The formal, specific requirements for graduation from Portage High School are listed in Board of Education Policy #510 (a synopsis is listed below).
A total of 24 credits are required to graduate from Portage High School.
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English – 4 credits
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Social Studies – 3 credits
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Mathematics – 3 credits
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Science – 3 credits
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Physical Education – 1.5 credits
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Health – .5 credit
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Personal Finance – .5 credit
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Electives – 8.5 credits
Total = 24 credits
The requirements above are to be earned during 8 semesters of grades 9-12 except as provided in the School Board’s Policy #510 for those students granted the privilege of early graduation. Students who are interested in early graduation must consult with their school counselor by June 1st of their junior year.
High School Credits Earned in Middle School - Those credits are considered “elective” credit (Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II, German I and Spanish I) and will not be applied to the student’s high school cumulative grade point average (GPA).
Math Credits - Credits earned in Algebra I, Geometry and Algebra II while in middle school will not go towards the 3 credits for the mathematics graduation requirement. Students are expected to take a mathematics course in grades 9 and 10. They may choose to take their third math credit in either grade 11 or 12.
9th & 10th Grade Students - Must schedule English, mathematics, science, social studies, and physical education courses.
Health - Students who do not pass 7th AND 8th grade Health course or transferred from another school (including St. John's and St. Mary's) must take "Health Issues" course as a 9th grader.
11th Grade Students - Must schedule English and Social Studies (Civics or Political Science 141) on their schedule.
Citizenship Test (Civics) - Effective in the 2016-2017 school year, the State of Wisconsin is requiring that all students pass a Citizenship Test in the Civics course as a graduation requirement. It will be listed on the student's high school transcript.
Math, Science & Personal Finance - Must be on student's schedule during 11th or 12th grade year.
Early Graduation
Per PCSD Board Policy #PO5464 (revised 8/13/2018):
Early graduation may be granted after completion of seven (7) or more semesters of attendance (grades 9-12) to students who fulfill the following requirements:
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complete graduation credit requirements;
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earn a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or above;
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have no more than three (3) unexcused absences, ten (10) excused absences, and zero (0) truancy tickets in their last two (2) full semesters of attendance; *
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submit a written request for early graduation to the high school principal during the semester immediately prior to the semester in which they wish to graduate. The request must include the purpose of the request and set forth a well-organized plan for their future. It must also be endorsed in writing by the student's parent/guardian. **
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receive a recommendation for approval by a committee of professional staff at the high school, including the building principal, the student's school counselor, and at least three (3) of the student's past or present high school teachers.
The high school administrator shall present the Early Graduation Request to the district administrator for consideration.
A request for early graduation which is denied may be appealed, in writing, within 30 days of the decision to deny the request, to the Early Graduation Appeal Committee (district administrator or designee, high school principal or designee, board member, school counselor, and a teacher). The written appeal shall explain the basis for the appeal and provide all necessary supporting information for the Early Graduation Appeal Committee to consider. The student and his/her parents may present the request to the committee, but the committee shall deliberate in private. The district administrator shall send a written final decision to the student and his/her parents/guardians within 10 work days of the Appeal Committee's decision.
The student may participate in the graduation ceremonies with his/her designated class.
Key:
* Early graduation approval is conditional. The student must meet the early graduation requirements and complete all credit requirements to graduate early.
** Exceptions to the criteria and deadlines for submitting the written request for early graduation may be considered where compelling personal/family reasons are demonstrated.
