Graduation Requirements
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Parents and Students should discuss with their high school counselor the option that is best suited to their academic needs.
TOPS UNIVERSITY
(College Diploma) Course Requirements
For Incoming Freshmen Beginning Fall 2014
English = 4 Units
- English I, English II, English III, English IV
Math = 4 Units
- Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II, and 1 Unit from the following: Algebra III, Advanced Math, Probability & Statistics, Pre-Calculus, or Calculus
Science = 4 Units
- Biology I, Chemistry I, and 2 Units from the following: Biology II, Earth Science, Environmental Science, Physical Science, or Physics
Social Studies = 4 Units
- U.S. History, Civics, and 2 Units from the following: Western Civilization, World Geography, or World History
Foreign Language = 2 Units
- Both units in the same language: Spanish I & II or French I & II. (more options available on state list)
Art = 1 Unit
- Art, Band, Piano, Choir, Theatre, or Fine Arts Survey
Health/Physical Education = 2 Units
- Physical Education I, II, JROTC (must take JROTC I & II to meet health education requirement)
Electives = 3 Units
- Various options available at schools
Total Units = 24
JUMP START TOPS TECH
(Career Diploma) Course Requirements
2014-2015 Entering 9th Graders
English = 4 Units
English I, English II, English III or Business English, English IV or Technical Writing
Math = 4 Units
Algebra I and 3 Units from the following: Geometry, Algebra II, Math Essentials, Financial Literacy, or Business Math
Science = 2 Units
Biology I and 1 Unit from one of the following: Chemistry, Earth Science, Environmental Science, Physical Science, or Agriscience I & II (one unit combined)
Social Studies = 2 Units
U.S. History & Civics
Health/Physical Education = 2 Units
Health Education & Physical Education I, II, JROTC (must take JROTC I & II to meet health education requirement).
Jump Start = 9 Units
Student must attain 9 units in the chosen pathway. Each Jump Start student must earn an IBC (Industry Based Credential(s) aligned with their chosen pathway. Some pathways require multiple credentials.
Total Units = 23
After you have attended high school for a minimum of two years, you and your parent, guardian, or custodian will complete a participation form indicating your choice of above diploma pathways.
The TOPS University Diploma Pathway prepares students for entrance to a four-year Louisiana state university or for a career.
The TOPS Tech (Jump Start) Diploma prepares students for a Louisiana state community college or technical school or for a career.
Students on both pathways must still take the ACT in the 11th grade and pass all required Leap 2025/EOC exams.