Graduation requirements are designed to prepare students for access to a college education and provide the skills needed to succeed in the college of their choice in addition to earning a high school diploma. The State of Illinois and other accrediting agencies also set standards which must be followed by high schools.

A senior must pass the State and Federal Constitution tests, provide evidence of mastery of a senior research paper, and meet all department requirements to be eligible for graduation from Holy Trinity High School.

For a senior to participate in Robing Ceremony, Pro and Commencement Exercises, all financial, behavioral, and academic obligations must be completed. Academic credits must be completed by 3:00 pm on the school day following the last day of senior exams in May.

Official transcripts and diplomas will be held by Holy Trinity until all financial obligations are met by the student.

A student transferring into Holy Trinity High School may expect no more than one credit in physical education to be accepted. All other credits will be evaluated at the time of transfer and graduation requirements will be determined at that time.

Credits Required for Graduation from Holy Trinity

Graduation Year 2025 2026 2027 2028
English 4.0 4.0 4.0 4.0
World Language (2 Consecutive credits of the same language) 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0
Mathematics 4.0 4.0 4.0 4.0
Physical Education/Health 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5
Religion 4.0 4.0 4.0 4.0
Science 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0
History and Social Studies 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0
Visual and Performing Arts (one full year class) 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0
Innovation and Leadership 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0
Minimum Number of Electives 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5
REQUIRED FOR GRADUATION 25.0 25.0 25.0 25.0
  • Credit for Religion is based on 1 credit per year while at Holy Trinity as specified by the Religion Department.  
  • Credit for English: Does not include electives within the department. Core courses incorporate the study of literature  and writing. Sophomores and juniors must submit a research paper to pass sophomore and junior English. Seniors  must submit a research paper completed at a “C -” or higher level to pass Senior English and be eligible for  graduation. 
  • History and Social Studies: Courses required are World History*, United States History, Government and Law, and  passing of the United States and State of Illinois Constitution tests. 
  • Credit for Mathematics: Math placement and courses are determined by the Mathematics Department.
  • Credit for Science: Biology is required.  
  • Credit for Visual and Performing Arts: Courses begin with introductory level work before advanced courses can be  enrolled with exemption only from teacher approval and review of sketchbook/portfolio. 
  • Credit for Innovation and Leadership: Computer Applications or B-STEM are required unless the student has met the  required proficiency. 
  • Credit for Physical Education: Health is required.

Scheduling and Course Selection

When selecting courses and planning ahead, it is important to remember that graduation requirements are not the same as college entrance requirements. While HTHS has adjusted graduation requirements to allow students to meet entrance requirements for most colleges and universities, some have different or more rigorous standards. It is important to consider the expectations of the school of your choice, as well as what will make you a more competitive, more desirable candidate, for both college acceptance and scholarships. To assist you in this process, please see the table below that provides examples of recommendations and requirements for an array of different schools. If your school of choice is not listed, be sure to check it out.

Rec = recommended Req = required

COURSE English History Math Science Science Lab Social Studies World Lang. Fine Arts Electives
U OF IL CHGO. 4 req  3 req  3 req  3 req  2 rec
U OF I SPFLD. 4 req  3 req  3 req  3 req  3 req  2 req  2 req 
U OF I URBANA 4 req  2 rec 3 req / 4 rec 2 req / 4 rec 2 req / 4 rec 2 req  2 req / 4 rec
DEPAUL 4 req  3 req  3 req  2 req  2 req  2 rec
LOYOLA 4 req  3 req  3 req  2 req 
NIU 4 req  2 req  2 req  2 req  2 req  2 rec 4 req 
Howard 4 req  2 rec 2 req 
Spelman 4 req  2 rec 2 req / 3 rec 2 req / 3 rec 2 req / 3 rec 4 req 
Knox College 4 req  2 rec 4 rec 3 rec 2 rec  2 rec 3 rec
Saint Louis 4 req  2 rec 4 rec 3 rec 3 rec 2 rec 3 rec
Augustana 4 req  2 rec 3 req  3 req  2 req  2 rec 1 rec
St. Xavier 4 req  2 rec 3 req  2 req  2 rec 2 rec 3 rec