Course Planning Guide

Mercy High School is a college preparatory school and thus strongly suggests that students plan their course of studies carefully.  A total of 24 credits and 8 semesters of full enrollment (6 classes per semester) are required for graduation. One semester course earns .5 credit.

These 24 credits include:

4 credits English

3 credits Social Studies include:

Two semesters of World History

One semester of American Government

Two semesters of American History

One semester of Economics

4 credits Mathematics include:

Two semesters of Algebra I

Two semesters of Geometry

Two semesters of Algebra II

Two semesters of Additional Math or Math-Related Elective (one semester senior year)

3 credits Laboratory Science include:

Two semesters of Biology

Two semesters of Chemistry or Physics

2 credits of one World Language

3.5 credits Religious Studies

1 credit Visual, Performing and Applied Arts

.5 credit Design Foundations (Beginning Class of 2016)

.5 credit Speech

.5 credit Physical Education/Swim

.5 credit Health

1.5 credits Electives

* All students must complete a minimum of 40 service hours (see student handbook)

** Note: a single course may not be used to fulfill a dual credit (e.g. fine arts and computer requirement)

*** Seniors Class of 2012 – Please pay special attention to the following information:  Seniors gain the privilege of released time.  They do not gain a guarantee as to when their unscheduled time will occur.  Their course requests are the priority.   Requests by students or parents for an unscheduled seventh hour will not be considered.   We cannot accommodate the time requests from seniors for after school job responsibilities, sibling care or assistance needed at a family business.  Please make arrangements that allow for a 2:35 pm dismissal.