Graduation Requirements
Graduation requirements for Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS) are mandated by state law and the Milwaukee Board of School Directors to ensure that all graduates are college and career ready.
During high school, students earn credits and progress toward graduation by successfully completing courses each year. They must earn a minimum number of credits to move on to the next grade level:
- Grade 9 (Freshmen): 0–4.9 credits
- Grade 10 (Sophomores): 5–9.9 credits
- Grade 11 (Juniors): 10–15.9 credits
- Grade 12 (Seniors): 16+ credits
To graduate from high school, students need a minimum of 22 total credits. These are made up of both required credits in different content areas and elective credits earned through a variety of optional courses that students can choose from. For specific course offerings at each school, reach out to the school counselor.
Download the Most Recent High School Programs and Graduation Requirements Guide
High School Graduation Requirements
For graduates of the Class of 2026 and beyond
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Core Credit Requirements
- English Language Arts: 4.0 credits
- Mathematics: 3.0 credits (courses at or above the level of Algebra I)
- Science: 3.0 credits, including at least one course with a lab
- 1.0 credit of life science
- 1.0 credit of physical science
- 1.0 additional science credit
Students can choose from district-approved science courses.
- Social Studies: 3.0 credits, including state and local government
- World Languages: 2.0 credits
IMPORTANT: English language learners (ELLs) may substitute English as a Second Language (ESL) courses instead.
Other Credit Requirements
- College and Career Readiness: 1.0 credit
This requirement can be met through any combination of approved college and career readiness courses. Some courses, such as Advanced Placement or International Baccalaureate diploma courses, may count dually to meet another requirement as well. Beginning with the class of 2026, 0.5 credit of personal finance is a mandated college and career readiness course at select MPS high schools. - Electives: 3.0 or 4.0 credits
Many electives are available for students to choose from. Course offerings are often related to a school’s specific focus. - Fine Arts:1.0 credit (such as Art, Dance, Music, or Theater)
Health:0.5 credit - Physical Education: 1.5 credits (one course per year over a three-year period*)
*A waiver of the final 0.5 credit is available junior or senior year.
Total: 22.0 credits
Students who meet the credit requirements for graduation MUST have their transcripts validated by their school counselor prior to participating in a graduation ceremony.
Additional Graduation Requirements
- Students must complete ONE of the following requirements: community service, online learning, or service-learning.
- Students must pass the district civics test.
- Students must complete their academic and career plan.
- Students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Those who are undocumented, are unable to access parental financial information, or are asked to abstain by their parents must complete a waiver.
Some high schools have additional requirements for specific programs or endorsements. Please contact a high school directly for more information.
Early Graduation Requirements
Students are encouraged to remain in high school for all four years (eight semesters) and earn more than the minimum number of credits needed to graduate. For students seeking to graduate early, they must notify the school and declare their intent before the deadline:
- If graduating a year early (in 3 years): October 1 of the student’s fifth semester
- If graduating a semester early (in 3.5 years): During the student’s seventh semester
English Language Learners
English language learners (ELLs) who have not completed the requirements for graduation will be awarded certificates of completion at the end of the academic year in which they turn 21.
High School Graduation Requirements for Students Accessing Alternate Achievement Standards
For graduates of the Class of 2029 and beyond
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As of Fall 2025, any student accessing alternate achievement standards as part of their Individualized Education Program (IEP) can now pursue a regular diploma with Milwaukee Public Schools. This graduation opportunity is for students with the most significant cognitive disabilities who demonstrate proficiency in their courses and no longer require school-based transition services.
Under the new requirements, students accessing alternate achievement standards will no longer take classes as pass/fail. Instead, they will now be assessed using a proficiency level of minimal, basic, proficient, or advanced. To earn a diploma, students must earn credits by passing each course with a grade of proficient or better. (Minimal or basic scores will not earn credit.)
For students who are earning the required credits, a final decision regarding completion will be made through the IEP process. When a student is on track to graduate, the IEP team will begin completing a mandatory Transition Checklist to document that the student no longer requires school-based transition services. The checklist includes tasks to help students develop skills and connect with supports needed for life after high school.
After their IEP team has determined that their transition needs have been addressed AND they have completed the alternate high school graduation requirements, the student can graduate with a regular diploma.
For reference, some of the differences in credit requirements are:
- Core credits are earned through courses marked as "Lifetime” in the course catalog. These courses are based on alternate achievement standards.
- Students are not required to take world language courses. This makes room in their schedules for the addition of lifetime skills.
- Students can choose from transitional/vocational courses as well as electives.
View the specific requirements for students accessing alternate achievement standards.
Credit Requirements
- English Language Arts: 4.0 credits through Lifetime ELA courses
- Lifetime Skills: 4.0 credits through Lifetime Skills courses
- Mathematics: 3.0 credits through Lifetime Math courses
- Science: 3.0 credits through Lifetime Science courses
- Social Studies: 3.0 credits through Lifetime Social Studies courses
- Fine Arts: 1.0 credit (such as Art, Dance, Music, or Theater)
- Health: 0.5 credit
- Physical Education: 1.5 credits of general or adaptive fitness
- Electives or Transitional/Vocational Classes: 2.5 credits
Many electives are available for students to choose from. Course offerings are often related to a school’s specific focus.
Total: 22.0 credits
Additional Graduation Requirements
- Students must complete the Transition Checklist.
- Students must take the district civics test.
- Students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or submit a waiver.
Please note that students accessing alternate achievement standards are NOT required to:
- Complete an online learning course.
- Participate in community service or service learning, although they are encouraged to still do so.
Certificate of Completion
Students accessing alternate achievement standards who do not meet high school graduation requirements will be awarded certificates of completion at the end of the academic year in which they turn 21. Students may choose to participate in the graduation ceremony of their four-year entry class, or they can wait until they age out and walk with their exit class. Regardless of which ceremony a student chooses, they will receive their certificate at the end of their final academic year.
More Information
If you have any questions about graduation requirements, please speak with your school counselor. If you need further assistance, contact Ophelia T. King, school counseling manager, at kingot@milwaukee.k12.wi.us or (414) 475-8128.