Graduation Requirements

Blue Ridge International Academy’s vision is that all students receiving a diploma from our institution be prepared for further education, employment, and lifelong learning. With this in mind, our graduation requirements are both rigorous and comprehensive. We require 21 credits to graduate

Transfer Students

Students may transfer credits from an accredited high school to Blue Ridge International Academy. They must take at least four credits in English, Math, Science, or Social Studies and meet all graduation requirements to receive a diploma from Blue Ridge.

Maintaining Active Status

Diploma-seeking students must successfully earn two credits within a school year and be enrolled in at least one course each semester to remain on active status. Students may apply for a one-semester leave of absence from the school. If active status is interrupted for longer than one semester, students will be required to re-apply and have their graduation status reassessed in order to continue with their program.

Program Completion

A student enrolled in a diploma program has a maximum of five years to complete the program. Students must remain on active status while they are completing their graduation requirements.

Course Requirements and Sequence

English

1. English I
2. English II
3. English III – American Literature
4. English IV – English Literature

Mathematics

1. Algebra I or Algebra I Parts One and Two – It is recommended that students who have had difficulty in math start with pre-algebra and take Algebra I part one and part two.
2. Geometry
3. One additional math course if the student started with Algebra I

Science

1. Earth Science
2. Biology
3. One additional science.

Social Studies

1. U. S. History
2. American Government
3. World History

Career Education

1. Career Exploration (.5 credits)

Fine Arts

1. Art History

Health Education

1. Health(1/2 credit)

Electives

1. The following courses may be taken for elective credits:
1. Structure of Writing(1/2 credit)
2. Algebra II
3. Consumer/Business Math
4. Chemistry* and/or Physics*
5. Geography
6. Economics
7. Native American Studies I (1/2 credit)
8. Native American Studies II (1/2 credit)
9. Social Issues

Note - Courses are one credit unless otherwise noted.

*Courses may be used as an elective credit if they are not fulfilling another requirement.

2. With approval, students may earn an elective credit in the following content areas:
1. Service Learning – Students may participate in a service learning project during the time they are enrolled in the school. Service learning is a teaching and learning process tailored to meet learning goals and community needs.  Students engage in an activity to improve the quality of a school or community.
2. Physical Education – Students may earn one credit for participating in an organized sport or a physical education program.
3. Performing Arts – student may earn one credit for participating in a band, chorus, drama production or music lessons that have a recital or public performance.
4. Work Experience – students may earn one credit for participating in an internship, externship, or apprenticeship.