Graduation Requirements
Graduation and Receiving Your JHS Diploma
Graduation Requirements
Johnston Senior High School has four graduation requirements which much be met in order to earn a diploma.
24 Credits in Required Subjects
Students must earn all required credits as outlined in the table below.
Performance-Based Diploma Assessment
Also know as the senior portfolio or our "VoG Presentation".
Participation in Required State Assessments
All students take the PSAT in 10th grade, the SAT in 11th grade, and the NGSA in 11th grade.
Departmental Comprehensive Course Assessments
These are embedded within courses (including mid-terms and final exams).
Students who do not meet all four of the requirements outlined above will not receive a diploma. Additionally, students must meet all graduation requirements before being allowed to participate in our annual graduation ceremony.
Required Credits
Please note that graduation requirements in Rhode Island changed beginning with the graduating class of 2028.
| Subject | Class of 2027 | Classes of 2028 and Beyond |
|---|---|---|
| American History | 1.0 | 1.0 |
| English | 4.0 | 4.0 |
| Fine Arts | 0.5 | 0.5 |
| Mathematics | 4.0 | 4.0 |
| Personal Financial Literacy | 0.5 | 0.5 |
| Physical Education and Health | 2.0 | 2.0 |
| Science | 3.0 | 3.0 |
| Social Studies Elective | 1.0 | 1.0 |
| Technology | 0.5 | 0.5 |
| World History | 1.0 | 1.0 |
| World Languages | Not required | 2.0 |
| Electives | 6.5 | 4.5 |
| Minimum Total | 24.0 | 24.0 |
Starting with the class of 2028, students must earn their math credits in Algebra 1, Geometry, Algebra 2, and an advanced math class.
Early Postsecondary Programs
Participation in an approved early postsecondary program, including programs through CCRI or NEIT, does not exempt a student from JHS graduation requirements.
College courses may count toward graduation requirements only when they have been approved by JHS administration and school counseling. Students participating in these programs must still complete all required credits, assessments, SchooLinks activities, and Senior Portfolio requirements.
Graduation and Commencement
Participation in senior activities is separate from earning a diploma and participating in commencement.
Students must complete all graduation requirements by the estabished deadline to receive a JHS diploma and participate in the graduation ceremony. Participation in prom, the senior trip, Senior Banquet, Senior Breakfast, or any other senior activity does not indicate that a student has completed the requirements for graduation.
Students who have not completed all graduation requirements are not able to participate in the graduation ceremony and will only receive a diploma after all requirements are met.