SECTION III
Graduation / Senior Year Plus
In this section:
- Graduation Requirements
- Senior Year Plus Options
Download a printable version of this section:
GRADUATION / SENIOR YEAR OPTIONS (PDF)
Graduation Requirements
To be eligible to receive a diploma from the Dubuque Community School District, a student must complete the 44 credit requirements shown to the right by graduation class year.
| Discipline | Required Courses | Credits |
| English | English | 7 |
| Speech | 1 | |
| Math | Mathematics | 6 |
| Science | Physical Science | 2 |
| Life Science | 2 | |
| Earth / Space Science | 2 | |
| Social Studies | World History | 2 |
| U.S. History | 2 | |
| Government | 1 | |
| Behavioral Science | 1 | |
| Wellness | Wellness | 4 |
| Financial Literacy | Financial Literacy | 1 |
| Electives | Electives | 13 |
| TOTAL | 44 |
Each credit is equivalent to one semester of 90 days for five day/week courses or ½ Carnegie unit.
Prior to graduation, all students must demonstrate competency in cardio-pulmonary resuscitation as required by the State of Iowa.
Ninth, tenth, and eleventh grade students are required to be enrolled in a minimum of six class periods per semester while attending Dubuque Community High Schools. Students enrolled in grade twelve may take fewer than six class periods if they are on schedule to complete minimum graduation requirements.
Students participating in athletics, music, theatre or speech activities must take a minimum of four classes in the semester prior to and during the activity to be eligible for participation.
Credits earned beyond a graduation requirement are automatically counted as elective credits. An option to meet graduation requirements based on the Essential Elements of the Iowa Common Core is available to students with the most significant disabilities.
Senior Year Plus Options
Students interested in earning college credits while in high school should contact the school counselor for information, application forms, and enrollment procedures.
The Senior Year Plus Program provides students a way to concurrently access secondary and postsecondary credit through advanced placement, postsecondary enrollment options, and concurrent enrollment.
Student eligibility regulations and specifics regarding the Advanced Placement Program, Postsecondary Enrollment Options Program and Concurrent Enrollment Program for students is outlined fully in the district’s High School Course Guide for both Hempstead and Senior.
The High School Course Guide is available on the district website at www.dbqschools.org/high-school-course-guide.