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Graduation and Class Promotion Credit Requirements

Twenty-five (25) credits are required in order to be eligible for graduation. The following credit requirements will be upheld for grade-level promotion while enrolled in high school:

  • Six (6) credits will be required to achieve sophomore status.
  • Twelve (12) credits will be required to achieve junior status.
  • Eighteen (18) credits will be required to achieve senior status.

The procedures for grade level promotions will be conducted at three points per calendar year: the end-of-year process, following summer school completion, and the first semester grades storing.

Alabama High School Diploma Requirements

Course Credits

  • 4 credits in English Language Arts
  • 4 credits in Mathematics, including Algebra I and Geometry
  • 4 credits in Science, including Biology and a physical science
  • 4 credits in Social Studies
  • 1 credit in Life or equivalent ½ credit in Health Education
  • 1 credit Career Preparedness
  • 2½ credits of electives
  • 3 credits in Career Tech, Fine Arts, and/or Foreign Language

Civics Test

The ALSDE requires that all students take and pass a Civics test before graduation. The test consists of 100 multiple-choice questions and is given when the student is enrolled in the required U.S. Government course or after completion. The student must score 60 or above. If the student scores below 60 on the first attempt, PCS will allow the student to retake the test.

Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

The ALSDE requires students to complete the FAFSA before graduation, which may result in financial aid for college and/or workforce training programs. Graduating students may opt out of this requirement by submitting the appropriately signed waiver. The waiver can be obtained from the student’s guidance counselor.

Community Service

Phenix City Schools students are required to complete a minimum of 55 unpaid community service hours before graduation. It is recommended that a student obtain 10 hours during their freshman year, 15 during their sophomore year, 20 during their junior year, and 10 during their senior year, although hours may be completed early or later than suggested. Due to waiving hourly requirements during the COVID-19 pandemic (2019-2020 and 2020-2021 academic years), the requirements listed below reflect the number of hours each graduating class should earn.

  • Graduating Class of 2024 = 45 hours of required community service
  • Graduating Class of 2025 = 55 hours of required community service

All necessary forms and information needed, including suggested organizations where your student may volunteer, are contained within the Community Service Packet.

This packet can be obtained from the Guidance section of the school’s website. Official documentation of hours worked on service projects, with signatures from persons responsible for monitoring the community service work, shall be documented on the “Individual Service Supervisor’s Comments Form” and submitted to the designated counselor for credit to be awarded.

This is the student’s responsibility.