research, Biology I and Chemistry. They may choose Environmental Science, Biology II or Physics for the third science credit. Electives also available. Required Credits: 3.5
Social Studies
Students must take one full credit of World Studies and US History, as well as one half credit of NM History, Government and Economics. Required Credits: 3.5
Physical Education
Four total mods required. Required Credits: 1
Visual and Performing Arts
Two mods per year required. Required Credits: 2
Modern Languages
Credits must be taken in consecutive years. Required Credits: 3
Religious Studies
Two mods per year required. Required Credits: 2
Electives
A variety of elective classes are available. Required Credits: 3.25
Capstone Project
Student work on a project of their choice throughout upper school, ending with a presentation at the end of Senior year. Required Credits: .75
Technology
Four total mods required. Required Credits: 1
