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Graduation Requirements

In order for BVSD students to graduate high school and receive a high school diploma, they must meet both BVSD’s credit requirements and demonstrate their competence in English and Mathematics, as required by Colorado’s graduation guidelines. More information on these requirements can be found in the following resources:

BVSD Graduation Requirements

Credits Required for Graduation

Class of 2029 & Beyond: 240 credits

Class of 2026, 2027, and 2028: 220 credits

These credit hours must be earned in areas listed below. Ten credits are equivalent to one full year of credit in a specific subject.

Graduation Requirements

APG: BVSD Graduation Requirements Departments

Language Arts: 40 credits

  • 10 credits 9th Grade Language Arts
  • 10 credits 10th Grade Language Arts
  • 10 credits 11th Grade Language Arts 
  • 5 credits Communication, grades 9-12 
  • 5 credits additional Language Arts elective, grades 9-12

Social Studies: 30 credits

  • 5 credits U.S. Government, grade 9 
  • 5 credits World Geography, grade 9 
  • 10 credits World History, grade 10
  • 10 credits U.S. History, grade 11

Mathematics

Class 2029 & Beyond: 30 credits

  • 30 credits, which must include at least 10 credits in Algebra or higher level Mathematics

Class 2027 & 2028: 20 credits

  • 20 credits, which must include at least 10 credits in Algebra or higher level Mathematics

Science

Class of 2029 & Beyond: 30 credits

  • 10 in Life Sciences
  • 10 in Physical Sciences
  • 10 in additional Science elective credits

Class of 2027 & 2028: 20 credits

  • 10 in Life Sciences, grades 10-12
  • 10 in Physical Sciences, grades 10-12

Health: 5 credits

  • 5 credits, grade 10 recommended 

Physical Education: 15 credits 

  • A minimum of 5 credits earned in grade 9 (Wellness in Action), with the remaining 10 credits earned in grades 9–12

Fine Arts/Visual & Performing Arts

Class of 2029 & Beyond: 5 credits

  • 5 credits in Music, Art, or Theater

Class of 2027 & 2029: 5 credits

  • 5 credits in Music or Art

Second Language Acquisition: 10 credits

  • 10 credits in World Language, level 2 or above, or for English Language Learners, achievement of approved level of English language acquisition

Practical Experiences/Arts

Class of 2029 & Beyond: 5 credits

  • 5 credits Computer Science or Applied Technology, Business, Consumer and Family Studies, Industrial Technology, or Career and Technical Education

Class of 2027 & 2028: 5 credits

  • Business, Computer Science, Family and Consumer Sciences, Industrial Technology, Technical Education 

Computer 

Class of 2027 & 2028

  • Completion of an approved one-semester computer class in middle school or completion of a course that meets the computer requirement. Many students meet this requirement in middle school. See your counselor or the Big 5, Mighty 7: Course List by Number for BHS courses that fulfill this graduation requirement.

Money Management/Personal Finance

Completion of one of the following:  

  • Personal Finance
  • Business and Marketing Essentials
  • Work-Based Learning: Business Admin
  • Social Media for Business
  • Principles of Marketing               
  • Interpersonal Relationships/Life Management
  • AP Macroeconomics
  • AP Microeconomics

Elective Courses

70 credits beyond required courses in grades 9-12
Counseling Forms: 2026-27 Big 5 Mighty 7

BHS Course Requirement Listing: "Big 5 Mighty 7"

This document provides a listing of specific courses at Boulder High School that meet the graduation requirements.