Scheduling Parameters

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS

In order to graduate and receive a high school diploma from Hunterdon Central, each student must:

  • Take and pass required State-mandated testing.
  • Fulfill the requirements as described.

    Click to view, download and print: HCRHS Graduation Requirements Chart

    Click to view, download and print: New Jersey State High School Assessment Requirements

    OPTION I:

    A student earns credits by successful completion of the required courses listed on the HCRHS Graduation Requirements Chart. Credits are awarded for student participation in a class period of instruction. This is called “in-the-seat” class time.

    OPTION II:

    In addition to Option I, students may pursue credits from the Graduation Requirements chart in a more independent manner, rather than “in the seat.” Option II offers alternative paths to credits that meet or exceed the New Jersey Student Learning Standards and are based on student interest or career goals. Students may elect to apply for HCRHS credit or advancement of a course level through distance learning, independent study, college coursework or coursework taken outside HCRHS. All learning opportunities as allowed by Option II must be pre-approved by the counselor, academic area supervisor, the Supervisor of Counseling, the Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum, and the Principal, under N.J.A.C. 6A:8-5.1(a) 1.II. For more information, please click to access the Option II Information Webpage.


COLLEGE ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Minimum HCRHS graduation requirements should not be confused with college admission requirements. The general rule of thumb for most four-year colleges is that applicants must have completed a minimum of 16 "Academic Units" upon graduation. Normally, "Academic Units" are considered to be 5 credit courses in college preparatory Math, Science, English, Social Studies and World Language. HCRHS courses which count as academic units depend upon the discretion of each individual college admissions department. Good grades in quality courses will enhance admission chances. Admission to colleges and universities varies in levels of selectivity. Students and parents should familiarize themselves with the various types of colleges and their degree of difficulty for admission. Students will work with their grade level counselors throughout their high school enrollment, to design an appropriate 4 year plan. This plan will be reviewed annually.

PLANNING FOR THE WORLD OF WORK

Students planning to enter the world of work immediately after graduation from high school may wish to concentrate on course sequences that provide some vocational preparation. In addition to the courses required for high school graduation, students are encouraged to consider elective course work in areas of interest. Students wishing specific skill preparation while in high school may choose to enroll in Polytech courses. Students should consult with counselors for more information, and to design a four year plan that supports this goal. Click to access the website for: Hunterdon County Polytech.

COURSE WORK TAKEN PRIOR TO HIGH SCHOOL

High school level courses taken prior to grade 9 may be used to meet prerequisites or advancement in a particular subject area. However, because graduation credit requirements may only be met by courses taken in grades 9-12, high school level courses taken prior to grade 9 are not included in GPA or credits earned, nor are these listed on the high school transcript. Grade 9 begins upon graduation from grade 8.

GRADE LEVEL PROMOTION REQUIREMENTS

In order for students to be promoted to the next grade level, a minimum amount of credits must be completed during the school year(September through August). These minimums might not coincide with NCAA eligibility requirements - see the Athletics section for more information:

  • 9th to 10th grade: 27.5 Credits
  • 10th to 11th grade: 55.0 Credits
  • 11th to 12th grade: 82.5 Credits

This is for graduation and eligibility tracking purposes only. It will not affect the student’s ability to participate in grade level determined social activities.

ATHLETICS

ATHLETIC & CO-CURRICULAR ELIGIBILITY:

The Board of Education recognizes that the primary responsibility of the school system is to educate all students to the maximum levels possible. Although the academic program has first priority, student activities are an important part of the total learning experience. The Board of Education, therefore, has an obligation to provide an opportunity for students to participate in a full range of activities, while ensuring that the student's academic progress is sufficient to support this participation.Any student who wishes to compete in interscholastic sports must meet the minimum credit requirements established by the New Jersey Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) and the HCRHS Board of Education. Eligibility for activities will be determined on a semester-by-semester basis. All incoming freshmen are automatically eligible to participate in athletics. Currently enrolled students at HCRHS must have accumulated 30 credits at the end of the previous school year to be eligible for a fall or winter sport. For Spring eligibility, all students must be passing the equivalent of 15 credits at the end of the first semester. A mid-year report will be generated at the end of semester 1 to determine eligibility. Students can schedule a minimum of 30 credits; however, counselors encourage any student who wants to participate in athletics to schedule 40 credits. Students should check with counselors if they have any questions about eligibility.

PARTICIPATION IN COLLEGE ATHLETICS:

College-bound athletes preparing to enroll in a Division I or Division II school are required to register at the beginning of their sophomore year with the NCAA Eligibility Center at: http://eligibilitycenter.org. Registering will ensure that students have met amateurism standards and are academically prepared for college coursework. The NCAA requires that athletes complete sixteen (16) core courses prior to graduation from high school. For Division I, ten (10) core courses must be completed before the seventh semester; seven (7) of the 10 must be in English, math or natural/physical science.These courses/grades are "locked in" at start of the seventh semester (cannot be repeated for grade-point average [GPA] improvement to meet initial-eligibility requirements for competition). Counselors can help determine whether or not initial eligibility standards apply.For more information on course, GPA, and testing requirements please refer to the NCAA Eligibility Center Quick Reference Guide. Meeting minimum NCAA eligibility requirements will not guarantee admission into the college of choice. It is recommended that coaches and parents work with Counseling Services on strategies for college admission.

FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION

A family life education curriculum, which will be in compliance with New Jersey administrative code and developed under the supervision of the superintendent with the active participation of teachers, administrators, pupils, parents/ guardians, physicians, members of the clergy and representative members of the community, shall be available to all parents/guardians. Any pupil whose parent/guardian presents to the principal a signed statement that any part of the instruction in health, family life education or sex education is in conflict with their conscience, or moral or religious beliefs, shall be excused from that portion of the course where such instruction is being given, and no penalties as to credit or graduation shall result there from. The Board of Education alone, upon recommendation of the superintendent, shall determine the content, sequence and materials of family life education.