Promotion

The normal course load for all students is six classes.
     6.00 credits are required to enter the Sophomore year
     12.00 credits are required to enter the Junior year
     18.00 credits are required to enter the Senior year

Credits will be reviewed at the end of each semester.

Specific graduation requirements include the following:
     4 credits of English
     3 credits of Theology
     2 credits of Social Studies - including U.S. History (and passage of the Public Law exam) and Sociology
     2 credits of Science
     2 credits of Mathematics
     1 credits of Physical Education/Health

Students are strongly encouraged to take at least three (3) units each in math, science, and social studies to comply with entrance requirements for the universities sponsored by the state of Illinois.

Graduation Requirements

24 credits are required for graduation.

Students who fail to meet all graduation requirements will not be allowed to participate in the Baccalaureate Mass or in Graduation Exercises. No blank diplomas are granted. Please note new requirements for Class of 2009 which follow:

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS/DIPLOMA OPTIONS CLASS OF 2009

Beginning with the Class of 2009, students will be directed to pursue a particular diploma option with specific graduation requirements. These graduation requirements are aligned with the Illinois Board of
Higher Education’s requirements for preparing students for entrance into state universities and colleges. These new graduation requirements will allow students to meet and exceed the expectations of higher
educational institutions.

The new graduation requirements and diploma options for the Class of 2009 and beyond:

SFDS ACADEMIC HONORS DIPLOMA
(Students must maintain a 3.3 G.P.A.)
4 credits of English
3 or 4 credits of Math* (must include geometry & Algebra II)
3 or 4 credits of Science* (must include chemistry)
3 credits of Theology
3 credits of Social Studies (must include U.S. history & sociology)
1 credit of Physical Ed.
2 credits of Foreign Language (must be in same language)
4 credits of Electives
*Students must take 7 credits total between math and science (i.e. 3 math and 4 science or 4 math and 3 science)

SFDS COLLEGE 24 DIPLOMA
4 credits of English
3 or 4 credits of Math* (must include geometry & Algebra II)
3 or 4 credits of Science* (must include chemistry)
3 credits of Theology
3 credits of Social Studies (must include U.S. history & sociology)
1 credit of Physical Ed.
2 credits of Foreign Language (must be in same language)
4 credits of Electives
*Students must take 7 credits total between math and science (i.e. 3 math and 4 science or 4 math and 3 science)

SFDS GENERAL HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA
4 credits of English
2 credits of Math* (must include Algebra I and geometry)
2 credits of Science*
3 credits of Theology
3 credits of Social Studies (must include U.S. history & sociology)
1 credit of Physical Ed.
9 credits of Electives