Florida Academic Preparation

Master Florida's graduation requirements and prepare for success at the state's top universities.

Florida High School Graduation Requirements

Florida requires 24 credits for a standard diploma, with specific courses required for university admission.

English Language Arts
4 Credits Required
  • • ELA I, II, III, IV
  • • Reading and composition focus
  • • Literature analysis
  • • AP English Lit/Language recommended
Mathematics
4 Credits Required
  • • Algebra I (or equivalent)
  • • Geometry
  • • Algebra II
  • • Pre-Calculus or Calculus preferred
Science
3 Credits Required
  • • Biology I (required)
  • • Chemistry or Physics
  • • One additional science credit
  • • AP sciences highly recommended
Social Studies
3 Credits Required
  • • World History
  • • U.S. History
  • • U.S. Government (0.5 credit)
  • • Economics (0.5 credit)
World Languages
2 Credits Required (Universities)
  • • Same language for 2 consecutive years
  • • Required for university admission
  • • 3+ years recommended for competitive schools
  • • AP languages preferred
Fine Arts
1 Credit Required
  • • Visual arts, music, drama, or dance
  • • Speech and debate counts
  • • AP arts courses available
  • • Portfolio development encouraged
Electives
8 Credits Required
  • • Career and technical education
  • • Additional core subject courses
  • • Computer science courses
  • • Physical education (1 credit required)

Florida Standards Assessments (FSA) and Testing

Required State Assessments

Florida students must pass state assessments to receive a standard high school diploma.

Graduation Requirements:

  • • Pass Grade 10 FSA English Language Arts
  • • Pass Algebra I End-of-Course (EOC) exam
  • • Pass Biology I EOC exam
  • • Pass U.S. History EOC exam
Alternative Options:

Students can use SAT/ACT scores or earn college credit through dual enrollment to meet some requirements.

Standardized Test Strategy

While many Florida universities are test-optional, strong SAT/ACT scores can enhance applications and qualify for Bright Futures.

Bright Futures Requirements:

  • • FAS: SAT 1330+ or ACT 29+
  • • FMS: SAT 1210+ or ACT 25+
  • • Test scores optional through 2025
  • • Higher GPAs may substitute for test scores
Strategy: Take tests even if schools are test-optional to maximize scholarship opportunities.

Advanced Coursework for Competitive Admissions

Advanced Placement (AP)

AP courses provide college-level rigor and can earn college credit with qualifying exam scores.

Popular AP Courses:

  • • AP English Literature
  • • AP Calculus AB/BC
  • • AP Biology/Chemistry/Physics
  • • AP U.S. History
  • • AP Psychology
  • • AP Computer Science
Target: 6-10 AP courses
Dual Enrollment

Take actual college courses at Florida colleges while in high school, earning both high school and college credit.

Key Benefits:

  • • Free tuition for eligible students
  • • Transferable college credits
  • • Smaller class sizes
  • • College experience preparation
  • • Available at all 28 state colleges
Target: 15-30 college credits
AICE Program

Cambridge Advanced International Certificate of Education offers international-level coursework and credentials.

Program Features:

  • • Internationally recognized
  • • College credit opportunities
  • • Bright Futures bonus points
  • • Critical thinking emphasis
  • • Research project component
AICE Diploma available
Recommended Four-Year Course Plan

9th Grade

  • • English I
  • • Algebra I or Geometry
  • • Biology I
  • • World History
  • • World Language I
  • • Fine Arts

10th Grade

  • • English II
  • • Geometry or Algebra II
  • • Chemistry or Physics
  • • AP World History
  • • World Language II
  • • Electives/Career courses

11th Grade

  • • AP English Language
  • • Algebra II or Pre-Calculus
  • • AP Sciences
  • • AP U.S. History
  • • World Language III
  • • Dual Enrollment options

12th Grade

  • • AP English Literature
  • • AP Calculus
  • • AP Sciences
  • • Government/Economics
  • • Advanced coursework
  • • College courses

Understanding Florida GPA Calculations

Bright Futures GPA Calculation

Bright Futures calculates GPA using 16 core academic courses with weighted grades for advanced coursework.

Core Courses (16 total):

  • • 4 English credits
  • • 4 Mathematics credits
  • • 3 Natural Science credits
  • • 3 Social Studies credits
  • • 2 World Language credits

Weighted Grade Points

Regular CoursesA=4, B=3, C=2, D=1
Honors/PreIBA=4.5, B=3.5, C=2.5, D=1
AP/IB/AICE/Dual EnrollA=5, B=4, C=3, D=1

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