Graduation Requirements
In order to meet CPS’ graduation requirements students must earn a minimum of 24 credits. Although CPS only requires students to earn 24, we require that students enrolled in our College and Careers Program earn 32 credit hours and students enrolled in our College Preparatory Program earn 28 credit hours (See Appendix A). Westinghouse is a premier high school. Our graduates will be more than adequately prepared for College, Careers and Beyond.
Basic Requirements
4 credits of English: English 1, English 2, English 3, English 4
3 credits of Social Studies: World Studies, U.S. History, 20th Century US/elective
3 credits of Mathematics: Algebra, Geometry, Alg. II w/Trig,
3 credits of Science: Biology, Physics or Chemistry
2 credits of World Language: 2-Spanish or 2-French
2 credits of Fine Arts: Art, Music or Band
2 credits of Health, Safety and Physical Education
2 credits of Career Education or Advanced Academics
3 credits of electives
In addition, each student must:
- pass Driver's Education,
- pass the Public Law 195 (Constitution) Exam,
- complete 40 hours of Service Learning,
- Include consumer education in one of his/her electives.
Promotion Policies
Minimum units of credit required for promotion from:
Grade 9 6.0 units + 10 Service Learning Hours
Grade 10 12.0 units + 20 Service Learning Hours
Grade 11 19.0 units + 30 Service Learning Hours
Grade 12 24.0 units + 40 Service Learning Hours
Students who do not meet these requirements are required to make up their deficiencies in Summer School, Evening School, or Saturday School.
Service Learning (SL)
Service Learning is a teaching and learning methodology that connects classroom curriculum with community issues and needs. Service Learning engages students in projects that serve the community and build their social and academic capacities. CPS requires students to complete 40 hours of Service Learning to graduate. 20 hours are required for promotion to the 11th grade. Many teachers conduct service learning projects with their classes. If you choose to complete a project outside of school on your own, you must first complete a Service Learning Agreement and have it approved by one of the Service Learning coaches. Keep track of your time on the SL Time Sheet. When you finish your project, turn the Time Sheet in to one of the coaches to have your hours recorded.
For Service Learning projects and agencies, visit: http://servicelearning.cps.k12.il.us.
Standardized Tests
Students are required to take the following standardized tests:
Freshmen, EXPLORE
Sophomores & Juniors, PLAN
Juniors, Prairie State Achievement Exam (PSAE)/IMAGE
9-12 Bilingual Students, ACCESS for ELLs
