Graduation Requirement
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Students must earn a total of 25.0 credits.
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Within those credits, students must complete the following core and required courses:
| Subject Area / Requirement | Credits / Notes |
|---|---|
| English | 4.0 credits (English I, II, III + English IV or equivalent) |
| Mathematics | 3.0 credits (6 semesters) |
| Science | 3.0 credits (6 semesters) |
| Social Studies | 2.0 credits — including at least: 1 year U.S. History, 1 semester U.S. Government. |
| Business Technology / Consumer Concepts | 1.0 credit |
| Health | 0.5 credit (1 semester) |
| Interpersonal Communications | 0.5 credit (1 semester) |
| Physical Education | Must pass PE (or equivalent) each semester — essentially 7 semesters total across high school (i.e. PE or approved equivalent every semester enrolled) |
| Fine/Performing/Elective Course (Music, Art, Foreign Language, or Vocational Education) | 1 year (i.e. at least 1.0 credit) |
Additional Requirements & Conditions
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Students must take and pass the Constitution test as part of social studies requirements.
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As a senior condition for the diploma, students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or an approved waiver.
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Students may earn up to 2 credits toward graduation through approved online providers (e.g. virtual high school) or approved off‑campus / dual enrollment courses — subject to prior approval by counselor/principal.
Students should work closely with their counselors to ensure all graduation requirements are met.
⚠️ Not On Track to Graduate
Students are notified if they are not on track to graduate when their earned credits fall at or below the thresholds listed below. “Total Possible” represents the total number of credits a student could have earned while taking the minimum number of classes per semester.
| Grade Level | Semester 1 (Credits / Total Possible) | Semester 2 (Credits / Total Possible) | Required Credits for Graduation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Freshman | 3.0 / 3.5 (1 failed) | 6.0 / 7.0 (2 failed) | 25.0 |
| Sophomore | 8.5 / 10.5 (3 failed) | 12.0 / 14.0 (4 failed) | 25.0 |
| Junior | 15.0 / 17.5 (5 failed) | 18.0 / 21.0 (6 failed) | 25.0 |
| Senior | 21.5 / 24.5 (6 failed) | 25.0 | 25.0 |
Students who fall below these thresholds are strongly encouraged to meet with their school counselor to discuss strategies for credit recovery, academic support, and getting back on track for graduation.
💻 Credit for Alternative Courses and Programs
Hillsboro High School offers students the opportunity to earn high school credit through approved alternative courses and programs.
Online/Alternative Courses
Students may earn a maximum of 2 credits toward graduation through approved online providers, such as BYU High School or Illinois Virtual High School.
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Students are responsible for all associated fees.
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Courses must receive prior approval from the school before they can count toward high school credit.
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Any exceptions to these guidelines require approval from the building principal and/or superintendent.
College Courses
Students may also earn high school credit by successfully completing courses at a community college or university under the following conditions:
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The student must be a senior in good standing.
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The course is not offered as part of the high school curriculum.
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The course must be approved in advance by the high school guidance counselor and principal.
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The student is responsible for all associated fees.
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A maximum of 2 units of college credit may be applied toward high school graduation.
Students and families interested in alternative or college courses should consult their school counselor to ensure eligibility and approval before enrolling.
Dual Credit Classes
Hillsboro High School offers Dual Credit Classes for qualified students. Students are responsible for their own transportation, registration, and tuition (if applicable). For a full list of courses and details, visit the “Dual Credit Offering” section under the “Course Info” link on the HHS website.
Weighted Classes
Students who earn a “C” or higher in a weighted class will receive 0.035 additional GPA points per semester. Hillsboro High School currently designates the following courses as weighted:
Arts
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Advanced Placement Art (1 year)
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Advanced Placement Drawing (1 year)
English
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English 2250 (SLU, 1 semester)
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English 1500 (SLU, 1 semester)
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English 1900 (SLU, 1 semester)
Mathematics
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Advanced Placement Calculus (1 year)
Science
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Biology 1240/1245 (1 year)
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Advanced Placement Chemistry (1 year)
Early Graduation
Early graduation is available for select students after 7 semesters, but it is not recommended for most students. To be eligible:
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Submit an application to the guidance office prior to the 7th semester, approved by the high school principal.
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Participate in a conference with parents and the guidance counselor.
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Complete all graduation requirements set by the Board of Education and the Illinois State Board of Education.
Early graduates may choose to participate in the graduation ceremony or pick up their diploma from the HHS main office after May graduation. Students are responsible for all arrangements regarding announcements, cap and gown, and other graduation details.
Recommended Courses for College Success
Illinois state colleges recommend the following high school courses for students preparing for college:
| Area of Study | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| English | 4 years (including literature, composition, standard language usage, essay/theme writing, research paper, and ½ year of speech) |
| Mathematics | 3 years (1 year each of Algebra, Geometry, and Advanced Algebra) |
| Natural Science | 3 years of laboratory sciences |
| Social Studies | 3 years |
| Foreign Language | At least 2 years of one language |
Note: Admission requirements vary by college. Some schools may recommend 3.5–4 years of math or additional courses. Always check the specific requirements of the colleges you are interested in. These guidelines apply to four-year college programs.