Planning for your future is vital; knowing the necessary information about how many credits to graduate high school in Maine is essential. In this way, you will be able to plan for an appropriate educational program to achieve your goals for your future.
Even if different schools have different regulations when it comes to graduation requirements, they must still adhere to the law set by the state. Maine’s high school credit requirements should be at least 22 units under the minimum 4-year educational program.
At the end of this article, you will be able to determine Maine high school graduation requirements that you may find helpful.
How Do High School Credits Work?
How Do High School Credits Work?In high school, the classes will prepare you for college and for your future careers. After completing the classes and their requirements, you are qualified for the graduation ceremony in which you can now get your high school diploma. The diploma is needed for you to enroll in college or to apply for a job.
But before getting the diploma, you must first earn high school credit. Credits are given after you have completed and passed the classes and the requirements needed by the school educational program. What is a high school credit, and how doe it work?
In high school, taking classes is not enough. You must pass the class to turn it into a credit. However, if you fail the class, you won’t get any credit for it. Plus, you must retake the class next year. You will only graduate once you earn enough credit. It means you will need to extend another year to finish high school or until you fully meet the minimum credit for graduation.
There are other ways how you can earn additional credits. You may do this when you want to graduate early in high school. Some of these ways are the following:
- Attending online courses. It is a convenient way of learning in the comfort of your home. You may take this during summer or breaks. You will make your time productive by earning additional credits and learning. Example of online courses are music, use of instrument, computer science, foreign language, and graphic design.
- Take extra classes. The different classes will increase your academic hours and credits. Usually, this is offered by your school, which ensures extra credit. Examples are classes on sports, publication, music, and even academic clubs.
- School course in the community. Your community may also offer courses that you can take. Sometime the community would offer English, Science, Math, and Social Studies subjects.
- Enroll in summer school. If you don’t like to spend your vacation resting or traveling, you may enroll in summer school and continue learning. In this way, you will be able to earn additional credit. According to gov, you can join the Summer Food Service Program, Harvest of the Month Resources, and other Summer Engagement Opportunities.
How Many Credits Do You Need to Pass High School in Maine?
What are the minimum credits required for graduation in Maine? To graduate high school in Maine, you must earn a minimum of 22 units (17.5 required courses and 4.5 electives) according to maine.gov. You need to meet or exceed the standards in the classes, or you may take the equivalent in standards achievement of these classes. You must also complete and pass all the state-required assessments. These assessments include quizzes, portfolios, examinations, projects, performances, and community services.
The schools are also mandated to provide the students with opportunities to learn in multiple pathways such as career and technical education, alternative education programs, apprenticeships, career academies, advanced placements, online courses, adult education, dual enrollment, and gifted and talented programs.
A high school graduate must become a good communicator, independent and life-long learner, problem-solver, responsible, and critical thinker.
What Credits Do You Need to Graduate High School in Maine?
It will take four years for you to earn that credit. You must satisfactorily finish and complete the following subjects:
| Main Subjects | Specific subjects |
| English (4 credits) |
|
| Social studies and history (3 credits) |
|
| Mathematics (3 credits) |
|
| Science and at least 1 year of the laboratory study |
|
| Fine arts (1 credit) |
|
| Health and physical education (1.5 credits)
 |
|
| Career pathways (2 credits) |
|
| Electives (4.5 credits) |
|
High School Graduation Requirements in Maine
To graduate high school in Maine, you must earn a minimum of twenty-two (22) units (17.5 required courses and 4.5 electives). It is not just enough to attend all your classes; you must also submit and pass the requirements per class.
Typically, you need to finish high school within a four (4)-year program. On the other hand, Maine law also clearly states that secondary schools should develop their students academically and in multiple pathways. At the end of high school, students are expected to demonstrate and imbibe characteristics gained from their school.
Can You Graduate High School Early in Maine?
The answer is yes; you can graduate high school early in Maine. You can also get your diploma early than four years if you have completed and passed the requirements needed to get your diploma.
However, various schools have varying policies regarding early high school graduation. Some schools such as Capital Area Technical Center, Augusta allowed the students to join the graduation rites, but they were not qualified to be a cum laude and any class rank honor or award. Some schools such as Poland Regional High School, Poland also give an option to the students to join the ceremony or not.
You may also find some schools with specific guidelines regarding early graduation in high school from Maine Principals’ Association. The students may need to file a request for early graduation. Other schools may require consent from parents or guardians stating their approval for early graduation, while others may require you to consult the school’s guidance counselor. It is to ensure that you are clear with the path you choose regarding your plans.
If you have plans to graduate early in Maine, you must determine the vital information and guidelines. This way, you will know what to comply with and how to graduate early. It is crucial to choose the school that is appropriate for your plans.
Wrapping Things Up: How Many Credits to Graduate High School in Maine?
After reading this article about Maine high school graduation requirements, are you ready to plan for your future? Knowing the necessary information will guide you, like whether you want to graduate early or what school you choose.
Students must become good individual, autonomous, problem-solvers, responsible, and critical thinkers. These can be achieved through high school programs like career and technical education, alternative education programs, apprenticeships, career academies, advanced placements, online courses, adult education, dual enrollment, and gifted and talented programs. Students are correctly assessed through examinations, portfolios, quizzes, projects, and performances. They are even required to render twenty (20) hours of community service.
Lastly, Maine’s high school curriculum will develop knowledgeable and skilled high school students and students with a heart and passion for service to the community. You will never go wrong studying in Maine.
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