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High School Graduation Requirements:

A Saint Paul student must accumulate a minimum of (24) total course credits in order to graduate. All Saint Paul students must be enrolled in (6) academic classes per semester. Beginning with the Class of 2023, the minimum of (24) total course credits must be earned in the following disciplines (please note that one credit is equal to a full year course, a (0.5) credit is equal to a half-year/semester course).

  • (4) credits Theology
  • (4) credits English
  • (4) credits Mathematics
  • (3) credits Science (Biology and Chemistry are required)
  • (3) credits Social Studies (U.S. History is required)
  • (2) credits World Languages (two high school credits in the same language)
  • (0.5) credit Computer Science / Technology
  • (0.5) credit Fine Arts
  • (2.5) credits Electives

For members of the Saint Paul Class of 2021 and 2022 formerly of Holy Name or Saint Peter-Marian, the school will utilize a graduation credit assessment process that (a) recognizes the earned credits of students, (b) maintains the matriculation pathways of former Holy Name or Saint-Peter Marian students (as scheduling and course offerings permit), and (c) provides for a student to carry (6) academic courses per semester.

Academic Course Levels:

Saint Paul utilizes the following academic course levels. A variety of factors contribute to level placement including standardized testing performance, academic achievement, teacher recommendation, department chair recommendation, and completed coursework.

Advanced Placement (AP)

AP courses are highly rigorous classes designed for academically outstanding college-bound students who have demonstrated exceptional academic achievement through a combination of ability and motivation. AP courses cover a collegiate-level depth and breadth of curricular material, with the expectation for student readiness to engage independent learning at the level of an undergraduate. Please refer to the section below on Advanced Placement (AP) for more details.

Honors (H)

Honors courses are rigorous classes designed for college-bound students who have demonstrated exceptional academic achievement through a combination of ability and motivation. Honors courses cover a greater depth and breadth of curricular material than our Accelerated College Prep classes, with the expectation for increased independent learning on the part of the student.

Accelerated College Preparatory (ACP)

Accelerated College Preparatory courses are classes designed for college-bound students who have demonstrated commendable levels of academic achievement through a combination of ability and motivation. ACP courses cover a greater depth and breadth of curricular material than our College Preparatory classes, with the expectation for independent learning on the part of the student.

College Preparatory (CP)

College Preparatory courses are classes designed for college-bound students who have demonstrated proficient levels of academic achievement. CP courses cover a depth and breadth of curricular materials according to grade appropriate state and national standards. Mastery of subject-specific content and skills is facilitated through the acquisition and development of primary learning domains.

Virtual High School:

Saint Paul has partnered with VHS Learning, a nonprofit educational provider that organizes world-class online learning programs. Since 2004, VHS courses have included core subject classes, elective offerings, and Advanced Placement courses. Saint Paul students can utilize VHS to expand upon the course offerings available within our school building to elect courses that we are not currently offering.

VHS classes consists of students from around the world, giving students the opportunity to work with a diverse group of peers. Class assignments include group projects, interactive lessons, and group discussions, giving every student a chance to participate and be heard in class. VHS classes have weekly due dates for assignments. Students can access their coursework anywhere they have internet access. For Saint Paul students, VHS classes are incorporated into the academic schedule.

Due to the limited amount of seats available, there is an application and approval process for Saint Paul students seeking VHS registration. Also, additional fees for VHS classes may apply. Please contact the School Counseling Office for more registration details.

To learn more about a week in the life of a VHS Learning student:

https://vhslearning.org/students#week

To review the entire course catalog of more than 200 VHS courses:

https://vhslearning.org/catalog

College Board Advanced Placement Courses:

Advanced Placement courses and curricular standards are created and certified by the College Board in consultations with college-level educators in that field of study. AP courses allow academically prepared students to complete college-level studies during their high school years. High school courses designated as AP must be audited and approved by the College Board.  The Saint Paul CEEB Code is 220059 

AP courses are highly rigorous classes designed for academically outstanding college bound students who have demonstrated exceptional academic achievement through a combination of ability and motivation. AP courses cover a collegiate-level depth and breadth of curricular material, with the expectation for student readiness to engage independent learning at the level of an undergraduate. AP courses demand a significant investment of additional hours of independent study. Due to the intensity of AP work, Saint Paul students may enroll in no more than three AP classes per academic year.

An Advanced Placement class culminates in a national exam administered by the College Board. All Saint Paul students registered for an AP course must take the AP administered national exam in fulfilling the course requirements. Scores on the exam may qualify students for college credit or advanced standing as determined by the colleges. There is an additional fee for each AP exam, which is paid by the student’s family. Also, additional fees for AP classes may apply. Given the highly selective nature of AP courses, there is an application and approval process for Saint Paul students seeking AP course registration. All Saint Paul AP courses are subject to scheduling availability and student enrollment. Please contact the School Counseling Office for registration details.

More information on the content and expectations for any AP courses can be found online at the College Board Website: https://apstudent.collegeboard.org/apcourse

Saint Paul AP course offerings include:

  • AP English Language & Composition
  • AP English Literature & Composition
  • AP Calculus
  • AP US History
  • AP US Government & Politics
  • AP Psychology
  • AP European History
  • AP Biology
  • AP Chemistry
  • AP Physics C – Electricity & Magnetism
  • AP Spanish Language & Culture
  • AP Studio Art
  • AP Music Theory
  • AP Computer Science

As with all Saint Paul course offerings, including AP, course availability is dependent upon several factors such as total student enrollment, course registrations, student interest, staffing needs, academic prerequisites, and master scheduling.