Upper School Program of Studies 2026-2027

The high school graduation requirements ensure that each student will attain a certain level of competency, meet the state requirements, and complete a well-rounded high school program. Twenty-eight (28) credits are required for graduation and 12th graders must have met all the graduation requirements in order to participate in the graduation ceremony.

A minimum of 7 credits and a maximum of 8 credits must be earned each school year.

Courses that meet for one period every two school days are worth 0.5 credits. Courses that meet for two periods every two school days are worth 1 credit. Courses that meet for three periods every two school days are worth 1.5 credits.

Requirements by Subject

Math: 4 years, 6 credits  
English: 4 years, 4 credits  
Science: 3 years, 3 credits  
History: 3 years, 3 credits  
World Language: 2 years, 2 credits  
Physical Education: 4 years, 2 credits (0.5 credits each year)  
Computer Science: 3 years, 1.5 credits (2 years if AP Computer Science is taken)  
Art: 2 years, 1 credit (0.5 credits each year)

Unleveled - Unleveled courses are courses which have no distinction between College Prep or Honors. These include art, computer science, physical education, health and wellness, and all electives.

College Preparatory (CP) - College Prep is a means by which college-bound high-school students may better meet the more stringent scholastic requirements for entry into colleges and universities. CP courses are designed to prepare students for success in college-level coursework.

Honors (H) and Advanced (Adv) - These honors level classes cover more complex material, permit further in-depth study than a CP course and require independent learning and greater effort. Honors and advanced level courses are recommended for students who have demonstrated exceptional academic achievement through a combination of motivation and ability. Students are expected to be able to organize their time and assignments and to seek help, when necessary, on their own initiative.

Advanced Placement (AP) - Advanced Placement (AP) is a program created by the College Board offering college-level curriculum and examinations to high school students. AMSA’s AP course curriculum is audited by College Board and must be approved for students to receive college credit. AP classes are recommended for students who have demonstrated exceptional academic achievement through a combination of motivation and ability, along with ability to learn independently and at a college-level pace.

Accelerated (Acc) - These courses require an Advanced Placement course as a prerequisite. They are also weighted the same as an Advanced Placement course.

Grade Point Average

Weighted GPA - The student GPA is calculated starting at the end of the ninth-grade school year. A student’s GPA can be found on the Naviance account or by checking with the student’s guidance counselor. AMSA reports the students’ weighted GPA, which reflects the level of the courses that the student has taken. This weighted GPA is based on a 5.0 scale where honors and advanced level courses receive an added weight of 0.5 and Advanced Placement (AP) courses earn an added weight of 1.0. Student transcripts reflect the weighted GPA. College prep courses and unleveled courses receive no added weight.

Unweighted GPA - A student’s unweighted GPA is also available on their Naviance account or by checking with their guidance counselor. The unweighted GPA is based on a 4.0 scale where all courses are weighted equally. Weighted GPA is based on a 5.0 scale. It is used for eligibility into national honor societies, auto insurance rebates and for some scholarships.

Grading Scale

Alpha    Numeric    AP    H    CP
A+           96.5–100    5.3    4.8    4.3
A             92.5–96.5    5.0    4.5    4.0
A-           89.5–92.5    4.7    4.2    3.7
B+         86.5–89.5    4.3    3.8    3.3
B           82.5–86.5    4.0    3.5    3.0
B-          79.5–82.5    3.7    3.2    2.7
C+         76.5–79.5    3.3    2.8    2.3
C            72.5–76.5    3.0    2.5    2.0
C-          69.5–72.5    2.7    2.2    1.7
D+         66.5–69.5    2.3    1.8    1.3
D           62.5–66.5    2.0    1.5    1.0
D-          59.5–62.5    1.7    1.2    0.7
F            0–59.5         0     0      0