Middleburg High School
Graduation Information
Table of Contents
Graduation Requirements………………………………………………………………………………………………..
Diploma Options…………………………………………………………………………………………………………
HS Diploma/Certificate and Grading Scale……………………………………………………………………………...
Graduation Requirements for Class of 2016 – 2018…………………………………………………………………….
College Admissions and Bright Futures Requirements…………………………………………………………………
Helpful Websites………………………………………………………………………………………………………...
College Admissions Tests……………………………………………………………………………………………….
2015 State University System Admissions Tour Matrix………………………………………………………………...
Talented 20………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
Courses Satisfying Performing/Fine Arts Credit……………………………………………………………………..
NCAA Eligibility Requirements………………………………………………………………………………………..
Elective Programs of Study……………………………………………………………………………………………..
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Graduation Requirements
In order to graduate from a Clay County public high school, students must fulfill three requirements:
1. Earn the required number of credits based on their selection of the traditional 24 credit option or the
accelerated 18 credit graduation option. One credit equals one year of instruction.
2. Meet the appropriate testing graduation requirements.
3. Earn a cumulative 2.0 grade point average on a 4.0 scale.
The credits required for the 24 credit option are detailed below. Requirements for the 18 credit accelerated
graduation option are available from the Guidance Office. Students are advised to choose their options carefully
and be sure course selections coincide with Bright Future Scholarships guidelines and admission standards for
post-secondary schools they may want to attend. See your guidance counselor for further details.
I. 24 Credit Graduation Option – Students
must earn credits in the following areas***:
English................................................4 Credits
Mathematics ........................................ 4 Credits
All students must pass Algebra 1 and Geometry to Graduate
Science...............................................3 Credits
All students must pass Biology1 to Graduate
Social Studies:
World History ............................... 1 Credit
American History.......................... 1 Credit
Includes US History EOC assessment
Economics.................................... ½ Credit
United States Government ........... ½ Credit
Fine Arts .............................................. 1 Credit
Physical Education ……………........... 1 Credit
Elective Courses .................................8 Credits
One course MUST be online
Total Courses....................................24 Credits
.
II.
9th Grade Classes:
English (1 credit)
Mathematics (1 credit)
Science (1 credit)
Physical Education with Health/Pers. Fit. (1 credit)
Elective or Fine Arts (2 credits)
10th Grade Classes:
English (1 credit)
Mathematics (1 credit)
Science (1 credit)
World History (1 credit)
Elective or Fine Arts (2 credits)
11th Grade Classes:
English (1 credit)
Mathematics (1 credit)
Science (1 credit)
American History (1 credit)
Electives (2 credits)
th
12 Grade Classes:
English (1 credit)
Math (1 credit)
United States Government (1/2 credit)
Economics (1/2 credit)
Electives (3 credits)
Testing Requirements:
Students must pass the following statewide assessments for graduation:
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III.
Grade 10 FSA (or ACT/SAT concordant score),
Algebra 1 End of Course (EOC) or a comparative score on the Postsecondary Education Readiness Test (P.E.R.T.)
Assessments in the following subjects are required as a part of the course and constitute 30 percent of the final course
grade:
*U.S. History
*Biology
*Geometry
*Algebra II (if enrolled)
Students Must Achieve a Cumulative Grade Point Average of 2.0 on a 4.0 Scale (unweighted).
Courses required for graduation shall be used in calculation of GPA with point values for semester letter grades as follows:
General Courses: (un-weighted)
Advanced Placement, & Dual Enrollment Courses: (weighted)
A = 4.0
B = 3.0
C = 2.0
A = 5.0
B = 4.0
C = 3.0
D = 1.0
F = 0.0
Honors Courses: (weighted)
View GPA through the FOCUS portal
A = 4.5
B = 3.5
C = 2.5(Used for CCSD class rank only)
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Middleburg High School
High School Diploma/Certificates/Grading Scale
The Clay County School Board provides for the awarding of a standard diploma or a certificate of
completion. Clay County Grading Scale: A 90-100, B 80-89, C 70-79, D 60-69, F 0-59
Standard Diploma
The purpose of the standard diploma is to certify that the student has met all local and state
standards for graduation. A standard diploma will be awarded to students who have met all graduation
requirements. http://www.fldoe.org/academics/graduation-requirements (FL DOE Graduation Flyers)
Merit Diploma Designation
The purpose of the Merit Diploma Designation is to identify students who have met all of the
requirements for a standard diploma and have earned one or more industry certifications through school
based career and technical education programs.
Scholar Diploma Designation
The purpose of the Scholar Diploma Designation is to identify high performing students who have
exceeded the standard diploma requirements listed below:
Course Requirements
1 credit
1 credit
1 credit
1 credit
2 credits
1 credit
Testing Requirements
Algebra 2
Statistics or equally rigorous math course
Chemistry or Physics
Science course equally rigorous to Chemistry or Physics
In the same World Language
AP, IB, AICE, or Dual Enrollment course (at least one)
Pass Algebra 2 EOC test
Pass Geometry EOC test
Pass Biology 1 EOC test
Pass U.S. History EOC test
Certificate of Completion
A student who has met all requirements for graduation except passing the FCAT, and/or has mastered the
minimum student performance standards set by the State Board of Education, shall
be awarded a certificate of completion. (24 credit plan only)
Graduation Requirements for Students with Disabilities
Two options are available only to students with disabilities. Both require the 24 credits listed in the table
and both allow students to substitute a career and technical (CTE) course with related content for one
credit in ELA IV, mathematics, science and social studies (excluding Algebra 1, Geometry, Biology 1
and U.S. History).
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Students with significant cognitive disabilities may earn credits via access courses and be assessed via an alternate
assessment.
Students choosing the academic/employment option must earn at least .5 credit via paid employment.
Class Rankings
For Graduation Exercises only, “Honors” shall be determined by the following grade point
averages:
Graduation Cum Laude:
Graduation Magna Cum Laude:
Graduation Summa Cum Laude:
o
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3.00-3.499 weighted GPA
3.500-3.999 weighted GPA
4.0 and above weighted GPA
All courses taken for a regular diploma will be included in the letter grade according to the numeric score as
described in the district student progression plan.
Valedictorian and salutatorian honors will be determined based upon criteria established by the Clay County
School Board, as defined in the current Student Progression Plan.
Class rank at the end of the fourth quarter of the senior year will be used for determining ranking at
graduation, for purposes of college admission, scholarship and/or financial aid application, and for
identifying honor graduates. Class rank shall be given for the above purposes when requested by a college
and is included on the electronic transcript used in the State of Florida.
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http://www.fldoe.org/academics/graduation-requirements
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http://www.fldoe.org/academics/graduation-requirements
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http://www.fldoe.org/academics/graduation-requirements
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http://www.fldoe.org/academics/graduation-requirements
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State University/Community College Admission and Bright Futures Requirements
State University System
Admission Requirements
To qualify to enter one of Florida’s
public universities, a student
must:
 Meet all traditional requirements
 high school graduation with a
Florida Community College
System Admission
Requirements
To qualify to enter an associate
degree program at one of Florida’s
community colleges, a student
must:
 Graduate with a standard high
school diploma
standard diploma
 grade point average in high
school academic core
courses
 admissions test scores (ACT
OR
 Earn a high school equivalency
diploma
Bright Futures Scholarship Requirements
Florida Academic Scholars/Florida Medallion Scholars must
have:
 16 credits in college preparatory courses in the following
areas:
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4 English (3 with substantial writing)
4 mathematics (algebra I and above)
3 natural science (2 with substantial lab)
3 social science
2 foreign language (in the same language)
or SAT)
 Up to three additional credits from courses in the academic
OR
OR
 Qualify for the Talented 20
 Have previously demonstrated
program
competency in college credit
postsecondary coursework
OR
AND
 Be selected through a “student
profile assessment” that
considers other special factors
(e.g., special talents)
OR
 Obtain an associate of arts
degree from a Florida community
college
The 18 high school credits
required for SUS admission are:
 4 English (3 with substantial
writing)
 3 mathematics (algebra I and
above)
 3 natural science (2 with
substantial lab)
 3 social science
 2 foreign language (in the same
language)
 3 approved electives (in certain
combinations)
 Demonstrate achievement of
college-level communication and
computation skills (often
determined by exam or
standardized test scores)
For those students interested in nondegree certificate programs, please see
an admissions counselor as
requirements may vary.
The 18 high school credits
recommended for community
college admission are:
 4 English (3 with substantial
writing)
 3 mathematics (algebra I and
above)
 3 natural science (2 with
substantial lab)
 3 social science
 2 foreign language (in the same
language)
 3 approved electives (in certain
combinations)
Students must meet with their
counselor to ensure that courses
satisfy SUS admission requirements.
areas listed above and/or AP, IB, or AICE fine arts courses
to raise the GPA
 A 3.5 weighted GPA in the above courses; 75 hours
community service; and a minimum score of 1290 on the
SAT or 29 on the ACT to be a Florida Academic Scholar
(FAS)
 A 3.0 weighted GPA in the above courses and a minimum
score of 1170 on the SAT or 26 on the ACT to be a Florida
Medallion Scholar (FMS)
 Community Service requirements: Academic Scholars =100,
FL Medallion=75, Gold Seal=30
Gold Seal Vocational (GSV) Scholars5 must have:
 16 credits in the following areas:
 4 English
 4 mathematics (including algebra I)
 3 natural science
 3 social science (American history, world history, American
government, and economics)
 1 fine arts
 1 physical education to include the integration of health
 A 3.0 weighted GPA in above courses (for 4-year diploma)
 3 career/technical job-preparatory or technology education
program credits in one career/technical program with an
unweighted 3.5 GPA in those courses
 A minimum score listed below on each subsection of either
These are the scores needed to take
college level courses at the state
community colleges:
PERT
Reading – 106
Writing – 103
Mathematics – 114
ACT
Reading – 19
English – 17
Math – 19
SAT
Verbal – 440
Math -440
the CPT or SAT or ACT (Subsections of different test types
may not be combined.)
CPT: Reading 83/Sentence Skills 83/Algebra 72
SAT: Verbal 440/Math 440
ACT: English 17/Reading 19/Math 19
5 College
or career preparatory diplomas may be used to qualify
for GSV, with appropriate career/technical education electives.
For other ways to qualify, visit
www.firn.edu/doe/brfutures.
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Helpful Websites
Three websites can assist you in planning for your future:
FAFSA.ed.gov: The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (known as the FAFSA) is a form that can be prepared
annually by current and prospective college students (undergraduate and graduate) in the United States to determine their
eligibility for student financial aid (including the Pell Grant, Federal student loans and Federal Work-Study).
COLLEGEBOARD.org: The College Board is a national nonprofit membership association whose mission is to prepare,
inspire, and connect students to college success and opportunity. Get the latest news from the Board, including reports on
College Bound Seniors, College Bound Juniors, and college costs. SAT, PSAT and AP information is available on this
website.
ACT.org: Provides educational and career planning for students, teachers and parents. ACT information is available on
this website.
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Middleburg High School: www.mhs.oneclay.net
Clay County School District: www.oneclay.net
Florida Department of Education: www.fldoe.org
High School Major Areas of Interest listings and graduation requirements: www.fldoe.org/APlusPlus
FLVC.org (Bright Futures status; college and vocational resources; career searches; and more):
Florida Choices Website (This site has a full suite of guidance programs designed to help students plan their futures):
www.florida.access.bridges.com
Florida Financial Aid Website (Apply for Bright Futures beginning in Dec. of Senior year and learn about other state financial aid
programs): www.floridastudentfinancialaid.org
Florida Virtual Schools FCAT Prep Coursework: http://www.flvs.net/students_parents/FCAT_prep.php
Career & Technical Education Website for Clay County—CTE Academies, Academy Application, Intent to Return Form, Senior and
Junior High CTE Programs in Clay, etc. http://www.oneclay.net/cte
Clay Virtual Academy: Online Course Graduation Requirement. To request course go to www.flvs.net and select Clay Virtual
Academy.
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College Admissions Tests
Nearly all colleges and universities require or recommend that students submit test results from a national standardized test as
part of the admission application process. The two national exams used for this purpose are the ACT and the SAT.
The ACT includes multiple-choice tests in four subject areas—English, Mathematics, Reading, and Science. The tests measure
students' current levels of educational development in these subjects. The Writing Test, although optional, most colleges
want a writing score which measures skills in planning and writing a short essay. Your ACT composite score, together with
your high school grades, indicates how prepared you are for college. In addition, the scores from the various sections of the ACT
will help your college place you in the right classes, matching your skills with course requirements.
Registration Tips
Plan ahead and allow time to register for the exam.
The earlier you take the test, the more chances you will have to retake it if your first scores aren't as high as you would
like them to be.
Registration deadlines are typically four weeks before the exam date. There are six national test dates each year at
test centers throughout the United States.
Registration packets and information are available in the guidance department.
Set up your student account and register online at http://www.actstudent.org. You must upload a photo.
Middleburg High School is an ACT Test Center. Test Center Code: 101152.
ACT Dates for 2016-2017
Test Dates
Tentative Registration Deadline
February 6, 2016
April 9, 2016
June 11, 2016
September 10, 2016
October 22, 2016
December 10, 2016
February 11, 2017
April 8, 2017
June 10, 2017
January 8, 2016
March 4, 2016
May 6, 2016
August 30, 2016
October 4, 2016
November 22, 2016
January 17, 2017
March 21, 2017
May 23, 2017
The SAT tests what you already know. It tests the reading, writing, and mathematics skills that you learn in school and that are
critical for success in college and beyond. The questions are thoroughly researched and tested to make sure students from all
backgrounds have an equal chance to succeed. Each section of your SAT will be reported including subscores and cross-test
scores. These scores will provide insight into specific strengths and weaknesses, helping students and educators see where
students can improve. There is no penalty for guessing as you will earn points only for questions that are answered correctly.
You can prepare for the SAT with free practice on Khan Academy. Once you have taken any test in the SAT Suite of
Assessments, you will have access to video lessons and will receive personalized SAT study resources based on your test
results. The Kahn Academy practice experience is tailored to meet individual student needs and can be accessed at
www.khanacademy.org/sat.
Set up your student account and register online at http://www.collegeboard.org. You must upload a photo.
Middleburg High School is an SAT Test Center. Test Center Code: 101152.
SAT Dates for 2016-2017
Test Dates
Tentative Registration Deadline
January 23, 2016
March 5, 2016
May 7, 2016
June 4, 2016
October 1, 2016
November 5, 2016
December 3, 2016
January 28, 2017
March 11, 2017
May 6, 2017
June 3, 2017
December 28, 2016
February 5, 2016
April 8, 2016
May 5, 2016
September 13, 2016
October 11, 2016
November 15, 2016
January 3, 2017
February 14, 2017
April 11, 2017
May 16, 2017
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Talented 20
The Talented 20 Program graduates, the top 20% of each Florida public high school graduating class having
completed 18 credits required for State University System admission, shall be GUARANTEED admission to one of
the eleven state universities, though not necessarily the university of the applicant’s choice.
The 18 credits are defined as follows:
4 credits...............................................English
4 credits...............................................Math (Algebra I and above)
3 credits...............................................Science
3 credits...............................................Social Studies
2 credits...............................................Foreign Language
2 credits...............................................Academic electives i n E n g l i s h , M a t h , S c i e n c e , S o c i a l S t u d i e s o r
Foreign Language
Students intending to apply to a college or university, either in-state or out-of-state, are strongly advised to take at
least four units in each of the four core subject areas (English, Math, Science, and Social Studies) and two units in
Foreign Language. In addition, students are advised that a third and fourth unit of Foreign Language may be
required for admission to some colleges or universities. Graduation requirements of fine arts and physical education
are to be included in high school course of study.
Other Alternatives To Generate Credits
Other Schools: Students may take classes to generate credits at other institutions (such as Clay Virtual School or
other accredited schools) but all coursework must be approved by the student’s guidance counselor or the school
administration before the class is taken. Any courses taken at other institutions will be given credit as per the
current Clay County Student Progression Plan.
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Clay Virtual School is the Clay County Public Schools franchisee for Florida Virtual School. Clay
Virtual School offers on-line classes that are taught exclusively by Clay County School District instructors.
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COMPASS credit recovery software may be used to generate original or recovery credit.
COURSE WEIGHTING: All courses designated as “Honors” will be weighted as “4.5” on the course
weighting scale for Clay County Schools. Courses designated as “Dual Enrollment, Advanced Placement, AICE and
IB” will be weighted as “5.0.”
CREDITS EARNED: Credits are posted at the end of the semester. All semester courses passed receive onehalf credit (.5) upon completion. Courses which have End of Course Assessments do not receive the whole credit
until the end of the year. ***Any year-long COURSE dropped after the first quarter of school will result in a
FAILING GRADE for that course for the semester.***
CREDIT SUBSTITUTIONS: Certain courses may be substituted for basic graduation requirements:
SCIENCE: Health Careers (3 hour block) substitutes for one credit of the Science requirement OR
Agriscience Foundations substitutes for one credit of the Science requirement OR three full credits of Naval Science
substitutes for one credit of Science
***Please note that 2 full credits of Naval Science substitutes for one credit of Fine Arts
***Please note that Health careers or Naval Science substitutions are not recognized by the Bright Futures
Scholarship***
PHYSICAL EDUCATION: One full credit of Marching Band substitutes for .5 credits of PE but not Personal
Fitness OR Naval Science I substitutes for .5 credits of PE but not Personal Fitness
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COURSES THAT SATISFY PERFORMING OR FINE ARTS GRADUATION REQUIREMENT:
Digital Information Technology
(formerly Intro. To IT)
Digital Design 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7
AP Art History
Keyboarding (Piano) 1, 2, 3
Interior Design 1, 2, 3, 4
Band 1, 2, 3
Web Design 1, 2, 3, 4
Drafting 1, 2, 3, 4
Eurhythmics 1, 2, 3
Visual Technology 1, 2
2 D Studio Art 1, 2
Chorus 1, 2, 3, 4
Film 3 Honors
Ceramics and Pottery
Vocal Techniques 1, 2, 3
Visual Technology 3 Honors
Acting 1, 2
Vocal Ensemble 1, 2, 3, 4
Early Childhood Education 2 & 3
Theater 1, 2
Speech 1, 2
Early Childhood Education NEW 3
Theater 3 Honors
Play Writing
Culinary Arts 2, 3
Creative Photography 1, 2
Debate 1, 2
Intro. To Horticulture 2
Creative Photography 3 Honors
Debate 3 Honors
Horticulture Science 3
Drama
Music Tech. & Sound Eng. 1, 2, 3
Interior Design 1, 2, 3, 4
Architectural Drafting 5
Music Tech & Sound Eng. Honors
Principles of Entrepreneurship
Business Ownership
SUMMER SCHOOL: Will be offered to students who failed a course during the regular school year.
There will be a $75 technology fee for each course taken except for ESE students and students on free and reduced
lunch. Dates of summer school will be distributed by Guidance during 4th quarter. A student may only earn
up to 2 credits during the summer.
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NCAA Division I and II Initial-Eligibility Requirements
NCAA Divisions I and II require 16 core courses. The minimum core GPA in order to play as a freshman is a 2.3.
See charts below.
NCAA Division I will require 10 core courses to be completed prior to the seventh semester. These 10 courses
become “locked in” at the seventh semester and cannot be retaken for grade improvement.
Only core courses are used in the calculation of the grade-point average. Be sure to look at your high school’s list of
NCAA-approved core courses on the Eligibility Center’s web site to make certain that courses being taken have
been approved as core courses. The web site is www.eligibilitycenter.org
All SAT and ACT scores must be reported directly to the NCAA Eligibility Center by the testing agency. Test
scores that appear on transcripts will not be used. When registering for the SAT or ACT, use the Eligibility Center
code of 9999 to make sure the score is reported to the Eligibility Center.
DIVISION I
DIVISION II
16 CORE-COURSE RULE
16 CORE-COURSE RULE
16 Core Courses:
4 years of English.
3 years of mathematics (Algebra I
or higher).
2 years of natural/physical science
(1 year of lab if offered by high
school).
1 year of additional English,
mathematics or natural/ physical
science.
2 years of Social Science.
4 years of additional courses (from
any area above, foreign language
or comparative
religion/philosophy.
16 Core Courses:
3 years of English.
2 years of mathematics (Algebra I
or higher).
2 years of natural/physical science
(1 year of lab if offered by high
school).
3 years of additional English,
mathematics or natural/physical
science.
2 years of social science.
4 years of additional courses (from
any area above, foreign language
or comparative
religion/philosophy).
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Elective Programs of Study
In addition to choosing an academic course of study, students must choose elective classes to take to complete the
24 credits required for graduation. Electives are offered in the following areas:
Practical and Fine Arts MHS offers a wide variety of fine arts electives. Students take classes in their area of interest
such as Art, Chorus/Vocal Music, Music, Acting, Theatre, Visual Technology, Digital Design, Web Development,
Drafting, Interior Design, and more. See the Fine Arts/Practical Arts Elective classes and the Academies of Clay
Career and Technical Education classes offered at MHS.
Career & Technical Bright Futures Gold Seal Programs of Study MHS offers a large variety of Gold Seal
courses in the areas of Agritechnology, Automotive Collision & Repair, Automotive Maintenance & Light Repair,
Business, Carpentry, Certified Nursing Assistant, Computer Systems & Information Technology, Culinary Arts, Digital
Design, Drafting, Early Childhood Education, EKG Technician, Electricity, Health Unit Coordinator, Horticulture Science &
Services, Interior Design Services, Web Development. All students are strongly encouraged to complete a Gold Seal
course of study (3 classes in a Program of Study) to qualify for a Bright Futures Gold Seal Scholarship. (See the
Academies of Clay pages for specific Gold Seal course descriptions.)
Naval Jr. ROTC The purpose of U.S. Naval NJROTC is to provide a cooperative effort between the United States Navy
and MHS for students to develop strong character and personal development. (See pages 45-46 to 33 for specific
NNJROTC course descriptions.)
BRONCO U In conjunction with St. John’s River State College and the College Board, eligible students have the
possibility to earn 25+ credits toward an Associate of Arts (AA) degree, by taking SJRSC courses on the Middleburg
High School campus. (See BRONCO U pages for specific information.)
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