Graduation Requirements

Navigating graduation requirements is an essential step in preparing for life after high school. Ohio's graduation pathway ensures students are ready for success, whether their future includes college, career, or the military. At Canal Winchester High School, our counseling team is committed to supporting students every step of the way.

We guide students in understanding and fulfilling Ohio’s graduation requirements, including earning necessary credits, demonstrating competency, and showing readiness for life beyond high school. Our goal is to empower every student to graduate with confidence and a clear vision for their future. Have questions or need guidance? Reach out to us - we're here to help your student succeed!

Components of Graduation

Requirements at a Glance

Course Completion

In the state of Ohio, students must meet specific course requirements to earn a high school diploma. These requirements are designed to ensure students gain a well-rounded education and are prepared for their future endeavors.

English	4 credits
Math	4 credits
Science	3 credits*
Social Studies	3 credits
Fine Arts	1 credit
Financial Literacy	0.5 credit
Health	0.5 credit
Physical Education	0.5 credit**
Electives	4.5 credits***
TOTAL	21 credits

^{*One credit of science must be advanced}

^{**Students may also earn a PE waiver by completing two seasons of any sport}

^{***Any course taken beyond the required core credits may count as an elective}

Competency

In addition to completing the required coursework, Ohio high school students must demonstrate competency to meet graduation requirements. Competency ensures that students possess the essential knowledge and skills needed for success after high school, whether in college, a career, or the military.

To fulfill the competency requirement, students must earn passing scores on the state’s Algebra I and English II end-of-course exams. For those who do not pass, there are alternative pathways, including:

Career-Focused Activities: Earning an industry-recognized credential or completing a pre-apprenticeship program.
College Readiness: Achieving remediation-free scores on the ACT or SAT.
Military Readiness: Enlisting in a branch of the U.S. armed services.

These options provide flexibility to align with each student’s strengths and future plans. If you have questions about competency pathways, contact the high school counseling department for assistance.

Readiness

To graduate in Ohio, students must show they are ready for their next steps in life—whether that’s college, a career, or the military. One way they demonstrate this readiness is by earning two Graduation Seals—and at least one of these must be a state-defined seal.

There are 12 seals students can choose from, divided into two categories:

State-Defined Seals: These seals are created by the Ohio Department of Education to reflect statewide standards of achievement. They recognize accomplishments such as career readiness, college preparedness, industry-recognized credentials, military enlistment, and demonstrating proficiency in subjects like citizenship, science, and technology.
Locally-Defined Seals: Created by the district, these seals highlight achievements that matter locally, such as community service, student engagement, or participation in the arts.

Each seal represents a student’s dedication, skills, and preparation for life beyond high school. This flexibility allows students to select seals that best align with their interests and future goals.

STATE-LEVEL SEALS

Seal of Biliteracy

To earn the Ohio Seal of Biliteracy, graduating seniors must demonstrate high levels of proficiency in English and at least one other language. Students will earn the Seal of Biliteracy by satisfying each of the following:

Earn a score of proficient or higher on an approved English Language assessment.
Earn a score of Intermediate High or higher on an approved World Language Assessment within 15 months before graduation.

Citizenship Seal

To earn Ohio’s Citizenship Seal, students must satisfy one of the listed American History options and one of the listed American Government options:

American History options:

Earn a final course grade that is equivalent to a “B” or higher in an American History course
Earn a score of proficient or higher on Ohio’s State Test in American History
Earn a score equivalent to proficient on an appropriate Advanced Placement or International Baccalaureate test in US History
Earn a “B” or higher in appropriate American History College Credit Plus course.

American Government options:

Earn a final course grade that is equivalent to a “B” or higher in an American Government course
Earn a score of proficient or higher on Ohio’s State Test in American Government
Earn a score equivalent to proficient on an appropriate Advanced Placement or International Baccalaureate test in US Government
Earn a “B” or higher in appropriate American Government College Credit Plus course

College-Ready Seal

To earn the College and Career Readiness Seal, students must earn remediation-free scores on the ACT or SAT, as outlined below.

SUBJECT	ACT	SAT TAKEN PRIOR TO MARCH 1, 2016	SAT TAKEN AFTER MARCH 1, 2016
English Language Arts	English subscore of 18 (or higher)	Writing 430 (or higher)	Evidence-Based Reading and Writing (EBRW) 480 (or higher)
	Entered high school prior to July 1, 2014, reading subscore of 21 (or higher)	Reading 450 (or higher)
	Entered high school after July 1, 2014, reading subscore of 22 (or higher)	Reading 450 (or higher)
Mathematics	Mathematics subscore of 22 (or higher)	Mathematics 520 (or higher)	Mathematics 530 (or higher)

Honors Diploma Seal

Industry-Recognized Credential

An industry-recognized credential is a qualification of a specific set of competencies related to an industry or occupation. These credentials can take many different forms, including certificates, certifications and licenses.

To earn Ohio’s Industry-Recognized Credential Seal, students must do one of the following:

Earn a 12-point industry-recognized credential; or
Earn a group of credentials totaling 12 points in a single career field – as outlined here; or
Obtain a state-issued license for a practice in a vocation that requires an examination

Military Seal

For students interested in a career pathway that includes serving in a branch of the armed services, the Military Seal is an option to satisfy components of Ohio’s graduation requirements. To earn Ohio’s Military Seal, students must complete show evidence of enlistment in a branch of the armed services by providing a copy of their DD Form 4 to the school counseling office.

OhioMeansJobs Seal

To earn the OhioMeansJobs-Readiness Seal, motivated high school students must demonstrate specific professional skills required for success in the workplace. Students must work with at least three experienced and trusted mentors who validate the demonstration of these skills in school, work or the community.

Students will earn the OhioMeansJobs-Readiness Seal by satisfying each of the following:

Demonstrate proficiency in each of 14 identified professional skills;
Use the OhioMeansJobs-Readiness Seal form to record demonstration of each professional skill; and
Work with a mentor to validate demonstration of each skill across a minimum of two of the three environments. The three potential environments are: 1. School, 2. Work, and 3. Community.

Science Seal

To earn Ohio’s Science Seal, students must satisfy at least one of the following:

Earn a final course grade that is equivalent to a “B” or higher in an Advanced Science course;
Earn a score of proficient on Ohio’s State Test in Biology;
Earn a score equivalent to proficient on an appropriate Advanced Placement or International Baccalaureate science test; or
Earn a “B” or higher in a College Credit Plus science course.

Technology Seal

To earn Ohio’s Technology Seal, students must satisfy at least one of the requirements below:

Earn a score equivalent to proficient on an appropriate Advanced Placement or International Baccalaureate test; or
Earn a “B” or higher in an appropriate College Credit Plus technology course; or
Complete a technology course that meets criteria established by the Ohio Department of Education (below).

LOCAL-LEVEL SEALS

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