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Graduation & Honor Cord Requirements

High School Graduation Requirements

Units

English

Must include Genres of Literature (10), British Literature (10), American Literature (10), World Literature (10), Freshman Writing (5), and Junior Writing (5).

50

Social Sciences

Must include World Cultures (10), European History (10), U.S. History (10), American Government (5), and Economics (5).

40

Mathematics

Students must complete coursework through Algebra II, and take a minimum of three years of math. Each year-long math course is (10) credit hours.

30

Science

Must include Conceptual Physics with lab (10), Chemistry with lab (10), and Biology with lab (10).

30

World Languages

Must include 30 units in same language.

30

Visual or Performing Arts

Musical Arts (10), Theatrical Arts (10), or Visual Arts (10).

10

Physical Education

Two years (or equivalent) of participation in physical education or high school athletics. (2 credits per semester or athletic season)

8

Electives

Courses vary by year

35

Service Learning

Must include a minimum 20 hours/year.

80 hours

Total Units Required

233

 

Honor Cord Requirements

Gold Honor Cord: Weighted cumulative High School GPA of 4.0 or above.

English (Green): Achieved a GPA of 3.7 or better in English literature courses taken at Oakwood High School.

Social Sciences (Light Blue/Red): Achieved an A- average or better in Social Science courses taken at Oakwood High School. Demonstrated excellence in history, political science, and economics through at least 4 semesters of AP coursework.

Mathematics (Light Blue/Silver): Academic excellence in at least three semesters of mathematics at the AP level (or beyond), and a recommendation from two mathematics teachers.

Computer Science & Engineering (Maroon/White): Sustained commitment and academic excellence in computer science and/or engineering courses, a demonstrated passion for STEM as evidenced by further exploration, and at least one faculty recommendation.

Science (Dark Green): Sustained academic excellence in Oakwood Science courses including at least two AP science classes.

World Languages (White): Completed four years of French or Spanish, with a minimum cumulative GPA of A-.

Visual Arts (Royal Blue/White): Achieved at least one of the following categories:
  • Digital/Studio Art: Created a strong portfolio of artwork (12 pieces) in a specific medium that demonstrated 1) a proficiency in technique and 2) a developed personal style.
  • Yearbook: Demonstrated leadership and dedication for at least 2 years on Yearbook staff.

Performing Arts (Maroon/Gold): Achieved at least one of the following categories:

  • Theater Arts: Participated in five high school productions at Oakwood onstage or in a technical theater capacity with a minimum of two featured roles or supervisory technical roles (stage manager, assistant stage manager, or lead sound technician).
  • Music: Participated in at least three years of music courses at Oakwood and performed in a minimum of nine concerts, festivals, or recording projects. Achieved a GPA of 3.5 or better in Oakwood music courses.

Athletics (Black):  Participated on an Oakwood varsity athletic team for a minimum of 2 years, or equivalent, with participation in at least one sport during senior year. Must have demonstrated leadership, exemplary sportsmanship, and a minimum weighted GPA of 3.0 while attending Oakwood High School. 

National Speech & Debate Association (Burgundy/Silver): Received at least 75 points, the minimum level of achieved honor.

Student Council (Dark Green/Silver): Two years of service on Student Council with evident leadership.