Graduation Requirements

Four years of English are required. English 9 and 10 are the assigned courses in the 9th and 10th grade years respectively. Juniors must take a year-long American Literature course: either American Literature Survey or AP Language and Composition. Seniors complete the four-year English requirement by selecting a Senior English elective course each semester.

All students are required to take one full-year course in any area of the Fine Arts.

Students are required to complete the Intermediate Mid level of a language or three years of the same language at the Upper School. Many students entering from the Middle School will complete their language requirement by passing Intermediate and Intermediate Mid levels. Those who have had two years of a language in the Middle School will fulfill the requirement by passing the Novice High, Intermediate, and Intermediate Mid levels. Students beginning a new language in grade 9 will study the same language for three consecutive years.

Three years are required. Ninth-graders are required to take World Cultures and juniors are expected to take either U.S. History or AP U.S. History. Any deviation needs to be approved by the Academic Committee or the History Academic Leader.

Students are required to complete Algebra 1, Geometry, Algebra 2 and at least one year of mathematics beyond Algebra 2 in a course for which Algebra 2 is the prerequisite. Courses taken in Middle School count toward the mathematics requirement but not toward the 20-credit graduation requirement.

Students are required to take three years of laboratory based science courses, at least one of which must be a biological science and at least one of which must be a physical science. The recommended course of study is Biology, Physics, and Chemistry. Any deviation from this sequence must be approved by the Science Academic Leader, in conjunction with the registrar.

Students are required to earn a one semester technology credit. Ninth grade students who successfully complete the Technology Education portion of the 9th grade PE Experience are exempt. Students who enter DA in grades 10–12 may waive the requirement by completing a technology portfolio, or can earn the credit by enrolling in one of DA's technology courses.

All 9th graders are required to enroll in the 9th grade Physical - Technology – Self and Community Experience. Over the next three years (grades 10–12), students must complete one approved physical education activity per year. In addition, students must complete the Health, Wellness and First Aid Seminar. 

In addition to Physical Education courses, qualifying physical education activities include DA interscholastic athletics; DA dance classes; alternate physical education experiences (approved by registrar and fitness director);independent fitness program (after completing Strength and Conditioning course); Running Club; Yoga; and/or Functional Mobility.