Minimum Graduation Requirements

In order to graduate from Grand Rapids Public Schools, a scholar must successfully complete all the graduation requirement courses AND must earn the required number of credits based upon their specific cohort AND must take the Michigan Merit Exam (MME). The GRPS graduation requirements include the State of Michigan Merit Curriculum course requirements.

Curriculum Guide Sections: Graduation Requirements
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Scholar athletes need to refer to the NCAA requirements, which may differ from the GRPS requirements, for the credits needed for Division I or Division II schools in order to qualify for potential scholarship opportunities. 

The programs within Innovation Central High School, the International Baccalaureate programme at City High Middle School, and Grand Rapids University Prep Academy (GRUPA), and Early Middle College Programs have program requirements that must be met as part of their program’s specific graduation requirements. These are shown on their specific program pages within this guide. These programs incorporate the minimum graduation requirements within their program plans. 

GRPS Graduation Requirements

Includes State MMC requirements; requirements for specific programs may vary

Content Area2016-2027 Requirements2028 & Later Requirements
English44
Mathematics – including Algebra, Geometry, Algebra II (or higher) and a 4th year of math44
Personal Finance* – including Financial Literacy, or Economics0.00.5
US History11
World History11
Government0.50.5
Economics0.50.5
Biology11
Chemistry OR Physics and 3rd year of science (recommend both Chemistry and Physics)**22
Physical Education0.50.5
Health0.50.5
Arts (fine, performing, or applied)11
World Language (must be same language for two years)2.02.0
GRPS Electives***4.03.5
TOTAL POSSIBLE2222

* Beginning with the Class of 2028 (scholars who enter 9th grade in 2024), 0.5 credit of Personal Finance is required (State requirement.) 

** A full year of both Chemistry and Physics is strongly recommended

*** Scholars at GRPS alternative schools are required to complete Michigan Merit Curriculum courses ONLY and are not required to complete additional GRPS Electives in order to graduate.

Additional Requirements

  • 20 hours of online experience (State requirement)
  • Michigan Merit Examination (MME) in 11th grade (GRPS requirement)

Trimester Transfers

A scholar who comes to GRPS from a trimester only high school will have the classes reviewed and will be placed into the appropriate cohort by the high school counselor.