FBCLPEM MEMBER RESOURCES
Diploma Pathways & Planning Charts
Three pathways. A strong foundation. A plan shaped by your student’s goals.
Choose a pathway with the destination in mind
Each pathway requires at least 23 credits. The difference is how those credits are distributed and what the program prepares the student to do next. Expand a pathway below to see its requirements.
College Preparatory — 23 credits
Designed for students preparing for four-year college or university study. Requires a minimum of 23 credits and a 3.0 weighted cumulative GPA.
English: 4 credits
Mathematics: 4 credits
Science: 4 credits
Social Studies: 3 credits
Computer Science / Engineering / Technology: 1 credits
Financial Literacy: 1 credits
Fine Arts: 1 credits
Health & Physical Education: 1 credits
World Language: 2 credits
Academic Electives: 2 credits
Mathematics includes Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II, and a higher-level mathematics course. Students completing Algebra II before senior year should continue mathematics through grade 12.
At least three science courses must include a laboratory component of 20 or more hours each. World language credits must be sequential study in the same language.
Academic electives must be substantive college-preparatory academic coursework beyond the minimum subject requirements. Health and Physical Education consists of 0.5 credit in each.
Career & Technical Education — 23 credits
A career-focused program combining academic study, progressively advanced technical coursework, and supervised career-connected experience. Requires at least 23 credits.
English: 4 credits
Mathematics: 4 credits
Science: 3 credits
Social Studies: 3 credits
Computer Science / Engineering / Technology: 1 credits
Financial Literacy: 1 credits
Fine Arts: 1 credits
Health & Physical Education: 1 credits
Career & Technical Concentration: 3 credits
Career Practicum / Work-Based Learning: 1 credits
Career-Related Elective: 1 credits
The concentration is a planned three-credit sequence in a defined career field. The practicum requires documented, supervised experience related to that concentration. Retain a work plan, hour log, supervisor or mentor information, a competency or task record, and a final evaluation or reflection.
This is an organizational diploma pathway. It should not be represented as an MSDE-approved CTE program unless the student is actually enrolled in such a program.
Standard — 23 credits
A comprehensive high-school education with greater elective flexibility for individual interests and postsecondary goals. Requires at least 23 credits, with no separate minimum cumulative GPA beyond successful completion of the required coursework.
English: 4 credits
Mathematics: 3 credits
Science: 3 credits
Social Studies: 3 credits
Computer Science / Engineering / Technology: 1 credits
Financial Literacy: 1 credits
Fine Arts: 1 credits
Health & Physical Education: 1 credits
General Electives: 6 credits
Mathematics includes Algebra I and Geometry, plus an appropriate third mathematics course. At least two science courses should include meaningful laboratory or hands-on investigation.
Electives may be academic, practical, creative, career-oriented, faith-based, experiential, or skill-based. Individual courses may still be designated CP, Honors, AP, or Dual Enrollment when appropriate.
This pathway is not specifically structured to satisfy four-year university admission requirements or provide a concentrated CTE program. Review intended postsecondary requirements early.
College Preparatory with Honors
Honors is a designation within the College Preparatory pathway. Students must meet all College Preparatory requirements, plus:
• A minimum 3.5 weighted cumulative GPA.
• At least 6 credits of Honors, AP, or College / Dual Enrollment coursework.
• At least 4 advanced credits in core academic subjects.
• Advanced coursework representing at least 3 academic disciplines.
Honors coursework reflects a meaningful increase in depth, complexity, independence, inquiry, and academic challenge—not simply additional assignments or hours. Families determine the appropriate designation and retain supporting documentation. The checklist is a planning tool, not an approval form.
Plan beyond the minimum
Colleges, technical schools, licensing programs, and other postsecondary destinations may require or recommend additional coursework. Use the full planning chart for your chosen pathway and review destination requirements early.
For diploma planning, transcript, or True Bearing questions, email transcripts@fbclpem.org.
