• Graduation Requirements

    Students must earn the total number of credits and pass the American Civics Test, complete CPR training, and fulfill the ECAP. Below are specific requirements; the balance of credits are to be selected from elective courses for a minimum of 22 credits.

    Students are encouraged to take six classes each year to be best prepared for college and career options.

  •  * Two (2) semesters of Marching Band or JROTC constitutes 0.5 credit physical education.
    ** To fulfill this requirement, 1.0 credit must be earned in either CTE/JTED or Fine Arts.

    COLLEGE COMPETENCY REQUIREMENTS

    Four–Year University Admission In-State
    Students planning to attend a university are encouraged to consult the college admissions representative concerning admission requirements, merit-based scholarships, honors college admission, and financial aid. For a complete list of requirements by university, click on the Arizona Board of Regents www.azregents.edu. The college preparatory requirements for Arizona universities include the following courses and are subject to change:

    Arizona Board of Regents (ABOR) Competency Requirements
Arizona Board of Regents (ABOR) Competency Requirements

  • PRIVATE AND OUT-OF-STATE COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES

    Students interested in attending private and out-of-state colleges should consult college websites for information regarding application deadlines and admission requirements. This process begins early in the high school career and is supported by the Education and Career Action Plan (ECAP) activities.

    ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

    PRIVATE AND OUT-OF-STATE COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES

    Students interested in attending private and out-of-state colleges should consult college websites for information regarding application deadlines and admission requirements. This process begins early in the high school career and is supported by the Education and Career Action Plan (ECAP) activities.

    ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

    EDUCATION AND CAREER ACTION PLAN (ECAP)

    “Effective for the graduating class of 2013, schools shall complete for every student in grades 9-12 an Arizona Education and Career Action Plan.” (R7-2-302.05) “An ECAP reflects a student’s current plan of coursework, career aspirations, and extended learning opportunities in order to develop the student’s individual academic and career goals. Ideally, the initial plan will be developed in middle school and updated on a yearly basis throughout high school and the postsecondary years.” (Arizona Department of Education)

    The Amphitheater School District supports the use of our online program, Major Clarity, to help students build their ECAP’s. The student and parent accounts may be created at any time with access to it at any time via the internet. Please refer to the counseling web page for more information.

    ACT Aspire / ACT

    ACT Aspire is the statewide high school achievement test, which will be administered to students in Grade 9. The Aspire test assess students’ readiness in five areas covered by the ACT test: English, math, reading, science and writing. Beginning in spring 2022, this test will replace the AASA (formerly AZMerit). ACT is the statewide high school achievement test, which will be administered to students in Grade 11. The ACT test covers five academic skill areas: English, mathematics, reading, scientific reasoning and writing. Beginning in spring 2022, this test will replace the AASA (formerly AZMerit)

    AMERICAN CIVICS TEST

    In 2015, the Arizona legislature passed the American Civics Act (House Bill 2064). This bill will require students to pass a civics test based on the United States Immigration and Naturalization civics questions. Students will be required to score 60% or higher in order to graduate from high school.

    AzSCI

    AZSCI is a standards-based assessment that measures student proficiency of the Arizona Academic Content Standard in Science. A passing score on AzSCI is not required for graduation.

    CARDIOPULMONARY RESUSCITATION (CPR)

    The State of Arizona Senate Bill 1137 states that school districts shall provide public school pupils with one or more training sessions in Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), through the use of psychomotor skills in an age-appropriate manner, during high school.

    Financial Literacy/Personal Financial Management

    The State of Arizona Senate Bill 1184 states that school districts shall provide public school pupils with financial literacy and personal financial management instruction during the Economics course.

     

    ACADEMIC HONORS

    SCHOLARS PROGRAM

    The Scholars Program has rigorous academic demands such as extensive reading, analytical writing, long-term projects, and/or challenging lab experiences, as well as high expectations. The courses are designed for the self-motivated student who is an independent learner and requires little teacher direction or repetition to master difficult material. Scholar classes are defined as; any core academic class with the word “Advanced” in the course name, any class with a weighted grade, any dual enrollment class taken on school campus, and any math class accelerated at least one grade level. The typical grade level begins with Algebra I in the freshman year.

    Students who meet the Scholars Program requirements will receive special recognition during Senior Honors Night.
    Requirements:

    • Overall weighted GPA of 3.5 or higher
    • Successful completion of 12 or more Scholars Program classes during high school career

     ACADEMIC LETTER

    An Academic Letter is available to juniors and seniors who meet GPA requirements while taking Scholars’ classes. Applications are available at the beginning of each semester.
    Requirements:

    • Overall weighted GPA of 3.5 or higher
    • Weighted GPA of 3.5 or higher for the semester in which the letter is awarded
    • Two or more “Scholars’ Classes” taken in the semester for which the letter is awarded

    SEAL OF EXCELLENCE

    In recognition of outstanding achievement, each department has established criteria for Seals of Excellence which are awarded senior year. Students should be aware that criteria for a Seal of Excellence applies to courses and grades earned from grade 9 through grade 12. It is recommended that students check the application process in their freshman year so that all requirements may be met by the end of their senior year. Seals of Excellence are offered for: AVID, CTE/JTED, English, Fine Arts, Math, Physical Education, Science, Social Studies, and World Languages.

    STATE SEAL OF PROFICIENCY

    Seal of Arts Proficiency
    The State Seal of Arts Proficiency is awarded to Arizona graduates who complete an arts pathway. The seal is meant to recognize mastery of Arizona arts education standards, cultivate artistic literacy and skills for 21st century success, promote increased access to well-rounded, high quality arts education, and prepare students for college and career readiness including active participation in the creative industries sector. For eligibility requirements, please ask your counselor or check the ADE website.

    Seal of Biliteracy
    The Arizona Seal of Biliteracy Program recognizes high school students who achieve proficiency in English plus at least one additional language. The seal is placed on the student’s diploma and noted on the transcript. For eligibility requirements, please ask your counselor or check the ADE website.

    HONORS SOCIETIES

     

    NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY (AHS,CDO, IRHS)

    The National Honor Society recognizes academic excellence, character, leadership, and service among high school students. Activities of the organization primarily focus on service activities at your high school and in the community. For more information, please contact your school’s sponsor:

    NATIONAL TECHNICAL HONOR SOCIETY (AHS, CDO, IRHS)

    NTHS is the acknowledged leader in the recognition of outstanding student achievement in career and technical education. NTHS encourages higher scholastic achievement, cultivates a desire for personal excellence, and helps top students find success in today's highly competitive workplace. For more information, please contact your school’s sponsor or counselor:

    RHO KAPPA National Social Studies Honor Society (IRHS)

    In order to be eligible for Rho Kappa, students must complete three social studies classes, have a 3.0 or higher in these classes, and a minimum of a 3.0 GPA overall. To become a member of Rho Kappa, a student must write a two-page essay once they are formally invited for meeting the requirements.

    Tri-M® Music Honor Society (CDO)

    The Tri-M® Music Honor Society is the international music honor society for middle/junior high and high school students. It is designed to recognize students for their academic and musical achievements, reward them for their accomplishments and service activities, and to inspire other students to excel at music and leadership. Tri-M student members must be enrolled in at least one music class for at least one semester, have a 2.0 GPA in their core classes, and a 3.0 in their music class(es), and be of strong character. Sponsors: