Policy 6222

Program for Students

Requirements for Graduation

Reviewed and affirmed by the Board:  2024-06-25
Last Revision: 2024-06-25
Original publish date: 2010-11-09
Related policies & regulations:  
Legal references:  Neb. Rev. Stat. Sec. 79-729, Neb. Rev. Stat. Sec. 79-3003, NDE Rule 10
 

Part 1: Required Areas of Study

Graduation from Lincoln Public Schools will require the accumulation of 245 credit hours in grades 9-12, subject to the following:

Within the 245-credit expectation for graduation from high school (grades 9-12), designated areas of study totaling 185 credit hours will be required of students. The credits listed are to be earned by taking courses.
 

Graduation Requirement Area

Credits

Career and Technical Education (CTE) 
  business, family and consumer sciences, skilled and technical sciences

and

Fine Arts
  dance, dramatic arts, music and visual arts

20, at least 5 credits of Fine Arts and 5 credits of CTE

Career and Educational Planning/Personal Finance

5

Economics

5

English including Oral Communication

40

Human Behavior

5

Mathematics
   Including the completion of Algebra and Geometry

30

Physical Education

10

Health

5

Science
     Including 5 hours of earth, physical (physics and chemistry) and life science

30

Social Studies
   Civics Geography
   Government and Politics
   World History

   United States History

 
5

5
5

10

Technology

5

 

Part 2: Required Areas of Study

In addition to accumulating the required number of credit hours, students will also be required to demonstrate that they have necessary reading and writing skills. Demonstrations may be completed in a particular class and/or independent of a class. Demonstrations will not grant credit.

Area

12th Grade Graduation Demonstrations

Reading     

Students must demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to read and comprehend prose, poetry, and informational text consistent with state standards.

Writing

Students must demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to write a narrative and an expository essay consistent with state standards.

Part 3: FAFSA

Each student shall also complete and submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid prior to graduation, unless the required opt-out form is completed by either: (1) the student’s parent or legal guardian; (2) the Principal, if the Principal determines that good cause exists not to require the student to complete the FAFSA; or (3) an emancipated student or student of at least 19 years of age.