Graduation Requirements – Standard Diploma

Subject	Credits
Language Arts	8
Math	6
Science	6
Social Studies	8
Health	1
Physical Education	4 (1/2 Credit for 8 semesters)
Electives (from any category)	15
Total	48

Course Re-take Guidelines

It is the policy of Ankeny Community School District (ACSD) that courses are taken for credit one time. The only way students can retake a course for credit is if the student failed the course in the first attempt. Then the initial grade AND the second grade will be included on the transcript and in the student’s GPA. If a student wishes to retake a class, s/he may do so as an audit. The audit course must be IN ADDITION to minimum registration requirements. There are some courses at AHS and ACHS that can be repeated for credit, they include: Instrumental Music, Video & Audio Broadcasting, Vocal Music, Advanced Journalism, Yearbook and Argumentation and Debate and Orbis Project-Based Learning. The nature of these courses is such that the student will be completing new material each year.

Diploma Distinctions

Students may earn either the standard diploma or honors diploma. For further information, students should see their school counselor. Honors Distinction requirements are as follows:

Honors Distinction Diploma

Weighted grade point average (WGPA) greater than or equal to 4.0 4 Points
Completion of 4 sequential years of math from the following: 2 Points

• Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II (Stats), Algebra II (Calc),  Functions w/Analysis, Discrete Math Principles, Probability & Stats, Math of Financial Literacy, Mathematical Theory, Trigonometry/Pre-Calc, Applied Math, AP Statistics, AP Calculus AB, and AP Calculus BC

Completion of 4 years modern language from the following: 2 Points

• French I, French II, French III, French IV, French V, Spanish I, Spanish II, Spanish III, Spanish IV, Spanish V, Chinese I, Chinese II, Chinese III, Chinese IV, Spanish for Heritage Speakers

Completion of 4 years science from the following: 2 Points

• Earth & Space, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Enriched Earth & Space, Enriched Biology, Enriched Chemistry, Enriched Physics, Anatomy & Physiology, AP Biology, AP Chemistry, AP Physics, AP Environmental Science

Completion of Advanced Placement (AP) course and corresponding AP exam 1 Point/Course*

 *Maximum points available = 13

Advanced Placement

Ankeny Community School District (ACSD) offers Advanced Placement (AP) courses across multiple subject areas. AP courses are taught by highly qualified high school teachers who use the AP Course Descriptions to guide them. Each course is developed by a committee composed of college faculty and AP teachers, and covers the breadth of information, skills, and assignments found in the corresponding college course. The AP testing program falls under the College Board testing program.

AP courses provide students with a rigorous classroom experience designed to help them acquire the skills and habits needed to be successful in college. AP students will be expected to perform at a level equivalent to students in the freshman year of college. More than 90 percent of four-year colleges in the U.S. give students credit, advanced placement or both on the basis of AP Exam scores. Additionally, students taking multiple tests may have the opportunity to be designated as AP Scholars.

AP Exams

When: AP Exams are typically administered the first two weeks of May.

Cost: The fee for each exam is $98. After November 15 there is an additional $40 late fee. (If you have significant financial need there is assistance available. Please contact your school counselor for more information.)

Advanced Placement Opportunities: AP Biology, AP Calculus AB, AP Calculus BC, AP Chemistry, AP Comparative Government, AP Computer Science Principals and AP Computer Science A, AP Environmental Science, AP European History, AP Language and Composition, AP Literature and Composition, AP Macro Economics, AP Micro Economics, AP Music Theory, AP Physics, AP Psychology, AP Statistics, AP Studio Art: 2D Design and AP Studio Art: 3D Design, AP U.S. Govt., and AP U.S. History. (AP courses are designed to prepare students for success on the AP Exam in these subjects).

Honors/Enriched Courses: The “honors/enriched” designation indicates courses are taught at an accelerated pace. These courses do not receive weighted grades.

More than forty courses are offered at AHS/CHS for dual high school and college credit.

More extensive information regarding currently available curriculum may be found in the Course Description Guide on the Course Planning webpage.