What is a Credit? Students earn academic credit upon completion of the board approved criteria for coursework. Academic credit is based upon the length of time a course meets throughout a semester or year. Courses that meet daily throughout the year are worth one (1) credit. Courses that meet every other day throughout the year, or daily for one semester are worth a half (0.5) credit.
Why do Credits Matter? High school students must earn 24.5 credits to graduate from Benton High School, Central High School, or Lafayette High School. The number of credits a student earns impacts their eligibility for athletic or extracurricular activities in grades 7-12 that are sanctioned by MSHSAA, or the Missouri State High School Activities Association. Selective post-secondary programs at Hillyard Technical Center along with colleges and universities require students to earn specific credits (e.g., math, science) in addition to the general credit requirements.
Promotion. Middle school students will earn promotion to the next grade by earning at least 6 credits of the total curriculum, and earning at least 4 credits from the core academic subjects (Mathematics, Reading, Writing, Science, and Social Studies).
Middle School Education Guide