Graduation Requirements

A minimum of 44 academic credits is required for graduation from Ames High School. A credit is earned by receiving a passing grade for a one-semester course which meets a minimum of five times per week or the equivalent. Credits from state accredited high schools, accredited International Schools, or United States Department of Defense Schools that are deemed similar or equivalent to Ames High School will be accepted for transfer students. Religion courses are not accepted transfer credits.

Academic credits required for graduation from Ames High School:

  • 8 English Credits: 8 semesters
  • 6 Mathematics Credits: 6 semesters
  • 6 Science Credits: 6 semesters
  • 6 Social Studies Credits:
    • 2 semesters of World Studies (transfer students in grades 10, 11 or 12 may meet this requirement by taking two semesters of an approved world- oriented course)
    • 2 semesters of United States History
    • 1 semester of United States Government
    • 1 semester of Sociology or AP Psychology
  • 1 Health Credit
  • 1 Career Technical (CTE)/Practical Arts Credit
    • Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources
    • Information Solutions
    • Human Services
    • Business, Finance, Marketing, and Management
    • Applied Science Tech, Engineering/Manufacturing
  • 1 Personal Finance Credit
  • 1 Fine Arts Credit Earned through visual arts or music
  • 4 Physical Education Credits (1 credit per semester)
    • CPR training is required for graduation

Special Education Students

A student enrolled in a special education program who has met the requirements of the Ames Community School District, as modified by an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) that is consistent with the Iowa Statutes and State Board of Education, shall receive a diploma. Graduation requirements for the attainment of a diploma are to be included in the student’s IEP. Whenever students with disabilities earn credit through an individually prescribed program provided by a special education program, the system for monitoring and reporting the performance of students shall be clearly identified based on objective criteria. The IEP team is responsible for determining who will monitor and report the performance of these students.

Early Completion and Graduation

Students wanting to complete graduation requirements early (at the end of their junior year or the end of the first semester of their senior year) must work with their counselor. Seniors who complete graduation requirements at mid-year are encouraged to participate in the regular spring graduation ceremony. Only those students who have completed the credits required for graduation can participate in the ceremonies.

Currently there is no foreign language requirement, however over 70% of the students complete at least two years.

Over 50% of graduates complete high school with at least 50 credits.

More extensive information regarding currently available curriculum may be found in Course Planning information.