Requirements for the Classes of 2025-27

The minimum requirement for an Olathe high school diploma is 24 credits. Depending on the course and nature of course delivery, units of credit will be awarded in increments of one full (1.0) or one-half (.5) credit. The 24 credits required for graduation include:

1. Four credits in English
2. One credit in applied communication
3. Three credits in social studies. Required credits are:
   1. Modern World History (1 credit, grade 9)
   2. U.S. History (1 credit, grade 11)
   3. U.S. Government (.5 credit, grade 12)
   4. Social Studies elective (.5 credit, all grades)
4. Three credits in mathematics
5. Three credits in science. Required credits are:
   1. Life Science (1.0 credit)
   2. Physical Science (1.0 credit)
   3. Science elective (1.0 credit)
6. One credit in physical education
7. One credit in fine arts
8. One credit in practical and consumer studies
9. Half credit in technology
10. Half credit in consumer and personal finance
11. Six elective credits

Students must meet Olathe graduation requirements to be eligible to participate in the graduation exercises. Exception: Seniors who transfer from other school districts and who have been on track to meet graduation requirements in their former school, but cannot meet the 24 Olathe unit requirement, will be allowed to graduate with their class. The transfer student must meet the minimum requirements of the Kansas Department of Education.

Students should be advised that any credit earned after their eighth grade year will be counted as senior high credit and will be on the high school transcript. Example: Driver Education.

The weighted grading system will be used to determine all Olathe student honors and distinctions.

Requirements for the Class of 2028 and Beyond

The minimum requirement for an Olathe high school diploma is 24 credits. Depending on the course and nature of course delivery, units of credit will be awarded in increments of one full (1.0) or one-half (.5) credit. The 24 credits required for graduation include:

1. Four credits in English
2. Three credits in mathematics
3. Three credits in science. Required credits are:
   1. Life Science (1 credit)
   2. Physical Science (1 credit)
   3. Science elective (1 credit)
4. Three credits in social studies. Required credits are:
   1. World History or Honors World History (1 credit, grade 9)
   2. U.S. History or AP U.S. History (1 credit, grade 11)
   3. U.S. Government or AP U.S. Government (0.5 credit, grade 12)
   4. Social Studies elective (0.5 credit, all grades)
5. One-half (0.5) credit in Communications
6. One-half (0.5) credit in Financial Literacy
7. One credit in Fine/Performing Arts
8. One-half (0.5) credit in Health
9. One (1.0) credit in Language Applications
10. Half credit in Life Studies
11. Half credit in Physical Education
12. One credit in STEM
13. Five and one-half Individual Focus credits

Students must meet Olathe graduation requirements to be eligible to participate in the graduation exercises. EXCEPTION: Seniors who transfer from other school districts and who have been on track to meet graduation requirements in their former school, but cannot meet the 24 Olathe unit requirement, will be allowed to graduate with their class. The transfer student must meet the minimum requirements of the Kansas Department of Education.

Beginning in the 2024-25 school year, students in eighth grade who enroll in Spanish I or French I will earn high school credit. Those courses will be included on their high school transcript and cannot be removed. Credits will be added after the start of the student's ninth grade year. Any other credit earned after their eighth grade year will be counted as senior high credit and will be on the high school transcript. Example: Driver Education.

The weighted grading system will be used to determine all Olathe student honors and distinctions.

Board of Regents — Qualified Admissions Curriculum

Qualified Admissions (QA) are a set of standards used by the six state universities to review applicants for undergraduate admission. The universities using QA are Emporia State, Fort Hays State, Kansas State, Pittsburg State, University of Kansas, and Wichita State. These standards are set by the Kansas Board of Regents, the governing body for the state universities. It is important to note that our Olathe graduation requirements must be met to graduate from Olathe Public Schools. Please consult your student's school counselor with any questions.

At its Sept. 18, 2019 meeting, the Kansas Board of Regents approved amendments to the Qualified Admissions (QA) criteria. The new standards are below.

Accredited High School Graduate Going to Emporia State University, Pittsburg State University, Fort Hays State University or Wichita State University:

• ACT 21 or higher OR cumulative GPA of 2.25.
• Units (but not specific courses) are recommended; units are not required.
• 2.0 cumulative GPA on any college courses taken while in high school.

Accredited High School Graduate Going to Kansas State University:

• ACT 21 or higher OR cumulative GPA of 3.25.
• Units (but not specific courses) are recommended; units are not required.
• 2.0 cumulative GPA on any college courses taken while in high school.

Accredited High School Graduate Going to The University of Kansas:

• Cumulative GPA of 3.25 and ACT 21 or higher OR cumulative GPA of 3.0 and ACT 24 or higher.
• Units (but not specific courses) are recommended; units are not required.
• 2.0 cumulative GPA on any college courses taken while in high school.

Board of Regents — Kansas Scholars Curriculum

This is a state-sponsored scholarship program. Names of students who complete this curriculum are sent to the Board of Regents along with the student’s GPA. The Board determines the State Scholars; these are the students who can apply for the following need-based scholarships: Kansas State Scholar Scholarship, Nursing Scholarship, Teaching Scholarship, Minority Scholarhip. These scholarships range from $50–$1,000 and must be used at a Kansas college or university. To be considered as a scholar, this curriculum must be met:

• 4 credits of English
• 3 credits of Social Studies
• 4 credits of Math, must begin with Algebra 1 or higher class
• 3 credits of Science – must be biology, chemistry, and physics
• 2 credits of World Language – must be the same language and must be taken while in high school