Graduation Requirements

One credit in computer science is required. Freshmen take a one-semester course: Digital Citizenship. One-semester electives are offered in advanced computer electives such as Web Design and Programming.

Eight credits in English are required, and students must take an English course during every semester. Courses for freshmen, sophomores and juniors are specified. Seniors have a variety of options for their last two credits. They may take year-long courses such as Literature and Composition–AP or a combination of Advanced Composition ACP and English literature electives. (Note: although they may be taken as an elective course, neither Student Publications courses nor the Creative Writing class may be taken to fulfill any of the eight credits for the English requirement).

Six credits in mathematics are required. Required courses are Algebra I (two semesters), Algebra II (two semesters) and Geometry (two semesters). Incoming students may receive advanced standing if, on Brebeuf Jesuit’s Algebra Placement Exam, proficiency in Algebra I is shown. Most Brebeuf Jesuit students take more than the required three years of math.

Four credits in the same language are required. French, Latin, Spanish and Mandarin Chinese are offered. French, and Spanish are available at the Advanced Placement level, when there are enough students to constitute a class. Incoming students who have studied a world language in junior high may take a placement test to move to the second or third level of the language as freshmen. Students are encouraged to continue in a world language beyond the required two years.

Three credits in the area of Physical Education and Health are required. Two semesters of Physical Education are required and must be completed before the beginning of the sophomore year. The other credit is earned by taking the required semester of Health during the junior year.

Eight credits in religious studies are required. Students take two semesters in each of the freshmen, sophomore, and junior years, then one additional semester course in the senior year. The remaining credit is earned through the Community Service during the junior or senior year, which includes the requirement of 30 hours of service to the community.

Six credits (three years) are required. All freshmen take Biology I. In addition, students must take (1) a full year of either Chemistry or Physics and (2) one additional year-long science course. Most students take more science classes than the required three years.

Six credits are required. All freshmen take World History and Civilizations, and sophomores take U.S. History. During the senior year, students are required to take one semester each of Economics and Government. Several electives are offered, and most students choose to take one or more of them.

Two credits from the Visual and Performing Arts Department are required. Students must complete one additional credit from any Visual & Performing Arts elective; options include electives in the areas of speech, visual arts, or vocal and instrumental music.