As a general rule, all students must schedule seven courses per day, which will be a combination of required and elective courses.
The following are required for graduation:
- 4 credits in English *
- 7 credits in Mathematics and Science with no more than 4 credits in either area (GJCTC students—3 credits in Math and 3 credits in Science)
- 4 credits in Social Studies *
- 2 credits in Foreign Language
- 2.5 credits in Health and Physical Education (GJCTC students—1 credit)
- 1 credits in Computer Science
- .5 credits for the Graduation Project *
- 4 credits in Electives * (student selects additional courses from among those approved for credit toward graduation by the school district, including approved vocational education courses)
- Completion of 75 points in Independent Reading (Accelerated Reader) (GJCTC students—37 points)
- Demonstration of proficiency of PA Academic Standards through either the PSSA or the FASD Local Assessment *
* = Courses required for students attending the Greater Johnstown Career and Technology Center (GJCTC)
Total number of credits for graduation: 25High School Course Completion by 7th & 8th Grade Students
In some cases, students are capable of advanced academic work. Students who complete high school courses during their 7th & 8th grade years will have the option of having the credits and their grades factored into their high school grade point average (GPA) for those courses. Decisions made toward course inclusion on high school transcripts will be required to be made at the conclusion of the student’s 8th grade year. Courses completed, but not included on the high school transcript will require students to complete all graduation requirements during grades 9-12.
High School Course Completion by 9th through 12th Grade Students
Students in grades 9th through 12th are expected to meet or exceed grade level expectations in order to meet graduation requirements. In the event that a student has not met grade level expectations, Summer School will provide an opportunity for credit recovery. If a student or his/her parent chooses not to take advantage of Summer School, they do so with the knowledge that the student will not remain on track to graduate with his/her class.
| Status | Credits Completed | AR Points |
| Freshman | Less than 6 | Less than 19 |
| Sophomore | 6 | 19 |
| Junior | 12 | 38 |
| Senior | 18 | 57 |
| Graduate | 25 | 75 |
Commencement Requirements
Students MUST have completed all requirements for graduation and paid all obligations, including serving suspensions/detentions to participate in commencement exercises with their class.
Students will not be permitted to participate in the graduation ceremony unless dressed appropriately.
1. Boys must wear dress slacks (no jeans); a shirt with a collar and dress shoes (no athletic-type shoes or flip flops).
2. Girls must wear a dress or skirt and blouse, stockings and dress shoes (no athletic-type shoes or flip flops).
Culminating Graduation Project
Mission Statement
To meet the requirements of the Pennsylvania Department of Education Chapter Four Regulations, the Ferndale Area School District and Ferndale Area High School have implemented a Graduation Project. This project requires the interaction of the students, staff, and administration. The administration and faculty are genuinely committed to a process that facilitates the successful completion of the graduation requirement. The Graduation Project is an involved process that begins with integrated skill building within the curriculum starting in ninth grade. The project will be extensive in nature and will focus on a dynamic process requiring the total effort of the student and the guidance of the faculty and administration. The project will be performance based, adhering to the definition of achievement set forth by the National School Boards Association.
Goal
Our goal is to challenge students to become life-long learners, responsible citizens, and productive members of their communities. In the graduation project, students will demonstrate competencies in oral and written communication, information-gathering/research skills, and technology utilization. The purpose of the project is to ensure that students are able to apply, analyze, synthesize, and evaluate information, and then communicate significant knowledge and understanding.
Form
The graduation project will focus on the definition of achievement set forth by the National School Boards Association which maintains that students preparing to graduate from high school should show proficiency in the following goal areas:
- 1. Academic achievement reaching beyond what a state test or other standardized tests currently measure (e.g. higher order thinking skills, intellectual curiosity, and creativity.)
- 2. Job skills and preparation
- 3. Citizenship (e.g. volunteerism, community service, abiding by the laws.)
- 4. Appreciation of the arts
- 5. Development of character and values (e.g. integrity, responsibility, courtesy, patriotism, and a work ethic.)
Expectations
The Ferndale Area High School curriculum will be utilized to help students achieve their graduation project goals. Students will demonstrate proficiency in the goal areas through the successful completion of separate “mini-projects” for each goal area. Faculty and administration will serve as advisors to the seniors as they complete their projects.