High School Graduation Requirements
Graduation from West Ottawa High School means that a student has satisfactorily completed the prescribed courses of study in accordance with his/her respective abilities and has completed requirements as prescribed by the West Ottawa 
Board of Education and the State of Michigan. The educational program of the West Ottawa district is designed to be completed in thirteen years, culminating in the awarding of a diploma. Whenever possible, the school district will provide opportunities for a student to complete the program within the prescribed thirteen years.
To qualify for a diploma under the usual conditions, a student must
- Have been in attendance 9th – 12th grades or a minimum of eight semesters, or be able to verify thirteen years of school attendance.
- In order to graduate early, students must meet board and state graduation requirements. Additionally, a student must submit an Early Graduation Application in the main office by Feb. 1st.
- Be enrolled in six subjects each semester of the eight required semesters.
- Complete the minimum credits for graduation, including
GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS FOR WEST OTTAWA H.S.
| English 1 or Honors English 1 | 1 unit of credit | |
| English 2 or Honors English 2 | 1 unit of credit | |
| English 3 or Equivalent Honors, AP or Dual Enrollment | 1 unit of credit | |
| English 4 or Equivalent Honors, AP or Dual Enrollment | 1 unit of credit | |
| Algebra | 1 unit of credit | |
| Algebra 2 | 1 unit of credit | |
| Geometry | 1 unit of credit | |
| Elective Math (during senior or final year) | 1 unit of credit | |
| U.S. History, Honors US History, AP or IB equivalent. |
1 unit of credit | |
| World History, Honors World History, or AP equivalent. | 1 unit of credit | |
| Biology or Equivalent Honors, AP, or IB | 1 unit of credit | |
| Chemistry or Equivalent Honors, AP, or IB | 1 unit of credit | |
| Conceptual Physics, Physics, AP or IB. | 1 unit of credit | |
| Economics or AP Economics | 0.5 unit of credit | |
| Government or AP Government | 0.5 unit of credit | |
| Visual/Performing/Applied Arts | 1 unit of credit | |
| Successful Living (Health) | 0.5 unit of credit | |
| Physical Wellness Elective | 0.5 unit of credit | |
| Electives | 8 units of credit |
Credits from required classes: 16.0
Minimum credits to graduate for Class of 2013: 22.75
Students must complete all academic requirements to receive a West Ottawa diploma.
Under regular circumstances, students can earn six and one quarter (6.25) credits per year (6.0 from regular classes plus 0.25 from seminar.), totaling 25 credits during their high school career. All semester classes count as 0.5 credits.
THE PRINCIPAL MUST approve any deviations from the graduation requirements.
