In order to earn a diploma from Palmdale High School, students must meet the criteria found in the following. For more a more detailed description of district graduation requirements and alternatives, click here.
• Pass the California High School Exit Exam.
• Earn a total of 230 credits.
• Pass specific required courses outlined below.
Each class per semester = 5 credits
Six classes per semester = 30 credits
Two semesters per year = 60 credits
Four years = 240 credits
ENGLISH: 40 credits
MATHEMATICS: 30 credits
SCIENCE: 20 credits
Physical (10)
Life (10)
SOCIAL STUDIES: 30 credits
World History (10)
U.S History (10)
Civics/Economics (5/5)
HEALTH: 10 credits
PHYSICAL EDUCATION: 20 credits
VISUAL/PERFORMING ARTS
OR FOREIGN LANGUAGE: 10 credits
ELECTIVES: 70 credits
SENIOR SEMINAR: 10 credits
TOTAL CREDITS FOR GRADUATION: 230 credits
These are the minimum requirements to earn a diploma. Students are strongly encouraged to go beyond the minimum – to take the most challenging courses of academic and/or vocational programs possible . Make the most of your high school career!
Beginning with the class of 2005 all students must pass the California High School Exit Exam (CAHSEE) in Math and Language Arts to receive a diploma.
Citizenship grades shall be determined by a composite of all classroom teachers' grades. Three or more “U's” in classroom citizenship shall result in a grade of “U” in citizenship.
If a student received a “U” in citizenship, he/she shall be ineligible for school activities for the quarter following that grade period. There will be no makeup of a “U” in citizenship.
Seniors must pass the final two quarters of citizenship in order to participate in graduation.