High School Graduation Requirements

1) 140 credits 

2) at least 36 credits but not more than 45 credits per year 

3) all students must take and pass: 

• Four years of English (24 credits) 

• Four years of Mathematics (24 credits) 

• Three years of Science (18 credits) 

• Three years of Social Studies (18 credits) Consisting of World History and United States History 

• Three years of World Language (18 credits)

• 18 credits in the area of Technology Engineering & Computer Science, Fine & Performing Arts 

• Wellness (12.5 credits) *

• 9th Grade:    One semester of physical education (2.5 credits)
• 9th Grade:    One Semester of Health (2.5 credits)
• 10th Grade:  Two semesters of physical education and health (3 credits)
• 11th Grade:  Two semesters of physical education and health (3 credits)
• 12th Grade:  One semester of physical education and health (1.5 credits)

• 40 hours of community service

• Pass all MCAS Graduation/Competency Determination Requirements for their specific graduation year as outlined on page 11 of the Program of Studies

It is critical for students to monitor their credit levels each semester to ensure participation in extracurricular/cocurricular activities and sports. 

TRANSITION FROM FRESHMEN TO SOPHOMORE STATUS 

Freshmen must pass 6 credits in mathematics and 6 credits in English, plus 12 additional credits, to attain sophomore status by the beginning of the next academic year. A passing grade of D is equivalent to a numeric average of 65. In keeping with the school’s policy, no more than 2 courses in a student’s overall high school career may be taken in summer school. Each summer school course presented for credit toward graduation must receive the approval of the headmaster. Headmaster approval is based upon review of the course curriculum and consultation with the appropriate department head. Parents will be notified by the Guidance Department at the beginning of the second semester if their son or daughter is in danger of not attaining sophomore status for the next academic year.  This policy has been adopted to support Dover-Sherborn’s high academic expectations and in response to Massachusetts Education Reform initiatives.

Click here for Program of Studies 2021-2022

Special Notice: In addition to Dover-Sherborn’s graduation requirements, all students MUST pass all MCAS Graduation/Competency Determination Requirements for their specific graduation year as outlined on page 11 of the Program of Studies.  Students who fail any of these exams will be given opportunities to re-take the test during their junior and senior years and are strongly encouraged to enroll in MCAS remediation programs. 

Course Waiver: The headmaster has the authority to waive or delay the completion of graduation course requirements when scheduling difficulties arise. Regardless of any action approved by the headmaster, the designated number of credits by Year of Graduation must still be met to graduate.