Graduation Requirements

How do credits and graduation requirements add up?

Plymouth Whitemarsh High Students, while expected to attempt 10 credits per year (5 each semester), are subject to the following graduation requirements unless determined otherwise by an IEP.

All students must:

1. Earn 38/40 possible credits, while meeting all core credits (PWHS-CSD)

• Exception – Students who attend CMTHS through Grade 12 must earn 37/40 credits.

2. Demonstrate proficiency on all three Keystone Exams (or) meet alternate pathway requirements (PA ACT 158)

• Students must demonstrate proficient or higher performance in literature, algebra, and biology on the Keystone exams or meet the expectations of an alternate pathway as established by Act 158 prior to graduation.
• Students entering 11th grade who are at risk of not reaching the proficiency level on state assessments may be recommended for Keystone remediation classes in Math and English.

3. Demonstrate college and career readiness, including eight artifacts in four domains (PA School Code: Title 22, Chapter 339)

4. Take and pass US History and US Government – Grade 11/12 (PA ACT 35)

• Students must be administered a local assessment of United States government and civics once in their career (grades 7-12) that includes the nature, purpose, principles, and structure of the United States constitutional democracy.

5. Take a personal finance literacy course (PW = Career and Financial Management) in high school (PA ACT 35) 

• Additionally, this course may replace one graduation credit in Math or Social Studies (PA ACT 91)
• Beginning with the class or 2027, Pennsylvania does require all high schools to provide a course in personal financial literacy worth at least half a credit, that students must take to graduate.
• A student who successfully completes a course in personal finance (Career & Financial Management) during grades nine through twelve shall be permitted to apply/replace one credit in Mathematics (Integrated Math 5) or Social Studies (World History – Grade 9 OR Human Geography – Grade 10) to meet graduation requirements as determined by the governing public High School.

Student choice focused on developing and evaluating career options

Career and Technical Education courses taken through Central Montco Technical High School are considered Flexible Elective Credits.