Requirements for Graduation

All students must enroll in six full courses each semester of every year. One hundred credits are required to receive a diploma from Belmont High School.In addition, students must fulfill the following requirements:

  • English – 4 years - 21 credits
    (Including Senior Thesis)
  • Social Studies – 3 years - 15 credits
    World History
    Modern World History or AP European History
    American Studies
  • Mathematics – 4 years - 20 credits
  • Science – 4 years - 20 credits
  • Fine and Performing Arts – 1 year - 5 credits
  • Foreign Language – 2 years - 10 credits
  • Physical Education & Health - 8 credits
    4 years (2 credits per year)
    Grade 9: Wellness (I), required
    Grade 11: Positive Decision-Making (required) and one
    additional PE credit.
    Grades 10 & 12: Health and fitness courses offered as
    part of the curriculum and/or P.E. options
  • Community Service – 40 Hours

Only credits showing on the BHS transcript can be applied towards the graduation requirements at BHS. All students must take and pass the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS) tests in English Language Arts, Mathematics, and Science in order to qualify for a high school diploma.

Promotion/Retention

Credit requirements for grade classification will be determined by the following criteria: 

  • Freshmen - promotion from Grade 8
  • Sophomores - 25 credits earned, at least ten hours of community service served, and two physical education credits completed.
  • Juniors - 50 credits earned (and be able to meet course requirements for graduation), at least 20 hours of community service served, and four physical education credits completed.
  • Seniors - 75 credits earned (and/or be able to meet course requirements for graduation); at least 30 hours of community service served, and six physical education credits completed.

Advanced Placement (AP)

Admission to Advanced Placement and Honors Level courses is based upon proven achievement and ability as demonstrated by grades and/or test results. Teacher recommendations also weigh heavily upon this decision.

All students in Advanced Placement courses are expected to take AP examinations as the culminating activity in AP courses. Students who decide not to take AP examinations in particular courses will receive “honors” level designations, not AP designations, on their permanent record/transcripts for such courses.