Graduation Requirements

The graduation requirements for Renaissance School, at 33 credits, are significantly more rigorous than for an Advanced Studies Diploma as prescribed by the Virginia Department of Education (26 credits). Specifically, recognizing the value of the Arts for personal expression, cultural appreciation, creative problem solving, collaboration, health, critical thinking, and many other domains that are part of the life of an ambitious college-bound student, Renaissance School requires a minimum of six Arts credits. Students build out their elective profile based on their interests, ranging from taking multiple foreign languages to advanced math and science courses.

Subject	Credit Requirement
English	4
History	4
Foreign Language	3, or 2 each of 2
Mathematics	3
Sciences	3
Arts	6
College Counseling	3
Independent Study	2
Electives	5

Renaissance Students typically take 8-10 courses per year, with many exceeding the graduation credit requirements. For students who are interested in our approach but seek a more moderate pace due to athletic or artistic commitments, or other reasons, we also offer a five year program of study. Those interested in this option should contact our Director of Admissions for details.

In addition, all Renaissance School students are required in their second year of Independent Studies to defend the thesis of their research before the full faculty. In their Junior year students propose a topic of research to be pursued during fall of Senior year; write a 20-page MLA style paper in support of their thesis; share their findings with the school in a 20-minute presentation; and appear before the faculty in a formal thesis defense. The faculty must vote unanimously in favor of a student having met these requirements in order for the student to be eligible for graduation from Renaissance School.

Overall, our graduation requirements are designed around our school philosophy: not as a minimum bar to measure proficiency, but as a target to encourage high ability students to meet their potential, provide a well-rounded and balanced Renaissance School education, and help them to be ready for the opportunities and challenges that await them in college.