School & Education

The state sets graduation requirements for Illinois students. Schools can increase their graduation requirements, but at a minimum, they must follow Illinois state guidelines. 

Current requirements

Illinois law requires students to complete the following courses to receive a high school diploma:

• Four years of language arts.
• Two years of “writing intensive” courses. One of these must be in English. The other course can include a course about computer literacy or social studies.
• Three years of math. This should include Algebra I. This may include an advanced placement Cases in which youth are removed from their homes and placed elsewhere computer science course.
• Two years of science.
• Two years of social sciences. This must include at least one year of U.S. history. One semester of this requirement can be a civics class. A civics class is one that focuses on the government and the democratic process. A financial literacy course may also count towards this requirement.
• One year of one of the following: Music, Art, Foreign Language, including American Sign Language, Vocational Education, or Forensic Speech (Speech and Debate).

Students entering high school in 2023-2024 and after

Each student entering high school in the 2023-2024 school year and after will need to complete the requirement above as well as one year of computer science. This can be fulfilled in an English class, social studies class, or any other subject that can be counted toward graduation requirements.

Students entering high school in 2024-2025 and after

Each student entering high school in the 2024-2025 school year and after will need to complete the requirements above, except as to science, their two years total must consist of laboratory science.

Students entering high school in 2028-2029 and after

In addition to the requirements above, each student entering high school in the 2028-2029 school year and after will need to complete two years of foreign language courses. American Sign Language counts as a foreign language course for this requirement.

Students with disabilities

The changes above do not apply to students with disabilities whose course of study is determined by an individualized education program. 

Physical education and health

Illinois high school students must have physical education class at least 3 days a week, unless the student has an appropriate medical excuse. Each school is allowed to require more than the legal minimum. 

A student can be exempted from physical education as described above for a limited number of reasons, including:

• They are enrolled in a marching band class for credit,
• They are enrolled in a Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC) program sponsored by the District,
• They are involved in an extracurricular or interscholastic athletic program,
• They need to take a class for admission to an institution of higher learning and they are in the 11th or 12th grade,
• They need to take a class in order to graduate and they are in the 11th or 12th grade,
• Their IEP team decides the time should be used to receive special education services, or
• They are participating in religious fasting, and their parent or guardian has notified the school in writing.

Additionally, each student is required to take one semester (at least 18 weeks) of health education before graduation.

Standardized testing

The state of Illinois requires the following:

• All 9th grade students must take the PreACT 9 Secure,
• All 10th grade students must take the PreACT Secure,
• All 11th grade students must take the ACT with writing exam, and
• Some 12th grade students may also be required to take the ACT with writing exam.

The DLM-AA is an alternate test for students with significant cognitive disabilities. See details about accommodations for students with documented disabilities.

FAFSA requirement

In order to receive a high school diploma, all public high school seniors must complete one of the following:

• the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form,
• the Alternative Application for Illinois Financial Aid, which allows qualifying undocumented students to apply for state financial aid, or
• a non-participation form to waive To give up a legal right or pardon a fee the FAFSA requirement.

Learn more about financial aid application requirements from the Illinois Student Assistance Commission. 

College and career readiness programs

By July 1, 2025, school districts with students in 9th grade through 12th grade will provide college and career readiness programs. These programs will be created to help students make informed plans and decisions about their future education and career goals. Participation in one of these programs is voluntary and not a requirement for graduation.