Academics — The Diploma

Graduation
Requirements
.

Twenty-four credits, four years, one diploma — the road map, in plain terms.

01

The Credits

Every student who enters The Storm King School in ninth grade completes 24 graduation credits — a college-preparatory core in mathematics, science, English, and history, rounded out by world language, the arts, and electives of the student’s choosing. Students who arrive after ninth grade complete the requirements on a prorated scale.

Mathematics4credits
Science4credits
English4credits
History / Social Sciences4credits
World Language2credits
Visual Arts1credit
Performing Arts1credit
Additional Credits4credits
Community Service20hrs / year
24Credits to Graduate
6Credits Min. / Year
2Seasons of Athletics
20Service Hrs / Year
02

Year by Year

Each year, every student completes at least one class each in mathematics, science, English, and history or social science — carrying at least six credits per year, with at least three per semester.

Students whose first language is English also complete two semesters of a world language. Eighth, ninth, and tenth graders follow a set of required classes; eleventh and twelfth graders have more choice in areas of concentration within the yearly guidelines.

03

Additional Requirements

Visual & Performing Arts

Students in grades 8–12 meet both a visual and a performing arts requirement — through a class in each area, or through sustained work of their own: a year in the theater program, frequent performance as a musician or vocalist at school events, or significant photographic contributions to school publications. Faculty and activity advisors determine whether the criteria have been met. Students entering after sophomore year need only one credit in visual or performing arts.

Physical Education & Health

Students meet the physical education requirement through the after-school athletics program: two seasons per year of interscholastic or club sports, outdoor activities, dance, or other physical activities. The Health program runs through the student life curriculum — a freshman- and sophomore-targeted Health course, speakers on key health topics, advisory discussions, and presentations by coaches and teachers.

Community Service

Each student completes 20 hours of community service per year — an academic requirement that connects classroom learning to positive change in the world. Opportunities are delivered through the Student Life Office. Read more about Service Learning →

Questions about credits or placement? The Academic Office can walk you through it.

Explore All Academics