Graduation Requirements & Credit Options

FCHS follows the Michigan Merit Curriculum (MMC) as set by the Michigan Department of Education. Graduation requirements are as follows (complete graduation charts for each “graduating class” are available in the counseling office or online):

English 4 credits
Math 4 credits (may include 1 cr. CTE Math)
Science 3 credits (may include up to 1 cr. CTE)
Social Studies 3 credits
Health/P.E. 1 credit
Fine/Applied Art 1 credit
World Language 2 credits (may include 1. 0 cr CTE/VPAA)

Total for Graduating Class 18 Credits

Students earn credit by completing 5 academic classes and 1 mentoring class in our program. These classes are worth .5 credit each. Our mentoring class, which is called PLUS, is 20 minutes long and students are eligible to earn .25 credit in this class through participation. A student who passes all classes, including PLUS can earn 6.5 credits in a school year. 

Students may earn credit toward graduation in the following ways:

1. Full schedule of FCHS classes: PLUS class .25 + Academic classes = 3.25 credits per semester.
2. Work Credit: Students can earn 0.5 credits for 90 hours worth of work when they complete an essay about their work experience and turn in a copy of their pay stub and/or W-2. Students can earn up to 3 credits for work depending on their total hours.
3. Online or Blended Study Credit: Students fulfill the weekly required learning standards for online study on or off campus and access their learning at FCHS, based upon their planned schedule. Some options include:
   1. E 2020: Online course work during the regular school day each semester. Incomplete course work within the semester result in an “F” grade on their report card.
   2. Michigan Virtual High School Credit: Students who have a desire to take additional required credits may also choose to take a class through MI Virtual HS. This is an online program that is offered through the State of Michigan. All selections must be pre approved by administration.
   3. Graduation Alliance: a year around, on-line option.
4. Oakland Schools Technical Center (O.S.T.C.) Students attend these programs each morning, earning 1.5 credits per trimester:
   1. Biotechnology and Environmental Science
   2. Business, Management, Marketing and Technology
   3. Construction Technology
   4. Culinary Arts/Hospitality
   5. EET (Engineering/Emerging Technologies)
   6. Health Sciences
   7. Human Services/Cosmetology
   8. Transportation Technology
   9. Visual Imaging Technology
5. College Credit/Dual Enrollment: Eligible juniors and seniors may earn credit by successfully completing classes at a local college. Students may earn both high school and college credit. A 3 or 4 credit college course transfers back to high school as 0.5 credit. All selections must be pre approved by administration.

Students may earn National Academy Foundation (NAF) certification in the following way:

1. Complete four-semesters of NAFTrack approved career-cluster courses and a required performance-based assessment.

2. Students must achieve a passing course grade of C or better for NAFTrack Certification credit.
3. The FCHS and NAF partnership offers curricula for earning a certificate in Finance, and will expand to include Information Technology in the near future.

POSITIVE LEARNING, UNDERSTANDING SUPPORT

This successful mentoring program was designed to enhance student and teacher relationships. Because each student starts their day with PLUS, a bond is made with their Mentoring Teacher and a sense of community is created with their peers. This quarter credit class meets for 30 minutes each day. PLUS students are encouraged to be on time to receive their school provided chromebook, which they can use throughout the day for their work.

PLUS Curriculum includes:

• Inspirational Team Building Activities
• Student Goals
• Academic Teams
• SAT Prep
• Financial Aid
• Operation Success
• College Applications
• Motivational Mindset
• School Information

Cougar Pride Program

The Farmington Central Student-Advisory Council and staff have designed and implemented the “Cougar Pride” success program. All Cougars maintaining all grades of B and above, and that are in good behavioral standing are permitted to participate in the following incentives:

• Friday attendance is optional – students are permitted to report 4 of the 5 school days and a expected to maintain the learning/work of their peers attending for all 5 days,
• Discretionary freedom during “independent-study” time in all classes, and
• Participation in other incentives structured by the Student Advisory Council (special lunch day etc).

The purpose of this program is to:

1. Promote personal responsibility in our scholars for their own progress/learning,
2. Create flexibility as a reward to scholars for exercising academic discipline, and
3. Provide space in our students’ daily schedules for career exploration opportunities.

Students that earn Cougar Pride Status names are posted at the front entrance for recognition. All Cougars will be evaluated every Monday evening, beginning the third week of each semester, for evidence of the status earned.

All of our students are capable of obtaining “Pride” status, through strong work ethic, regular attendance at school, and by using the tutoring support offered by the Farmington Central staff.

If you have questions about the program, please don’t hesitate to contact the school office.