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Fort Payne Career Academy

Informing Today...Transforming Tomorrow

Graduation Requirements

Graduation Requirements

 

 

 

 

 

The Alabama State Department of Education established pathways to earning an Alabama High School Diploma.

In April 2024, the Workforce Pathway Act was approved which prompted the Alabama State Department of Education to amend the Alabama Administrative Code regarding possible diploma pathways to earning a high school diploma.

Public school students in Alabama have two diploma pathways to choose from in order to earn their high school diploma. The two options are the Traditional Pathway (Option A) and the Workforce Pathway (Option B):

 

  • Traditional Pathway – This is the most common pathway used by students to complete the requirements for graduation. Also referred to as Option A.
  • Workforce Pathway – This pathway aims to provide enhanced academic and skiled trade opportunities for Alabama students. Also referred to as Option B.

  • The General Pathway is the default option for the majority of our students. Exceptions may include some students with IEPs who have been placed on either the Essentials Pathway or the Alternate Achievement Pathway by their IEP teams.

    Credit Requirements:

    • 4 credits English
    • 4 credits Math – must include Geometry with Data Analysis, Algebra I with Probability, Algebra II with Statistics, and at least one other ALSDE approved math course
      • Students who successfully complete Accelerated Math 7 and Accelerated Math 8 may replace Algebra I with Probablility with another ALSDE approved math course. This is usually an upper-level Advanced Placement (AP) course.
    • 4 credits Science – must include Biology and a physical science
      • Physical science courses include Physical Science, Chemistry, Honors Chemistry, and Honors Physics.
    • 4 credits Social Studies – World History, U.S. History I, U.S. History II, and U.S. Government/Economics
    • 1 credit Beginning Kinesiology (P.E.) or other approved course (ex., Athletics, JROTC, or Marching Band)
    • 0.5 credit Health
    • 1 credit Career Preparedness – This course incorporates the Financial Literacy Exam and Online Experience requirements.
    • 3 credits in Career-Technical Education, Arts Education, and/or Foreign Language
    • All remaining credits earned count toward the elective credit requirement.
    • A minimum of 24 total earned credits are required per the Alabama State Department of Education.

    Non-Credit Requirements:

    • Successful completion of the Financial Literacy Exam as a part of the Career Preparedness course.
    • Online Experience requirement is provided through the Career Preparedness course.
    • Successful completion/passing score on the Civics Exam (usually taken through the U.S. Goverment or Economics course).
    • Completion of the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) or FAFSA Non-Participation Waiver during senior year.
    • Earn one or more of the College and Career Ready Indicators approved by the Alabama State Board of Education.

  • ​​​​​​This Workforce Pathway was introduced in 2025 and is designed to meet the needs of students planning to join the workforce immediately after high school. Also referred to as Option B. Students interested in the Workforce Pathway must schedule an appointment with their school counselor and parent to discuss the requirements and implications of choosing this pathway.

    Credit Requirements:

    • 4 credits English
    • 2 credits Math – must include Geometry with Data Analysis and Algebra I with Probability
    • 2 credits Science – must include Biology and a physical science
      • Physical science courses include Physical Science, Chemistry, Honors Chemistry, and Honors Physics.
    • 4 credits Social Studies – World History, U.S. History I, U.S. History II, and U.S. Government/Economics
    • 1 credit Beginning Kinesiology (P.E.) or other approved course (ex., Athletics, JROTC, or Marching Band)
    • 0.5 credit Health
    • 1 credit Career Preparedness – This course incorporates the Financial Literacy Exam and Online Experience requirements.
    • 3 credits in Career-Technical Education – Credits must be earned from an approved CTE Program of Study, resulting in CTE Completer status.
    • All remaining credits earned count toward the elective credit requirement. Workforce Pathway students are encouraged to take additional math, science, and/or Career-Technical courses as appropriate for them.
    • A minimum of 24 total earned credits are required per the Alabama State Department of Education.

    ​​​​​​​Non-Credit Requirements:

    • Successful completion of the Financial Literacy Exam as a part of the Career Preparedness course.
    • Online Experience requirement is provided through the Career Preparedness course.
    • Successful completion/passing score on the Civics Exam (usually taken through the U.S. Goverment or Economics course).
    • Completion of the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) or FAFSA Non-Participation Waiver during senior year.
    • Earn one or more of the College and Career Ready Indicators approved by the Alabama State Board of Education.
     

Additional Information

 

 

Additional Information

 

 

 

  • All students are required to participate in the Alabama State Assessments regardless of diploma option. The following assessments are required: 

    • 10th Grade - PreACT
    • 11th Grade – ACT with Writing
    • 12th Grade – ACT WorkKeys
    • WIDA/ACCESS – yearly for all EL students

  • The diploma option for students will default to Diploma Option A unless a request is made for Diploma Option B the Spring of their Sophomore or Junior year. Students will be allowed to revert back to Diploma Option A at the end of a semester if there is time and room in their schedule to complete the graduation requirements.

    1. In the Spring of their Sophomore or Junior year, the student should complete the FPCA Diploma Option B Request Form located below and in the Guidance Office.
    2. The student and parent/guardian will need to schedule an appointment to meet with the school guidance counselor.  
    3. This documentation will then be filed in the student’s cumulative folder and notated in PowerSchool.

    FPCA Diploma Option B Request Form

     

    1. Students on the Workforce Pathway may be eligible for admission to postsecondary institutions or public universities in the state, but it will be the responsibility of the student and parent to seek information concerning postsecondary admissions.
    2. NCAA Requirements: It is the responsibility of the student and parent to seek information on the 16 core-course credit requirements.
    3. Students planning to attend four-year universities should be aware that entrance requirements often include higher-level math and science courses such as Algebra II, Calculus, Chemistry, and Physics.