Graduation Requirements
Students must successfully complete 26 Upper School (post Grade 8) credit hours to qualify for a McLean School Diploma. A unit of credit is awarded for a course that meets one class period per day for the entire academic year. Partial credit is awarded in the same ratio for courses that meet less often. Classes, with as few as one student and as many as 18, are 50 minutes long and meet 5 days per week. Academic discipline requirements are:
English: 3 years (structured grammar, composition, and vocabulary)
Foreign Language: 2 years of one language; 3 years strongly recommended (Spanish, Latin, and American Sign Language are offered)
History: 3 years; 4 years strongly recommended (US History is required. Western Traditions, The Modern World, Advanced Placement US History, Advanced Placement US Government, as well as other electives are offered)
Literature: 3 years Foundations in Literature, Global Literature, American Literature
Senior English: Humanities: 1 year (Advanced Placement English Literature and Composition, Advanced Literature and Composition, 20th Century Culture and Thought, Creative Writing, African American History and Literature, Literature and Film)
Mathematics: 4 years (Algebra I, Geometry, and Algebra II/Trig are required. Precalculus, Advanced Placement Calculus AB, Senior Math and Probability & Statistics are also offered)
Science: 3 years; 4 years strongly recommended (Biology, Environmental Science, Chemistry, Physics, PAID (Physiology, Anatomy, Injury Prevention and Diseases), Advanced Placement Biology, and Advanced Placement Environmental Science are offered)
Arts: One credit of art, music, and/or technology. More are recommended (elective classes in visual arts include Art Foundations, Ceramics, Independent Art, Advanced Art, and AP Studio Art; elective classes in performing arts include Chorus, Jazz Band, and Rock, Pop, and Blues; elective classes in technology include Graphic and Web Design, Animation and Video Exploration, and Yearbook )
Physical Education: 2 years (3 options fulfill this requirement: participation on an after school athletic team; attending a daily after-school P.E. class; or applying for an independent study in physical education)
Course descriptions for each discipline can be found by clicking on links to the right. Honors classes are offered for students meeting prerequisite requirements; other courses may also have prerequisites or require departmental permission. Independent study is available to qualified juniors and seniors.
