In order to receive an Acton-Boxborough Regional High School diploma, students must:
Earn 100 credits.
Receive a “competency determination” by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education based on performance on the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS) test.
In addition, students must earn passing grades in the following areas of study:
Four years of English
Three years of social studies (two of which must be U.S. History I and II)
Two years of science (one of which must be biology)
Two years of mathematics
Fitness for Living (AB’s integrated health and physical education course taken by all freshmen)
Three semesters of physical education over the course of the next three years (grades 10, 11, 12)
One additional year of an academic elective – English, social studies, math, science, or a third year of a world language.
2.5 credits from Performing Arts, Visual Arts, Communication Arts or Industrial Arts.
ABRHS requires all students to spend 990 hours per year in academic study. This time may include scheduled classes, directed studies and activities directly related to each student’s course of studies. Teachers need not be present during all 990 hours; however, all activities should carry the same academic rigor as that of classroom activities. Teachers make themselves available at published times to provide guidance in all areas of study. Students who are progressing toward graduation requirements at a consistent pace will fulfill their 990 requirements through required classes, electives, and associated activities. Directed studies may supplement any student’s structured learning plan. Required learning activities include Science, English, Social Studies, Mathematics and World Language portfolios associated with full year and some semester courses in these departments.