ArchwayOnline’s Parent Guide to High School Graduation

By Casey Dunbar, High School Academic Advisor for ArchwayOnline

Planning for high school graduation can feel overwhelming, especially for families navigating the path to a diploma for the first time. Don’t worry! ArchwayOnline’s Academic Counseling team is here to help. This article breaks down core graduation requirements, explains why each area matters, and shows exactly how you can support your student’s unique journey to the finish line. 

Graduation Framework at a Glance

ArchwayOnline aligns with the Tennessee Department of Education’s standards, which require 22 total credits for a standard high school diploma. These credits are balanced across core academic subjects, wellness, and elective courses that allow students to explore their personal interests or future career pathways. Because we proudly serve families across the country & internationally, we encourage our students to discuss their specific state requirements with our academic counseling team. No matter where you live, we are here to ensure your student’s path to graduation is clear and compliant. 

What Each Requirement Means for Your Student

English (4 credits)

A strong foundation in reading, writing, and communication prepares students for college, careers, and civic life. Our courses build from literary analysis to research and argumentative writing.

Math (4 credits)

Students are required to take a math course during each year of high school. To fulfill fourth-year math requirement, students can choose from several options including Business Math, Pre-Calculus, Statistics, and Computer Science 

Science (3 credits)

High school students complete three credits of science to graduate.  Our curriculum invites students to explore the world around them through the lenses of physical, life, and earth sciences. They are designed to spark curiosity and build critical thinking skills. 

U.S. History (1 credit)
U.S. History is a required one-credit course that explores the nation’s development, significant historical events, government, and the people who shaped America’s past and present.

Social Studies (2 credits)
In addition to U.S. History, students complete two additional social studies credits through courses such as World History, U.S. Government, and Economics. ArchwayOnline also offers social studies electives like Psychology and Sociology, giving students the opportunity to explore human behavior, relationships, and society while expanding their understanding of the world around them.

Wellness & PE (1.5 credits total)

Wellness covers health, nutrition, and mental well‑being. Physical Education credits can be earned several ways and documented through ArchwayOnline’s elective submission process.

Personal Finance (0.5 credits)

This course equips students with essential real-world skills every young adult needs, covering foundational topics like budgeting, credit, loans, taxes, and smart financial decision-making 

Online Success (.5 credit)

The ArchwayOnline Success course is designed to equip students with the skills and strategies needed to thrive in our virtual learning environment. Students learn how to navigate our learning management system, manage their time effectively, communicate with teachers, stay organized, set academic goals, and practice digital citizenship. This course helps students build the confidence, independence, and study habits necessary for success in ArchwayOnline and beyond. 

Elective Focus (6 credits)

This is where students can specialize. Electives are one of our favorite subject areas because we get to see what a student is interested in doing! Popular pathways include:

• STEM
• Fine Arts
• Career & Technical Education
• Humanities
• World Languages

Assessments

We provide our students with yearly access to the Classical Learning Test (CLT), an innovative assessment that is rapidly gaining widespread acceptance for college admissions across the country 

ACT / SAT: Are both college admission assessments recommended for 11th and 12th-grade students. ArchwayOnline does not coordinate or administer ACT/SAT testing. Registration, scheduling, and testing logistics are the family’s responsibility if you choose to pursue one of these options.  

Planning Ahead: What Parents Can Do

1. Start Early, even in Middle School- Course choices in 8th and 9th grade can shape a student’s entire high‑school trajectory.
2. Build a Four‑Year Plan- Map out required courses first, then layer in electives.
3. Revisit the Plan Every Year- Interests change, strengths emerge, and your student’s academic plan should grow right along with them. Every year, ArchwayOnline families have access to our Goal-Based Planner to help map out the upcoming school year. As you prepare, please be sure to complete this planner or schedule a call with an Academic Advisor to review your course selections and customize your student’s graduation plan. 
4. Keep Documentation Organized-  ArchwayOnline is responsible for grades, records, and curriculum. It may be helpful to you as a parent to use a checklist to keep up with courses completed and courses needed.
5. Explore Dual Enrollment- ArchwayOnline has a partnership with Union University where TN residents can dual enroll in their online college courses.  Students can also choose a local college and dual enroll through that institution.  It is the student’s responsibility to apply for dual enrollment with a college and to inform an Academic Advisor beforehand so your Graduation Plan can be updated.  Most educational institutions will require permission from us in order to complete your enrollment. 

You are Not Alone

Graduation planning doesn’t have to be stressful and our Academic Counseling team is here to help. With a clear understanding of graduation requirements and a thoughtful four‑year plan, you can help your student build a strong academic foundation and pursue meaningful pathways toward college, career, or technical training.