How Many Credits Do You Need to Graduate High School in South Carolina?
May 01, 2025
At Colearn Academy, we’re often asked by South Carolina families: How many credits do you need to graduate high school in SC? As a tuition-free virtual public charter school serving K–12 students across the state, we’re here to provide clear answers and personalized support to ensure your student meets these requirements. Let’s dive into the details and explore how Colearn makes earning a South Carolina high school diploma achievable and stress-free.
The Answer: 24 Credits
According to the South Carolina Department of Education, students need to earn 24 credits to graduate high school in South Carolina. These credits must be earned in specific subjects to meet state standards, ensuring students are prepared for college, careers, or other post-graduation paths. While the total number is straightforward, understanding how to earn these credits and balancing them can feel overwhelming—especially for families new to virtual schooling. That’s where Colearn Academy comes in!
What Counts Toward the 24 Credits?
The 24 credits are broken into core subjects and electives. Here’s a quick overview:
Core Subjects: You’ll need credits in English (4), Math (4), Science (3), and Social Studies (3), plus 1 credit each in Physical Education, Computer Science, and either a World Language or Career/Technology course.
Electives: The remaining 7 credits can be earned through electives, which allow students to explore interests like art, music, or coding.
Additionally, students must pass End-of-Course (EOC) exams in subjects like Algebra 1 and Biology, which contribute to their final grades.
How Colearn Academy Helps You Earn 24 Credits
At Colearn Academy, we’re committed to helping every student earn their 24 credits in a way that fits their unique learning style and schedule. Here’s how we support South Carolina students on their journey to graduation:
Virtual Learning Tools: Our online platform tracks your student’s progress toward the 24 credits in real-time. Parents and students can log in to see completed courses, remaining credits, and upcoming requirements, making it easy to stay on track.
Flexible Scheduling: Whether your student needs to accelerate in math or take extra time with English, our virtual program lets them earn credits at their own pace. For example, a student passionate about technology can take a coding course to fulfill the Computer Science credit, as noted by resources like Code.org, which highlights the importance of computer literacy in modern education.
Personalized Guidance: Our South Carolina-certified teachers work with families to create a plan that ensures all 24 credits are met. Need to balance electives with core courses? We’ll help map it out.
Credit Recovery Options: If your student has fallen behind, Colearn offers credit recovery programs to help them catch up without stress, ensuring they still reach the 24-credit goal.
Practical Tips for Tracking Credits
Reaching the 24-credit mark requires planning, but it doesn’t have to be daunting. Here are some tips to help your student stay on top of their progress:
Create a Credit Checklist: List out the required credits (e.g., 4 in English, 3 in Science) and check them off as your student completes each course. Colearn’s platform provides a digital version of this checklist for easy tracking.
Focus on EOC Exams Early: Courses like Algebra 1 and U.S. History require EOC exams, which impact credit completion. Prepare early with Colearn’s study resources to ensure success.
Use Electives Wisely: The 7 elective credits are a chance to explore passions. A student interested in college prep might take an extra world language, aligning with South Carolina Commission on Higher Education recommendations for university admissions.
Why Choose Colearn for Your 24-Credit Journey?
Earning 24 credits to graduate high school in South Carolina is a significant milestone, and Colearn Academy is here to make it a rewarding experience. Our tuition-free virtual program offers:
Tailored Support: From day one, we help your student plan their path to 24 credits, ensuring they meet all requirements while pursuing their interests.
Community Engagement: Through our Classical Communities, students connect with peers and parents, creating a supportive network that keeps them motivated.
Future-Ready Skills: Beyond earning credits, we prepare students for what’s next—whether that’s college, a career, or technical training.
Ready to Graduate with Colearn?
If you’re wondering how many credits your student still needs to graduate high school in South Carolina, or if you’re ready to start their journey toward 24 credits, Colearn Academy is here to help. Visit colearn-academy.com to learn more about our program or sign up for an online information session. Let’s work together to turn those 24 credits into a stepping stone for your student’s future!
Colearn Academy is an accredited, tuition-free virtual public charter school serving K–12 students in South Carolina. Start your path to graduation today!
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