High School FAQs
How many credits are required for high school graduation?
There are 24 basic requirements including core and elective courses.
What are the basic requirements in Florida for high school graduation?
Circle requires graduating students to complete a minimum of 24 credits in order to receive a high school diploma. This guideline is in keeping with the standard prescribed by the Florida Department of Education. There are minimum required credits that must be completed by all students:
- 4 English
- 3 Math
- 3 Science
- 3 Social Studies
- 1 Physical Education (including .5 Personal Fitness)
- .5 Life Management Skills
- .5 Performing Fine Art
- .5 Practical Arts
- .5 Bible for each year attending CCS
The remaining credits are elective courses.
The course of study may follow either a college preparatory or a vocational direction. Specific credits are required for students working towards academic scholarships. Students who plan to continue their education post high school should investigate the entrance requirements for the specific institution(s) and the course(s) of study being considered. All transfer credits for students enrolling in CCS are evaluated to determine educational academic status toward graduation. Members of the CCS staff are available to assist parents and students in planning curriculum courses to meet their goals.
Are there additional requirements recommended for college preparation and, if so, what are they?
No, there are no additional credits required but there are college preparation courses recommended within the 24 credits. (listed in high school guide)
Are there any courses that an 8th grade student may take to receive high school credit?
Yes, an 8th grade student may be eligible to earn a credit in a high school math course Algebra I or above and in a high school level foreign language course.
How many hours of instruction must be completed in order to earn a course credit?
To earn a full credit (1.0), a minimum of 150 hours of instruction must be successfully completed. To earn a half credit (.50), a minimum of 75 hours of instruction must be successfully completed.
How many credits may a student earn in one school year?
The maximum number of credits to be earned is eight; the minimum should be six.
May students earn credit in summer school and, if so, how many?
Yes, students may earn a total of 1.0 credit in summer school. This is in addition to the school year.
Is it possible for a high school student to graduate in less than four years?
Yes, it is possible. If a high school student has a goal to graduate early by earning the required 24 credits for graduation in less than the traditional four high school years, a planning conference must be scheduled for academic advisement in order for the plan to be approved.
What is Dual Enrollment?
Dual Enrollment refers to the opportunity for qualified students to enroll in college level courses while concurrently enrolled in high school. Students may receive both high school and college credit for these courses and may register only for college courses which have been approved by the high school and the college administration.
How does a student become qualified for Dual Enrollment eligibility?
CCS students must be in the 11th or 12th grade and must achieve the scores required by the colleges on the SAT I or ACT and have a 3.0 grade point average in order to initiate the registration process.
How is a high school plan for a student determined?
The parent(s) and student will meet for academic advisement with the Director of Education and will determine the most appropriate plan for the student based upon goals and interests. The plan may be adjusted as necessary.
Where can I find the framework objectives for high school courses?
CCS has a copy of the objectives for all courses but the frameworks are also available online at www.firn.edu/doe/curriculum/crscode/basic612/basic912.htm
Does CCS have a graduation commencement program?
Yes, it is traditionally scheduled for the Friday evening of the week preceding the Memorial Day weekend; not the Friday of the holiday weekend. It has similarities to a traditional program but has uniqueness related to Circle Christian School. Guests are welcome to attend
What college preparatory standardized tests are offered at CCS?
The PLAN which is the test provided by ACT program and is designed primarily for 10th graders. The PSAT which is the test provided by the College Board (SAT) and is designed primarily for 11th graders. (more specific information is available in the CCS high school planning guide)
Does CCS offer the college level standardized tests SAT I or ACT?
No, the SAT I and ACT are not administered at CCS but information is provided for the student to register to take the tests locally.
Is there a graduation plan designed for high school students with certain exceptional needs?
Academic advisement is provided to meet student's individual needs and a plan may be designed if appropriate.
What is Florida Virtual School (FLVS)?
Florida Virtual School is statewide, internet-based, public high school offering a rigorous curriculum online to all public, private, and home school students in Florida, and according to its logo statement: "online learning provides students and families the flexibility to learn anytime, any place, any path, and an pace". For more information, visit the Web site at www.flvs.net.
How does a student enroll in FLVS?
If there is an interest in this type of online learning, the student must receive approval FROM the CCS Director of Education, complete the online application stating the base school as Circle Christian School in Orange County, and then print and submit the application to Circles academic office for approval. If approval is made, the application will be faxed to FLVS. The student will then be contacted by FLVS via the student's e-mail address.
Is a student required to serve in volunteer projects in ORDER to accumulate volunteer hours?
No, CCS does not require volunteer service hours of the student. However, CCS does encourage all high school students to be involved in serving others whether or not the hours are being accumulated for scholarship or academic purposes. In ORDER for students to be eligible for Florida's Academic Scholarship with the Bright Futures Program, there is a requirement of a minimum of 75 hours of community service.