Preparing Online School Students for Graduation

Connections Academy provides in-depth support to ensure that online school students understand the Connections Academy 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:
    • Guidance 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 21 credits to graduate. A minimum of 5 credits must be earned at Great River Connections Academy (GRCA), and at least 1.5 credits must be earned in the semester immediately prior to graduation. In addition, students must be enrolled in GRCA full-time and not in any other program in the semester prior to graduation. Lastly, students must pass all state mandated tests. Be sure to check your school handbook for updates.

The course credits required to graduate for students who began high school in 2014–2015 and 2016–2017 include:

  • Language arts: 4 credits
  • Math: 4 credits (including Algebra 1, Geometry, and Algebra 2)
  • Science: 3 credits (including Biology, Physical Science, and an Advance Science)
  • Social studies: 3 credits (including U.S. History and Government)
  • Physical education: 0.5 credit
  • Health: 0.5 credit
  • Family and Consumer Science: 1 credit
  • Technology: 1 credit
  • Fine Arts: 1 credits
  • Additional credits of electives are required

The course credits required to graduate for students who began high school in in 2017–2018 and beyond include:

  • Language arts: 4 credits
  • Math: 4 credits (including Algebra 1, Geometry, and Algebra 2)
  • Science: 3 credits (including Biology, Physical Science, and an Advance Science)
  • Social studies: 3 credits (including U.S. History, Government, and Modern World History)
  • Physical education: 0.5 credit
  • Health: 0.5 credit
  • Family and Consumer Science: 1 credit
  • Technology: 1 credit
  • Fine Arts: 1 credits
  • Additional credits of electives are required

Visit the Ohio Department of Education website to learn more about qualifying for a high school diploma in Ohio.