High school is an important time in a student’s life. The subjects students take in high school help prepare them for college or a career after graduation. While the specific graduation requirements vary by state and school district, most U.S. high schools require students to take certain core subjects as well as electives. On average, high school students take 6-8 subjects per semester or 12-16 subjects per year.
Core Academic Subjects
There are usually 5-6 core academic subjects that students must pass to graduate from high school. These core subjects provide students with basic knowledge and skills in major academic disciplines. The main core high school subjects are:
- English/Language Arts – 4 years required
- Math – 3 years required, including Algebra, Geometry, Algebra II
- Science – 3 years required, usually including Biology, Chemistry, and Physics
- Social Studies/History – 3 years required, covering World History, U.S. History, Government/Civics
- Foreign Language – 2-3 years recommended
- Physical Education/Health – 1-2 years required
In addition to these major academic subjects, some high schools require 1-2 years of hands-on Career and Technical Education (CTE) or vocational training courses.
Elective Subjects
Beyond the core requirements, high school students get to choose electives to round out their course schedules. Electives allow students to explore areas of interest and passion outside of the mandatory academic courses. The number and type of elective options varies by high school. Common high school electives include:
- Arts – Music, Art, Drama
- Technology – Programming, Web Design, AutoCAD
- Business – Accounting, Marketing, Entrepreneurship
- Family & Consumer Science – Nutrition, Child Development, Personal Finance
- Publication – Yearbook, Newspaper, Literary Magazine
- Extra Foreign Languages
- Extra Social Studies – Psychology, Sociology, Anthropology
- Extra Science – Astronomy, Forensics, Marine Biology
High-achieving students may also take Advanced Placement (AP) or honors courses to earn college credit in subjects like English Literature, U.S. History, Calculus, Biology, and more. The availability of AP classes varies by school.
Typical Course Loads
While each student’s schedule is personalized based on their interests, needs, and graduation requirements, most high school students take between 6-8 subjects per semester. This equals about 12-16 total subjects over a full school year. Here are some examples of typical course loads each year:
Freshman Year
- English I
- Algebra I
- Biology
- World History
- Foreign Language
- PE/Health
- 1-2 Electives (Art, Technology, Business, etc.)
Sophomore Year
- English II
- Geometry
- Chemistry
- World History
- Foreign Language
- CTE/Vocational Course
- 1-2 Electives
Junior Year
- English III
- Algebra II
- Physics
- U.S. History
- Foreign Language
- 1-2 Electives
- Optional AP Course
Senior Year
- English IV
- Math
- Science
- Government
- 2-3 Electives
- 1-2 AP Courses (optional)
Some high schools also offer dual enrollment programs where students can take college courses and earn credits towards both high school graduation and a college degree.
Scheduling Differences
While a full course load is typically 6-8 classes per semester, some students may take more or fewer classes based on their academic needs and goals. Here are some common reasons students may have different schedules:
- Honors/AP Students – Take extra honors or AP classes to challenge themselves and earn college credit.
- Struggling Students – Lightened course load to focus on core classes and improve grades.
- Special Education – Customized schedule with some mainstream and resource classes.
- Medical/Health Issues – Reduced schedule if medical needs limit stamina.
- Early Graduation – Additional classes to graduate in 3 years instead of 4.
- Work or Family Responsibilities – Fewer classes to make room in schedule.
School counselors work with each student to create an optimal schedule that meets graduation requirements while aligning with the student’s post-high school goals and abilities.
State & District Graduation Requirements
While the core subjects are fairly standard nationwide, the exact number and type of courses required for high school graduation varies significantly by state and school district. Some key differences include:
- Total Credits – Ranges from 20-28 credits to earn a high school diploma.
- Math – Some states mandate 4 years, others only 3 years.
- Science – 2-4 years required, some specify subjects like biology and physics.
- CTE – Some states require 1-2 vocational education credits.
- PE – Required PE credits range from 1-2 years.
- Arts – 1-2 years of art, music or foreign language required in some states.
In addition, some states also require students to pass standardized exams in core subjects or complete a senior project in order to graduate high school.
International Baccalaureate & Cambridge Programs
Some high schools offer the academically rigorous International Baccalaureate (IB) or Cambridge curricula. In these programs, students take higher level courses and exams aimed at college preparation:
- IB students take 6 IB courses per year: 3 Higher Level courses and 3 Standard Level over final 2 years.
- Cambridge students take 8-10 Cambridge IGCSE subjects over 2 years before the final Cambridge A Level exams.
Both programs require extensive independent research, leadership, and service experiences outside of typical high school academics.
Conclusion
While graduation requirements vary widely, most U.S. high school students take between 12-16 academic subjects over their 4 years of school. The typical schedule is 6-8 classes each semester built around core English, math, science, social studies and electives tailored to student interests and goals. Honors, AP, IB and Cambridge curricula allow accelerated students to take college-level courses for credit. School counselors work to ensure each student’s schedule meets state standards while supporting their post-high school aspirations.
