Graduation Requirements
New Graduation Requirement of Class of 2025 through Class of 2027
For HHS graduating classes of 2025 through 2027, each graduating high school senior is required by law, as part of New Jersey’s new graduation requirement P.L. 2023, c.295, to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the NJ Alternative Financial Aid Application (NJAFAA) in order to receive a diploma.
The FAFSA gives students access to the largest source of financial aid to pay for college or vocational school. Through completing the FAFSA, students can be considered for federal financial aid, including Pell grants, work-study programs, and loans. In addition, many states and colleges, as well as some private financial aid providers, use FAFSA information to determine students’ eligibility for aid.
The FAFSA is an opportunity to have access to the resources that are needed to consider and enter postsecondary education – whether it be 2-year, 4-year, or technical school. In addition, students who are NJ residents but do not meet the requirements for FAFSA, may consider the NJAFAA as an option. The NJAFAA enables students to receive state financial assistance to support their post-secondary college and career goals.
If you do not qualify for the FAFSA/the NJ Alternative Financial Aid Application or you wish to request that your student be waived from this graduation requirement parents/guardians should complete the FAFSA/NJAFAA Waiver Form. The form must be submitted it to your student’s school counselor by May 1st of your student’s senior year.
To be eligible for a high school diploma awarded by the East Windsor Regional School District Board of Education, students must complete the following:
4 years (20 credits) of Language Arts Literacy/English
4 years (20 credits) of Health & Physical Education
3 years (15 credits) of Mathematics, including Algebra 1, Geometry, Algebra 2
3 years (15 credits) of Science including Biology/Life Science, Chemistry or Physics and one additional laboratory/inquiry-based Science course
3 years (15 credits) of Social Studies, including 2 years (10 credits) of US History and 1 year (5 credits) in World History
1 year (5 credits) of Visual and Performing Arts
1 year (5 credits) of 21st Century Life and Careers, or Career-Technical Education (Practical Arts)
2 years (10 credits) World Language (must be 2 years of the same language)
½ year (2.5 credits) of Financial, Economic, Business and Entrepreneurial Literacy.
Technological literacy, consistent with the core curriculum content standards, integrated throughout the curriculum. Students must earn a minimum of 130 credits to be eligible for graduation from Hightstown High School.
Additionally, students must meet a minimum assessment score (NJGPA or approved substitute) as determined by the NJ Department of Education.