Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire. -- William Butler Yeats

Graduation Requirements

Students must pass all five sections of the Georgia High School Graduation Test (GHSGT) in order to receive a diploma. Students who complete graduation requirements but fail to successfully complete all of the graduation tests will be awarded a Certificate of Attendance. Students must earn a high school diploma or an equivalency diploma (GED) before entering the University System of Georgia. 

The GHSGT assesses the Quality Core Curriculum Objectives in the following content areas: English, Writing, Mathematics, Social Studies, and Science. The first opportunity to take the Writing Test is offered in the fall of the junior year, and all other subject tests are given in the spring of the junior year. Additional opportunities to pass these tests are given summer, fall, and spring. Review classes for students who have not passed all sections of the GHSGT are offered during the summer and are free of charge. The testing schedule for the 2006 school year is as follows:

For detailed information on the Graduation Exams, including test review information click here.

Graduation Tests/End of Course Tests

The implementation of State mandated End of Course Tests (EOCT) begins with the students in the Class of 2006. These tests will be given in core subject areas. Grades earned on each EOCT account for 15% of the final grade in the course. Scores on the EOCT appear the on the student’s transcript. End of course tests are given in the following subjects:

• 9th Literature/Composition
• American Literature/Composition
• Algebra I
• Geometry
• Physical Science
• Biology
• U.S. History
• Economics

Students must earn a minimum of 22 units of credit and must pass all five sections of the Georgia High School Graduation Test (GHSGT) to earn a high school diploma. Students who pass all courses required for graduation, but do not pass all five portions of the GHSGT earn a Certificate of Attendance. The following courses are required for graduation:

Note: In order to receive a Diploma with Distinction students must earn 2 additional state electives (for a total of 24 units) and must maintain a grade point average of 3.0 in the Core Courses.