General Academic & Graduation Information
A minimum of 44 academic credits is required for graduation from Ames High School. A credit is earned by receiving a passing grade for a one-semester course that meets a minimum of three times per week or the equivalent.
Freshmen and sophomores are required to take a minimum of six courses each semester.
Juniors and seniors are required to take a minimum of five courses each semester.
| Department | Credits required for graduation | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| English | 8 | |
| Mathematics | 6 | Including Algebra 2, Adv. Algebra 2 |
| Science | 6 | |
| Social Sciences | 6 | Including World Studies, US History Sociology or AP Psychology, US Government |
| Physical Education | 4 | Starts with the class of 2025 |
| Health | 1 | Taken Sophomore Year |
| Practical Arts | 1 | From Career & Technology Education |
| Fine Arts | 1 | From Visual Arts or Music |
| Personal Finance | 1 | Taken Junior or Senior year |
| CPR | Required for graduation | Opportunities will be provided prior to graduation |
- Transfer students must meet all credit requirements for graduation. In addition, students transferring in their senior year must earn a minimum of 10 AHS credits in order to receive an AHS diploma. Mid-year graduates may deduct 5 credits from the above requirement.
Special Education Students
A student enrolled in a special education program who has met the requirements of the Ames Community School District, as modified by an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) that is consistent with the Iowa Statutes and State Board of Education, shall receive a diploma. Graduation requirements for the attainment of a diploma are to be included in the student’s IEP. Whenever students with disabilities earn credit through an individually prescribed program provided by a special education program, the system for monitoring and reporting the performance of students shall be clearly identified based on objective criteria. The IEP team is responsible for determining who will monitor and report the performance of these students.
Early Completion and Graduation
Students wanting to complete graduation requirements early (at the end of their junior year or the end of the first semester of their senior year) must work with their counselor. Seniors who complete graduation requirements at mid-year are encouraged to participate in the regular spring graduation ceremony. Only those students who have completed the credits required for graduation can participate in the ceremonies.
Currently there is no foreign language requirement, however over 70% of the students complete at least two years.
Over 50% of graduates complete high school with at least 50 credits.
More extensive information regarding currently available curriculum may be found in Course Planning information.