Graduation Requirements

Content Area	Credits and Additional Requirements
English Language Arts	20 Credits
Mathematics	15 credits including: Algebra I or the content equivalent2 Geometry or the content equivalent2 Third year of math that builds on the concepts and skills of algebra and geometry and prepares students for college and 21st century careers
Science	15 credits with at least 5 credits in each: Laboratory biology/life science or the content equivalent Laboratory/inquiry-based science course (i.e., chemistry, environmental science, or physics) Laboratory/inquiry-based science course
Social Studies	15 credits including: 5 credits in world history Integration of civics, economics, geography and global content in all course offerings N.J.S.A. 18A:35-1 and 18A:35-2
Finance, Economic Business, and Entrepreneurial Business Literacy	2.5 credits
Health, Safety, and Physical Education	15 credits over four years including: 3 ¾ credits in health, safety, and physical education during each year of enrollment, distributed as 150 minutes per week each year N.J.S.A. 18A:35-5, 18A:35-7, 18A:35-8
World Languages	5 credits
Technology	Integrated throughout all course
Career and Technical Education	Will range from 10-20 credits per year
Total Credits (Minimum)	140

On May 3, 2023, the State Board of Education approved the graduation ready cut score for the ELA and mathematics components of the NJGPA, as well as the menu of alternative assessments and aligned cut scores.

 

The requirements in this section were adopted by the New Jersey State Board of Education on September 8, 2021 for the classes of 2023–2025.

 

If, after completing the New Jersey Graduation Proficiency Assessment in grade 11, students did not demonstrate proficiency by passing the ELA component, such students may access the following pathways:

• Second Pathway: By meeting the designated cut score on a substitute competency test such as the PSAT, SAT, ACT, or ACCUPLACER; or
• Third Pathway: By submitting, through the district, a student portfolio appeal to the New Jersey Department of Education.

Mathematics

The graduating classes of 2025 through 2027 are now required by law, as part of New Jersey’s new graduation requirement, to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
or the NJ Alternative Financial Aid Application (NJAFAA).

 

The FAFSA gives students access to the largest source of financial aid to pay for college or vocational school. Through completing the FAFSA, students can be considered for federal financial aid, including Pell grants, work-study programs, and loans. In addition, many states and colleges, as well as some private financial aid providers, use FAFSA information to determine students’ eligibility for aid.

 

The FAFSA is an opportunity to have access to the resources that are needed to consider and enter postsecondary education – whether it be 2-year, 4-year, or technical school. In addition, students who are NJ residents but do not meet the requirements for FAFSA, may consider the NJAFAA as an option. The NJAFAA enables students to receive state financial assistance to support their post-secondary college and career goals.

 

If you do not qualify for the FAFSA or the NJ Alternative Financial Aid Application or request that your child be exempt from this graduation requirement, parents/guardians should complete the FAFSA/NJAFAA Exemption Form and submit it to your student’s school counselor by May 1st of your student’s senior year.

 

 

FAFSA completion benefits ALL students:

 

The U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Federal Student Aid provides more than $120 billion in grants, loans, and work-study funds each year to help pay for college or career school.

 

Visit StudentAid.gov today to learn how to pay for your higher education. The FAFSA must be completed to apply for grants, loans, and work-study. All financial information is kept confidential. Many students are eligible to receive financial aid from the federal government to help pay for college or career school. Age, race, or field of study will not affect eligibility for federal student aid.

 

Many college/university websites and fafsa.gov provide a financial aid estimator to estimate how much financial assistance students may receive. Financial need increases with college cost and some colleges can cost more than $65,000 a year. Many of these colleges, state agencies, and scholarship foundations require the FAFSA to award scholarships and grants to middle- and upper-middle-class students attending expensive schools. The most generous private colleges, for example, award need-based aid to some students from families earning more than $200,000 a year. FAFSA is a prerequisite for Direct Unsubsidized Loans, Grad PLUS Loans, and Parent PLUS. These loans are available without regard to demonstrated financial need and have lower interest rates than private loans.

 

NJAFAA may be an option for some students:

 

Complete the NJAFAA application if you are not a United States citizen or eligible noncitizen and meet all of the following criteria:

 

• Attended a New Jersey high school for at least three (3) years
• Graduated from a New Jersey high school or received the equivalent of a high school diploma in New Jersey
• Registered for Selective Service (male students only)
• Are able to file an affidavit stating that you have filed an application to legalize your immigration status or will file an application as soon as you are eligible to do so