What Credits Do I Need to Pass High School?

Think of credits as a kind of reward for passing a class with a final grade of 60 percent or higher. You receive a certain number of credits for each course based on the number of hours you spend learning (1 credit equals around 25 hours of classroom or school activity).

For example, English Language Arts (or language of instruction) class has more instructional hours than art class, so it is worth more credits. 

Your mission is to earn a total of 54 credits in Secondary IV and V. Twenty of these credits need to be earned in Secondary V. 

In addition, there are certain subjects that you absolutely have to pass with a mark of 60 percent or higher: 

• Secondary V language of instruction
• Secondary V second language
• Secondary IV mathematics (see options)
• Secondary IV science (see options)
• Secondary IV history
• Secondary IV arts
• Secondary V Ethics and Religious Culture or Physical Education

To help you keep track of which credits you still need to graduate, we’ve put together a handy checklist. You can also refer to the table below to see how many credits each of your classes is worth. 

If the end of the year is approaching and you’re still missing credits despite your best efforts, don’t panic! There are solutions:

• You can make up some missing credits in summer school.
• If you’re short 6 credits or less, consider looking into the Springboard to a DCS Pathway program. It allows you to start your college studies while finishing high school.
• If you’re 16 or older, you can also complete your missing classes at an adult education centre.