HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS

TOPS University  

Note: This course tracking is required for any student wishing to attend a 4-year institution after high school.  

4 units

English  

English I, English II, English III, and English IV   

4 units

Mathematics  

Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II  

Remaining unit shall come from the following:  

Advanced Math - Functions and Statistics, Advanced Math - Pre-Calculus, Pre-Calculus, IB® Math Studies (Math Methods), Calculus, AP® Calculus AB, AP® Calculus BC, Probability and Statistics, AP® Statistics, IB® Mathematics SL, or IB® Mathematics HL, AP® Computer Science A  

4 units

Science  

Biology, Chemistry I  

Remaining 2 units shall come from the following:   

Earth Science; Environmental Science; AP® Environmental Science or IB® Environmental Systems; Physical Science, Agriscience I and Agriscience II (the elective course Ag I is a prerequisite for Ag II); one of Chemistry II, AP® Chemistry, IB® Chemistry I, or IB® Chemistry II; Physics I, or IB® Physics I; one of AP® Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism, AP® Physics C: Mechanics, or IB® Physics II AP® Physics I, AP® Physics II; one of Biology II, AP® Biology, IB® Biology I, or IB® Biology II  

4 units

Social Studies  

1 Unit from the following: U.S. History, AP® U.S. History, IB® History of the Americas I  

1 Unit from the following: Government, AP® U.S. Government and Politics: Comparative, AP® U.S. Government and Politics: United States, or Civics   

2 Units from the following: One of Western Civilization, European History, or AP® European History; one of World Geography, AP® Human Geography, or IB® Geography; World History or AP® World History; IB® History of the Americas II; Government, Economics; AP® Macroeconomics; AP® Microeconomics; or IB® Economics  

2 units

Foreign Language   

2 units from the same foreign language   
or 2 units of speech  

1 unit

Art  

Fine Arts Survey or one unit of Art, Dance, Music, or Theatre   

½ unit Health Education; 1 ½ units Physical Education  

3 units of Electives  

Total: 24 credits  

After completing two years of high school, students may opt to declare a Jump Start Pathway in lieu of completing the TOPS University track.  

In addition to completing minimum Carnegie units, ALL students must pass required LEAP 2025 exams as outlined by the BESE board.  Jump Start students must meet the following requirements for graduation from a St. Mary Parish High School:  

Louisiana Jump Start Program 

Note: This course tracking does not allow you to initially attend a 4-year institution after high school. Students choosing this course tracking are interested in school-to-work or a technical/2-year institution. Any entering 9th grader not wishing to follow Tops University will follow the Louisiana Jump Start Program. Program requirements vary and will be detailed per student.  

4 units in English  

English I, English II, and two units from the following: English III, English IV, AP or IB English courses, Business English, Technical Writing, or LCTCS equivalent English credits offered by Jump Start regional teams as approved by the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education  

4 units in Mathematics  

1 Unit Algebra I, Algebra I Part One and Algebra I Part Two, or an applied or hybrid Algebra course 3 Units from the following: Geometry, Math Essentials, Financial Literacy (formerly Financial Math), Business Math, Algebra II, Algebra III, Advanced Math - Functions and Statistics, Probability and Statistics, Advanced Math - Pre-Calculus, Pre-Calculus   

2 units in Science  

Biology  

1 unit shall come from the physical science cluster:   

Physical Science, Chemistry I, Physics I  

1 unit shall come from the following:  

Chemistry I, Earth Science; Environmental Science; Physical Science; Agriscience I and Agriscience II (one unit combined); AP or IB Science offerings  

2 units in Social Studies  

U.S. History, AP U.S. History, or IB U.S. History, Civics  

½ unit in Health Education  

1 ½ units Physical Education  

9 or more units as prescribed by the state for the student’s chosen pathway.   

Total: 23 credits