Mainland High School  
Program of Studies: 2008-2009  

ACADEMIC INFORMATION

Credit Requirements for a Standard Diploma
Beginning with the students who enter 9th grade during the 1999-2000 school year, a minimum score, as determined by the Department of Education, on the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test (FCAT) must be attained in order to receive a standard high school diploma.

Students must earn 24 credits in grades 9-12, achieve mastery of basic skills through the state testing program, maintain attendance as prescribed by School Board Policy 206, and successfully pass the specific courses listed below to participate in the graduation ceremony and receive a standard high school diploma.
  • 4 English
  • 3 Math1
  • 3 Science (2 science credits must include a laboratory component)2
  • 4 Social Studies
  • 1 Performing Arts or Practical Arts
  • 1/2 Physical Education
  • 1/2 Personal Fitness
  • 1/2 Health-Life Management Skills
  • 7.5 Electives
1 Effective for students entering the 9th grade in the 1997-1998 school year and thereafter, one mathematics credit must be in Algebra I, in a series of courses equivalent to Algebra I, or in a higher-level mathematics course.
2 Effective for students entering the 9th grade in the 2001-2002 school year and thereafter, the three science credits must include one credit in biology and one credit in physical science, chemistry, or physics.

Honors Diploma Requirements
Honors Diplomas will be awarded to students who qualify based on the following criteria:
  • have obtained a minimum of 28 credits in Grades 9-12
  • have a final weighted 3.0 or above cumulative grade point average
  • have a minimum of seven credits in honors or higher courses including three credits in Advanced Placement, or designated dual enrollment courses in grades 9-12 and
  • have completed a minimum of a 0.5 credit course in Executive Internship, or Exploratory Teaching, or 60 hours of documented volunteer service. Beginning with students entering 9th grade in school year 2000-2001, the community service requirement shall be increased to 75 hours.
  • Beginning with students entering 9th grade in school year 2000-2001, students must complete 19 credits in college preparatory courses that are listed in the counseling for Future Education Handbook.
Graduation with Honors3
Honors will be awarded to students who qualify based on the following criteria:
  1. Summa Cum Laude: 3.9 Cumulative Weighted GPA for Grades 9-12; citizenship average of 2 or better.
  2. Magna Cum Laude: 3.7 Cumulative Weighted GPA for Grades 9-12; citizenship average of 2 or better.
  3. Cum Laude: 3.5 Cumulative Weighted GPA for Grades 9-12; citizenship average of 2 or better.
3 Valedictorian and salutatorian and those graduating with honors are selected based on a special cumulative G.P.A. that does not include Forgiveness grades. See your counselor for more details.

Honor Roll
The Honor Roll is calculated each semester. A grade point average of 3.0 or higher, with no D’s or F’s, is necessary. Citizenship grades must not be below a "1".

Promotion Requirements
Potential graduates must have the following for promotion to the next grade:
  • 5 credits to be classified as a Sophomore (10th)
  • 11 credits to be classified as a Junior (11th)
  • 17 credits to be classified as a Senior (12th)


Weighted Courses
All Advanced Placement Courses carry an additional 1.0 weight.
All courses listed below carry an additional 0.5 weight:

Abstract Algebra
Acting IV Honors
Analysis of Functions
Art 2-D Comprehensive III Honors
Art 3-D Comprehensive III Honors
Band V, VI Honors
Biology II Honors
Calculus
Ceramics/Pottery III Honors
Chemistry II Honors
Chorus V, VI Honors
Computer Arts: Application to Graphic Design
Creative Photography IV Honors
Dance Choreography/Performance II Honors
Dance Techniques IV Honors
Drama IV Honors
Drawing & Painting III Honors
French III, IV, V
Genetics
German III, IV, V, VI
Italian III, IV
Japanese III
Latin III, IV, V
Linear Algebra
Math Analysis
Orchestra V, VI Honors
Pacesetter English
Pacesetter Mathmatics
Pacesetter Spanish
Physics II Honors
Probability & Statistics with Applications
Spanish III, IV, V
Trigonometry

Prerequistes
Prerequisites are indicated where a prescribed course of study is necessary prior to enrollment in a course. A student must successfully complete the course(s) listed as prerequisite(s). For some courses, a co-requisite is recommended, also.

Report Cards
Report cards are distributed quarterly. Students earning below a 2.5 G.P.A. will receive an "at risk" notice on the report card. Progress reports are distributed at the mid-point of each grading period. Parents are encouraged to contact the student’s guidance counselor with questions or concerns.