Grade Level Classification
- Sophomore 60 semester hours (6 units)
- Junior 120 semester hours (12 units)
- Senior 170 semester hours (17 units)
- Diploma 240 semester hours (24 units)
Our full-time counselor will work with students and parents to ensure all students are enrolled in the core classes required for DPS graduation.
Denver Online High School also has a large selection of elective classes.
Click Here for Core Classes
Click Here for Elective Classes
DPS Graduation Requirements
The high school diploma awarded by Denver Public Schools represents a high standard of quality in curriculum content, instruction, and student learning, that reflects substantial effort by the student and the school district in preparation for the world of work or higher education.
Total Credits Required: 240
English
40 credits: 4 years/8 semesters
Including the following named courses:
- Intro. to Literature and Composition (1 year)
- American Literature and Composition (1 year)
- Upper Division Writing Academic Elective or World Literature (1 year)
Social Studies
30 credits: 3 years/6 semesters
including the following named courses:
- U.S. History (1 year)
- Civics (1 semester)
- Geography (1 year)
Science
30 credits: 3 years/6 semesters
Including the following named courses:
- Earth Science (1 year)
- Biology (1 year)
- Chemistry or Physics (1 year)
Math
40 credits: 4 years/8 semesters
Including the following named courses:
- Algebra I (1 year)
The high school algebra requirement will be waived for a student who successfully completes one year of algebra in middle school (or passes the 8th grade Algebra Test). - Geometry (1 year)
- Algebra II (1 year)
- Higher Level Math (1 year)
Physical Education, Dance, or ROTC
10 credits: 1 year/2 semesters
- Equivalents shall include: Citywide Marching Band, DPS Athletics or Cheerleading.
Athletic sports that are sanctioned by the Denver Public Schools’ Board of Education and meet the criteria below may exempt a student from the physical education graduation requirement. No grade or credit will be given for athletic participation and such exemptions will not reduce the total number of hours required to earn a diploma. Both semesters of the physical education requirement may be exempted by athletic participation.
Criteria governing physical education exemptions:
- The student must maintain academic eligibility for the entire season.
One full sport season is required to exempt a student from five semester hours (5 units) of PE requirement
A student must be a high school freshman, sophomore, or junior to quality for the exemption. Seniors who have not yet met the PE requirement are not allowed to take this exemption and must enroll in a physical education course.
Academic Electives
30 credits: 2 years/4 semesters
Including the following:
- 1 year Fine Art (music, art, drama)
- 1 year other approved academic elective: i.e. additional units of Language Arts, Social Studies Science, Mathematics, Foreign Language, art, music, journalism, drama, computer science, honors, A.V.I.D., Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, approved career and technical education courses.
Electives
50 credits: 10 semesters (may include Acad. Electives)