Credit Taken in Middle School for Graduation

May classes/credits taken in middle school count toward high school graduation?

Section.118.33, Wis. Stats., specifies the credit requirements for high school graduation. Credits obtained in middle school would count toward the overall district’s credit-requirement, but not for the credits specified in law; except, the statute allows students to take the ½ credit of health instruction in grades 7-12. If a district permits accumulation of high school credits prior to entry to grade nine, a student must still take at least 4 credits English, 3 credits social studies, 2 credits science, 2 credits mathematics, and 1 ½ credits physical education in grades 9-12 to meet the state requirements.

High school credit for algebra or geometry taken in middle school may be awarded providing that:

• the course is the same as the course offered at the high school,
• the course is taught by a licensed mathematics teacher (a grade 1-9 with mathematics minor license may be used for algebra but not geometry), and
• district policy permits awarding credits prior to grade nine.

The Department of Public Instruction recommends that high school courses taken at the middle school level should be so noted on the transcript along with the grade received; however, the grade/s received should not be factored into the high school grade point average. The reasoning behind that recommendation is that middle school students might shy away from taking a more challenging course because of future implications on their overall grade point average.

For questions about this information, contact James F. Marty (608) 266-7712

Last updated on 2/25/2008 1:42:37 PM