In order to graduate, students must successfully complete 26.5 academic credits and must achieve Proficiency on the Keystone exams.
1. The 26.5 Credits must be earned in the following areas: Social Studies(with a minimum of 3 credits in Social Studies, the 4th credit may be satisfied by a level 3 course in World Language)
2. Pennsylvania Statewide Graduation Requirement (Act 158 of 2018)
Effective with the Pittsburgh Public Schools graduating class of 2023, students have the option to demonstrate postsecondary preparedness through one of four additional pathways that more fully illustrate college, career, and community readiness.
Keystone Exams will continue as the statewide assessment Pennsylvania uses to comply with accountability requirements set forth in the federal Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). Although students will no longer be required to achieve proficiency on the Keystone Exams in order to meet statewide graduation requirements, students must take the Keystone Exams for purposes of federal accountability.
Five pathways exist for meeting state high school graduation requirements:
More information regarding Act 158 can be found at education.pa.gov.