At Alabama Connections Academy, we offer the support students need to meet Alabama graduation requirements.
Alabama Connections Academy works closely with families to ensure that students understand graduation requirements in Alabama and have the support they need to fulfill those requirements. Our comprehensive high school curriculum is designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in the classroom—long after graduation.
Students who attend online school and meet Alabama graduation requirements receive the same diploma as their peers who attend brick-and-mortar public schools in the state.
Students must successfully earn a minimum of 24 credits to graduate and participate in state tests. Be sure to check your school handbook for updates. The course credits required to graduate are included below.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE GRADUATING CLASS OF 2026 & 2027 |
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English Language Arts |
Four credits to include: |
Credits |
English 9 |
1 |
|
English 10 |
1 |
|
English 11 |
1 |
|
English 12 |
1 |
|
English Language Arts-credit eligible options may include: Advanced Placement/International Baccalaureate/postsecondary courses/SDE-approved courses. |
|
|
|
English Language Arts Total Credits |
4 |
Mathematics |
Three credits to include: |
Credits |
Algebra I or its equivalent/substitute |
1 |
|
Geometry or its equivalent/substitute |
1 |
|
Algebra II w/Trigonometry or Algebra II, or its equivalent/substitute |
1 |
|
One credit from: |
|
|
Alabama Course of Study: Mathematics or mathematics-credit eligible courses from Career and Technical Education/Advanced Placement/International Baccalaureate/postsecondary courses/SDE-approved courses. |
1 |
|
|
Mathematics Total Credits |
4 |
Science |
Two credits to include: |
Credits |
Biology |
1 |
|
A physical science (Chemistry, Physics, Physical Science) |
1 |
|
Two credits from: |
|
|
Alabama Course of Study: Science or science-credit eligible courses from Career and Technical Education/Advanced Placement/International Baccalaureate/postsecondary courses/SDE-approved courses. |
2 |
|
|
Science Total Credits |
4 |
Social Studies |
Four credits to include: |
Credits |
World History |
1 |
|
United States History I |
1 |
|
United States History II |
1 |
|
United States Government |
0.5 |
|
Economics |
0.5 |
|
Social Studies-credit eligible options may include: Advanced Placement/International Baccalaureate/postsecondary courses/SDE-approved courses. |
|
|
Civics Exam Requirement |
Students are required to earn a passing score on the Civics Exam |
|
|
Social Studies Total Credits |
4 |
Physical Education |
Beginning Kinesiology or Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (JROTC) |
1 |
Career Preparedness |
|
1 |
Health Education |
|
0.5 |
Arts Education and/or Career and Technical Education (CTE) and/or World Languages |
3 |
|
Electives |
2.5 |
|
Total Credits |
24 |
|
* Distance Learning: Effective for students entering the ninth grade in the 2009-2010 school year, Alabama students will be required to complete one online/technology enhanced course or experience prior to graduation. Exceptions through Individualized Education Plans will be allowed. ** Effective with the graduating Class of 2022, the following requirements shall be fulfilled on behalf of the graduating senior as part of the graduating senior’s transition into postsecondary education, training, or the workforce: Submit to the United States Department of Education a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or Certify a non-participation waiver, in writing, to the superintendent of the local education agency if the graduating senior chooses not to complete and submit FAFSA. ***Effective with the graduating Class of 2026, the Alabama High School Diploma: General Education Pathway shall be issued to students who earn the required credits and earn one or more of the college and career readiness indicators approved by the Alabama State Board of Education. |
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For more information about graduation requirements, please visit the Alabama State Department of Education website. For graduation information for the Class of 2028 and beyond, see the requirements here.
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