What Are the Graduation Tracks at Excel High School?
At Excel High School, students can choose between two graduation tracks: 21.5 credits or 24 credits. Both tracks lead to an accredited high school diploma, but they serve different educational and career goals.
Comparing the 21.5-Credit and 24-Credit Tracks
21.5-Credit Track
The 21.5-credit diploma is designed for students who want to meet the minimum graduation requirements while keeping their future options open.
Ideal for:
- Students planning to attend trade schools, career colleges, or enter the workforce.
- Military-bound students (this track meets enlistment requirements).
- Adult learners in the Fast Track Diploma program (with an option to switch to 24 credits).
Required Courses:
- English: 4 credits
- Math: 3 credits
- Science: 3 credits (including Biology and Chemistry)
- Social Studies: 3.5 credits
- Required Electives: 2 credits (Health/Fitness, Fine Art)
- Other Electives: 6 credits (Business, Arts, STEM, Human Sciences, Health & Medicine, Second Languages)
24-Credit Track
The 24-credit diploma is designed for students aiming for four-year universities or competitive college scholarships.
Ideal for:
- Students who want to qualify for college admissions.
- Those interested in STEM, nursing, or other selective career fields.
- Students looking to build a stronger academic transcript for scholarships.
Required Courses:
- English: 4 credits
- Math: 4 credits (including Pre-Calculus or higher for STEM-bound students)
- Science: 3 credits
- Social Studies: 3.5 credits
- Required Electives: 2 credits (Health/Fitness, Fine Art)
- Foreign Language: 2 credits (Spanish, French, American Sign Language)
- Other Electives: 6 credits
Which Track Should You Choose?
Choose the 21.5-credit track if you want a faster path to graduation, plan to enter a career or trade school, or are an adult learner.
Choose the 24-credit track if you want to attend a four-year college, pursue STEM or competitive fields, or qualify for more scholarships.