Graduation Requirements

For graduates of the class of 2023 and beyond

During high school, students earn credits with each course that they successfully complete. Students must earn a minimum number of credits to be promoted to the next grade in high school. The following are the minimum number of credits needed for each grade:

• Freshmen (grade 9):  0–4.9 credits
• Sophomores (grade 10):  5–9.9 credits
• Juniors (grade 11):  10–15.9 credits
• Seniors (grade 12):  16 or more credits

To graduate from high school, students must earn a minimum of 22 total credits. The 22 credits are made up of both required  credits in the different content areas and elective  credits earned in courses that students choose. Requirements are put in place by state law and the Milwaukee Board of School Directors to ensure that students who graduate are college and career ready. For specific course offerings by school, students should see their school counselor.

Students are encouraged to remain in high school for all four years and earn more than the minimum 22 credits needed to graduate.

Required

• 4.0 credits: English language arts
• 3.0 credits: Mathematics (courses at or above the algebra level)
• 3.0 credits: Science (this must include one course with a lab)
  • One unit of life science
  • One unit of physical science
  • One unit in an additional life science, physical science, earth or space science, or district-approved science course
• 3.0 credits: Social studies (including state and local government)
• 1.5 credits: Physical education (must take one course per year over a three-year period*)
  • *A waiver of the final 0.5 unit is available junior or senior year.
• 0.5 credit: Health
• 1.0 credit: Fine arts (art, music, dance, or theater)
• 2.0 credits: World languages
  • English language learners may substitute English as a Second Language courses in place of world languages courses.
• 1.0 credit: College and career readiness
  • Any combination of approved college and career readiness coursework totaling 1.0 credit. Some courses such as Advanced Placement or International Baccalaureate diploma courses may count as meeting another requirement and  the college and career readiness requirement. Beginning with the class of 2026 at selected high schools, 0.5 credit of personal finance will be required as one of the college and career readiness courses.  

Electives

• 3.0 or 4.0 credits: A variety of electives is available, often related to the focus of the school.

Total

• 22.0 credits

Notes

• Students must complete one of the following three options: online learning, community service experience, or service-learning.
• All students in Wisconsin must pass the district civics test.
• Students must complete their academic and career plan.
• Students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
  • Students who are unable to access parental financial information, are undocumented, or whose parents allow them to abstain must complete the waiver.
• Some high schools have additional requirements for specific programs or endorsements. Contact your local MPS high school.
• Each student must meet the credit graduation requirements and have their transcript validated by the school counselor prior to participating in their high school's graduation ceremony.
  • Students seeking to graduate prior to completing four years or eight semesters of high school must declare interest in early graduation by October 1 of the student's fifth semester if graduating in three years or in the seventh semester if graduating in three and a half years.

English Language Learners

English language learners (ELLs) who have not completed the requirements for graduation will be awarded certificates of completion at the end of the academic year in which they turn 21.  

High School Graduation Requirements for Students Accessing Alternate Achievement Standards

For graduates of the Class of 2029 and beyond 

As of Fall 2025, any student accessing alternate achievement standards as part of their Individualized Education Program (IEP) can now pursue a regular diploma with Milwaukee Public Schools. This graduation opportunity is for students with the most significant cognitive disabilities who demonstrate proficiency in their courses and no longer require school-based transition services.

Under these requirements, students accessing alternate achievement standards will no longer take classes as pass/fail. Instead, they will be assessed using a proficiency level of minimal, basic, proficient, or advanced. To earn a diploma, students must earn credits by passing each course with a grade of proficient or better. (Minimal or basic scores will not earn credit.)

For students who are earning the required credits, a final decision regarding completion will be made through the IEP process. When a student is on track to graduate, the IEP team will begin completing a mandatory Transition Checklist to document that the student no longer requires school-based transition services. The checklist includes tasks to help students develop skills and connect with supports needed for life after high school.

After their IEP team has determined that their transition needs have been addressed AND they have completed the alternate high school graduation requirements, the student can graduate with a regular diploma.

For reference, some of the differences in credit requirements are: 

1. Core credits are earned through courses marked as "Lifetime” in the course catalog. These courses are based on alternate achievement standards.  
2. Students are not required to take world language courses. This makes room in their schedules for the addition of lifetime skills. 
3. Students can choose from transitional/vocational courses as well as electives. 

Credit Requirements 

• English Language Arts: 4.0 credits through Lifetime ELA courses 
• Lifetime Skills: 4.0 credits through Lifetime Skills courses 
• Mathematics: 3.0 credits through Lifetime Math courses 
• Science: 3.0 credits through Lifetime Science courses 
• Social Studies: 3.0 credits through Lifetime Social Studies courses 
• Fine Arts: 1.0 credit (such as Art, Dance, Music, or Theater) 
• Health: 0.5 credit 
• Physical Education: 1.5 credits of general or adaptive fitness  
• Electives or Transitional/Vocational Classes: 2.5 credits 
  Many electives are available for students to choose from. Course offerings are often related to a school’s specific focus.

Total: 22 credits

Additional Graduation Requirements 

1. Students must complete the Transition Checklist.
2. Students must take the district civics test. 
3. Students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or submit a waiver. 

Please note that students accessing alternate achievement standards are NOT required to: 

• Complete an online learning course. 
• Participate in community service or service learning, although they are encouraged to still do so. 

Certificate of Completion

Students accessing alternate achievement standards who do not meet high school graduation requirements will be awarded certificates of completion at the end of the academic year in which they turn 21. Students may choose to participate in the graduation ceremony of their four-year entry class, or they can wait until they age out and walk at graduation with their exit class. Regardless of which ceremony a student chooses, they will receive their certificate at the end of their final academic year.