Graduation
CMCSS is committed to students graduating college and career ready. As students move through their academic journey, they are provided with learning opportunities to ignite their passion and introduce them to future possibilities. The information included here provides families with the knowledge, tools, and resources they’ll need to support their child as they approach graduation.
Navigating Your Future
Tennessee Graduation Requirements
High school students are required to complete a minimum of 22 specified credits, plus computer science if not substituted for other courses.*
| Subject | Total Credits | Minimum Course Requirements |
| English | 4 | English I, English II, English III, English IV |
| Math | 4 | Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II, At least one additional math course beyond Algebra II |
| Science | 3 | Biology, Chemistry or Physics, One additional lab science credit |
| Social Studies | 3.5 | World History and Geography, US History and Geography, Economics (0.5 credi), U.S. Government and Civics (0.5 credit), Personal Finance (0.5 credit) |
| Wellness/PE | 1.5 | Lifetime Wellness, Physical Education (0.5 credit) |
| World Language | 2 | Two consecutive years of the same language |
| Fine Art | 1 | One course in Art, Music, or Theater |
| Focused Elective Group | 3 | Options vary by high school |
Note:
Math – Tennessee students are required to be enrolled in a math course each year of high school.
Wellness/PE – Students may substitute 66 hours of documented participation in a CMCSS school-sponsored, after-school physical activity for this requirement.
JROTC Course Substitutions (for students not choosing JROTC as their Focused Elective Group)
- JROTC (1 year) = Lifetime Wellness (1 credit)
- JROTC (2 years) = Lifetime Wellness (1 credit) and P.E. (1 credit)
- JROTC (3 years) = Lifetime Wellness (1 credit), P.E. (1 credit), U.S. Government and Civics (.5 credit), and Personal Finance (.5 credit)
Computer Science – Required for freshmen entering high school. This course may be a substitute for other courses. Possible Computer Science substitutions include: third year Science, fourth year Math, or CTE courses within the IT pathway.
Each credit requirement may be met only once. Taking a subsequent course that meets the same requirement is considered an audit and is not counted for credit. Credited core courses take prior to 9th grade will count toward a student’s high school GPA.
Career Focused Curriculum
The Fine Art and Foreign Language Requirements may be waived for students who are sure they are not attending a university immediately after graduation. These credits will be replaced with three additional focused elective courses (6 total) to prepare the student for their career choice. Families and students will meet with the counselor to develop and sign this career-focused curriculum before those requirements may be waived.
High school students are required to take TWO national assessments. The ACT will be completed in the spring of 11th grade. The Citizenship test is completed in U.S. Government and Civics or in JROTC II.
College and Career Readiness Indicators
The vision of CMCSS is all students will graduate college and career ready. As students progress through their academic careers, they are exposed to courses, tests, and opportunities to prepare them for the next phase of the journey. The Tennessee Department of Education College and Career Readiness Indicator (CCR) is a statewide accountability measurement.
College and Career Readiness (CCR) Indicator
Students must:
- Meet all graduation requirements per the Tennessee State Board of Education (SBE) Graduation Requirements Rule and High School Policy 2.103
AND - Meet one of the following CCR pathways:
- Meets or exceeds a composite of 21 (ACT) or 1060 (SAT)
- Earns a score of 31 or higher on the ASVAB AFQT
- Earns a Tier 3 IC OR earns a Tier 2 IC and at least one other IC (any tier is acceptable for the second credential)
- Earns one or more “postsecondary credits”
Postsecondary credit opportunities and Career and Technical Education pathways with industry certifications vary by school. Students should connect with their school counselor to understand the opportunities available.
CCR Pathways by high school
Please click here to check your school’s pathway.
Community Learning Series
Families can help their students prepare for high school and their future through the Community Learning Series. These five courses will walk through critical information for students to feel comfortable and successful as they move through their academic journey.
Each course takes approximately five minutes to complete.
Graduation Requirements
Focused Elective Groups
In the Graduation Requirements segment, you learned that a student must earn 22 credits to graduate from high school in the state of TN. Three credits must be in a focused elective group (FEG). Find out what FEGs are available for CMCSS students.
Career and Technical Education and Academies of CMCSS
College and Career Readiness Indicators
The vision of CMCSS is that all students graduate college and career ready. But how will we know if students are “ready” when they cross the stage at graduation?
Know Your Numbers
Options for Postsecondary Enrollment
Explore postsecondary options, discover ways to make education and training more affordable, and learn how to confidently support your child’s path to future success.
Funding for Postsecondary Enrollment
Learn about the different ways to pay for education after high school, including scholarships, grants, financial aid, and other funding opportunities.
Additional Resources
The following pages are tools and resources available through CMCSS.
Accelerated Associate Program @ Nashville State Community College-Clarksville Campus
Career and Technical Education
Early Technical College at TCAT
The following pages are local, state, or national tools and resources available to high school families.