As an international student, do I have to take both U.S. Government and U.S. History, or can I take just one?
International students must complete 3.5 Social Studies credits—including U.S. History and Government—to earn a U.S. diploma. Previously completed courses may count if evaluated by Scholaro or a similar service.
Understanding U.S. Social Studies Requirements for International Students
Yes, international students must meet the same Social Studies credit requirements as U.S.-based students to earn a regionally accredited American high school diploma from Excel High School or Northgate Academy.
All students are required to complete a minimum of 3.5 Social Studies credits, which typically include:
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U.S. History
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U.S. Government
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World History
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Geography, Economics, or other electives
These subjects are essential to meeting the standards of an American diploma. A high school-level understanding of American history and civics is a core requirement—regardless of where the student lives or previously studied.
Can I Skip a Course If I’ve Studied Similar Subjects Before?
Possibly. If you've already completed Social Studies courses in another country, you may be eligible to transfer some credit. However, those courses must be formally evaluated for U.S. equivalency.
To do this:
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Upload your official transcripts to Scholaro or another approved credential evaluation service.
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Request a course-by-course evaluation, which will convert your international credits into the U.S. high school standard.
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Have the evaluation sent to records@excelhighschool.com for review.
Please note: Even if some credits are approved, students are often still required to complete either U.S. Government or U.S. History to meet diploma standards.