Preparing Online School Students for Graduation

Connections Academy provides in-depth support to ensure that online school students understand their graduation requirements and are well prepared for life beyond high school.

To make sure that our graduating class of seniors is well prepared for the transition out of virtual high school, Connections Academy provides:

• Access to a full-time certified school counselor
• Assistance creating a four-year academic plan
• College and career planning, including:
  • Support in finding appropriate college or career opportunities
  • LiveLesson^® online workshops about the college application process, including information on local colleges/universities
  • Financial aid and scholarship LiveLesson online workshops
  • Free access to college admissions test preparation online courses and information about test dates, locations, etc.
  • Official transcripts
• Additional extracurricular activities 

High School Graduation Requirements

Students must successfully earn a minimum of 40 credits graduate and pass ISTEP+ End of Course Assessments. Be sure to check your school handbook for updates.

To graduate with the Core 40, students will need to complete the following courses:

• Language arts: 8 credits
• Math: 6 credits (can include Algebra I, Algebra II, Geometry, fourth year of math, or Quantitative Reasoning course)
• Science: 6 credits (including Lab Science and Biology)
• Social studies: 6 credits (including U.S. History, Economics and Government)
• Physical education/Health: 3 credits
• Career Directed Electives: 11 credits

Students can also earn an Honors diploma by meeting the following requirements:

• Earn a minimum of 47 academic credits
• Cumulative GPA of a 3.0/4.0 scale
• C- or higher in all Core 40 courses
• Complete three years of one world language or two years of two different languages
• Fourth year of math to include Pre-Calculus, AP Calculus, or AP Statistics
• Complete two of the following:
  • Advanced Placement course(s) and the corresponding exams
  • Dual Credit course(s) earning 3 transcripted college credits

Beginning with the class of 2023, students will graduate according to new Pathways requirements. Under these new guidelines, students are required to complete all credits toward their chosen diploma, demonstrate employability skills through completion of one of three project choices, and complete a post-secondary readiness competency. More information can be found on the Indiana Department of Education website.