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School Counseling » Graduation Requirements & Recognitions

Graduation Requirements & Recognitions

Greene County Schools Requires 28 credits to graduate:

To receive a traditional high school diploma, all students enrolled in a Tennessee public school during their eleventh (11th) grade year must take either the ACT or SAT. All students are required to take the US Civics Exam and pass. 
 
  • Math: 4 credits, including Algebra I, II, Geometry and a fourth higher level math course (Students must be enrolled in a mathematics course for at least three out of four years of high school, effective in the 2024-25 school year).
  • English: 4 credits
  • Science: 3 credits, including Biology, Chemistry or Physics, and a third lab course
  • Computer Science (CS): 1 credit (beginning with the class of 2028
  • Social Studies: 3 credits, including U.S. History and Geography, World History and Geography, U.S. Government and Civics, and Economics
  • Physical Education and Wellness: 1.5 credits
  • Personal Finance: 0.5 credits (Three years of JROTC may be substituted for one-half unit of Personal Finance if the JROTC instructor attends the Personal Finance training.)
  • World Language: 2 credits (May be waived by the local school district for students, under certain circumstances, to expand and enhance the elective focus)
  • Fine Arts: 1 credit (may be waived by the local school district for students, under certain circumstances, to expand and enhance the elective focus)
  • Elective Focus: 3 credits consisting of Math and Science, Career and Technical Education, Fine Arts, Humanities, Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB)
 
 
Honors Graduate (Gold Sash) 
  • Maintain a minimum GPA** of 3.5 (no rounding),
  • Earn 30 credits,
  • Score at or above all of the subject area readiness benchmarks on the ACT** (Benchmark scores English:18 Reading:22 Math:22 Science:23
  • In addition students must complete:
    · two (2) years Honors English OR one (1) AP English or Dual Enrollment English IV
    · two (2) years Honors math OR one (1) math class at the highest level (Calculus, Pre-Calculus, Probability and Statistics)
    · one (1) higher level science class (Honors, AP, Dual Enrollment).
 

TN Graduate with Distinction Requirements (Light Blue Sash)

Students will be recognized as graduating with ‘state distinction’ by attaining a B average (3.0+ GPA)** and completing at least one of the following:

  • Earn a state or nationally recognized industry certification

  • Participate in at least one of the Governor’s Schools

  • Participate in one of the state’s All State musical organizations

  • Be selected as a National Merit Finalist or Semi-finalist

  • Attain a 31 or higher ACT score

  • Attain a 3 or higher on at least 2 AP exams

  • Earn at least 12 college credits

 

West Greene Community Service Scholar Requirements (Purple Cord)

Perform 80 hours of community service. (Community Service Log/Application available in the counseling office.)

 

Ready Graduate Distinction (White Hood (must be purchased by the student through Jostens))

Students will be recognized as a “ready graduate” by the State of TN  if they have accomplished one of the following:

  • Score a 21 or higher ACT score; or

  • Complete 4 Early Post-Secondary Opportunities (EPSOs); or

  • Complete 2 EPSOs + earn an Industry Certificate (in an approved CTE program of study)

  • Complete 2 EPSOs + earn a score of 31 or higher on the ASVAB

 
Work Ethic Distinction (Silver Cord)