| Credits | Subject |
|---|---|
| 4.0 | English |
| 3.0 | Math |
| 3.5 | Social Studies, including 1 credit of US History or US Government |
| 3.0 | Science, including 1 credit of Biology |
| 1.0 | Arts and Humanities |
| 1.0 | Technology |
| 1.0 | Health/Safety/Physical Education |
| 4.0 | Electives, may be core courses |
Students are also required to successfully complete a 0.5 credit Graduation Portfolio for each year they are enrolled.
21.0 Total Minimum Required Credits for Graduation
Additional Suggested Credits
In addition to the above PALCS requirements, college-bound students are encouraged to take:
- An additional credit of Mathematics
- An additional credit of Science
- An additional credit of Social Studies
- At least two consecutive years of the same foreign language
The PALCS guidance department will work with students individually to create a solid academic portfolio based on future career goals.
Keystone Test Requirements
4/8/2020
If you are unable to pass the Keystone Exam(s), there are alternate pathways to meet graduation requirements set forth by the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE):
- Earn a satisfactory combined score on the three Keystone Exams. The passing composite score is 4,452.
- Pass district established minimum grades in a course associated with the Keystone Exam, and satisfactory completing one of the following:
- Attainment of an established score on the SAT, PSAT, ACT, or the ASVAB,
- Earn an established score on an Advanced Placement Exam,
- Acceptance to an accredited four-year nonprofit institution of higher education and evidence of the ability to enroll in college-level coursework.
- Pass district established minimum grades in a course that is associated with each Keystone Exam and pass the National Occupational Competency Testing Institute (NOCTI).
- Pass district established minimum grades in a course that is associated with each Keystone Exam and demonstrates readiness for postsecondary engagement through three pieces of evidence from the student’s career portfolio aligned to the student goals and career plan. Examples of evidence will include SAT subject tests, AP level dual enrollment coursework, higher education acceptance, a community service project, or full-time employment