Credit Structure and Graduation Requirements
GRADES
The purpose of a grade is to indicate the extent to which the student has acquired the necessary learning. In general, students are assigned grades based upon test results, homework, projects, and classroom participation. Specific grading information will be provided at the beginning of each semester on the course syllabus.
CREDITS NEEDED TO GRADUATE
All students need 21 out of 25 credits in order to graduate. Students must complete all academic requirements to receive a West Ottawa diploma. Under regular circumstances, students can earn 6.25 credits per year (6 from regular classes plus 0.25 from seminar.), totaling 25 credits during their high school career. All semester classes count as 0.5 credits. THE PRINCIPAL MUST approve any deviations from the graduation requirements.
GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS
Graduation from West Ottawa High School means that a student has satisfactorily completed the prescribed courses of study in accordance with his/her respective abilities and has completed requirements as prescribed by the West Ottawa Board of Education and the State of Michigan. The educational program of the West Ottawa district is designed to be completed in thirteen years, culminating in the awarding of a diploma (see Student Code of Conduct for graduation exercises information). Whenever possible, the school district will provide opportunities for a student to complete the program within the prescribed thirteen years.
To qualify for a diploma under the usual conditions, a student must
Have been in attendance 9th – 12th grades or a minimum of eight semesters, or be able to verify thirteen years of school attendance.
Must complete the required State Assessments.
In order to graduate early, students must meet board and state graduation requirements. Additionally, a student must submit an Early Graduation Application to the building principal.
Be enrolled in six subjects each semester of the eight required semesters.
Complete the minimum credits for graduation, including:
A complete list of WOHS graduation requirements can be found in our online course guide.
West Ottawa High School graduation ceremony is a privilege not a right. If a student has not met graduation requirements by the date of graduation, the right to walk at graduation and convocation ceremonies can/will be withheld. If a student's conduct warrants behavior consequences, the right to walk at graduation and convocation ceremonies can/will be withheld. Administration has the right to make this decision based on the event. A student's right to walk can be tied to their attendance.
CREDIT STRUCTURE
The following summarizes the credit structure utilized for academic promotion. Students enrolling in WOHS for the first time, will be classified by grade level after review of the transcript and Michigan Merit Curriculum (MMC) requirements.