The Maryland State Board of Education adopted the following
graduation requirements for students: students must pass functional tests in
reading, writing, citizenship and mathematics, must complete student service
learning requirements and earn four credits beyond their junior
year. Credits required are English, 4; social studies, 3; science, 3;
mathematics, 3; physical education,1/2; health,1/2; fine arts, 1; technology
education, 1; and choice of advanced technology education, 1; career and
technology courses or foreign language, 2; and electives for a total of 21
credits. St. Mary's County requires one extra social studies and
mathematics credit plus a student portfolio.
Beginning statewide with the
2007 graduating class, students must pass five tests on core subjects to
graduate under the High School Assessment plan. They must pass test
in English, algebra, geometry, government and biology. The High
School Assessment is part of the state's efforts to improve education in public
schools and the quality of Maryland's work force.
As a part of the state
requirement for graduation, students in Calvert must complete either a school
system-designed program in student service or 75 hours of student service that
includes preparation, action, and reflection components. This is
called a Service Learning Requirement for Graduation.
Normally those who
work on the base live in Calvert, Charles or St. Mary's Counties. All
have excellent high school programs. There are also private high
school options available in each county.
CHARLES COUNTY - There are five
public high schools in Charles County, which serve students in grades 9-12. A
sixth high school is scheduled to open in August 2005.
High schools are
located geographically throughout the county and offer a rigorous academic
program for all students. There is a countywide approach to high school
education. CCPS offers varying levels of courses to meet the needs of students
of varying ability levels and who have differing educational and career goals.
Additionally, Charles County Public Schools places strong emphasis on Advanced
Placement classes and encourages students to take the most challenging courses
possible. The goal of the student's high school education is preparation for
success in college, the job market, military service, or additional career and
technical education. To receive a high school diploma, students must
successfully complete 21 credits as specified by the Maryland State Board of
Education.
In addition to a strong academic program, all high schools offer
a wide variety of extracurricular activities including competitive sports and
numerous clubs and academic competitions.
ST. MARY'S COUNTY (base
location)- High school students complete a four-year sequence of courses in an
identified career cluster to acquire knowledge and skills that will prepare them
for advanced study at four-year colleges and universities, community colleges,
technical institutions, military service, and/or direct entry into the world of
work. The programs offered in high school are presented as part of
five broad career clusters: Communication, Media, and Arts; Business
Management and Finance; Engineering, Sciences, and Technology; Life Science and
Environmental Studies; and Consumer and Human Services. Students may
earn the Maryland High School Certificate of Merit in addition to the high
school diploma. Specific high school graduation requirements can be
found in the St. Mary's County Public Schools' High School Program of
Studies.
High schools offer numerous programs to further student learning.
The Advanced Placement Program provides 21 courses for students wishing to
pursue more challenging opportunities that are comparable to the demands of
college level course work. Each high school offers a Junior Reserve
Officer Training Corps (JROTC) program. Students complete both a
career portfolio and student service-learning. Students at each high
school may also take courses at the Dr. James A. Forrest Career and Technology
Center.