Nevada is well known for casinos and seemingly endless amounts of barren desert land. The state's unique educational system is not as well known, but it is currently going through an overhaul to meet and exceed national expectations. According to Encarta.msn.com, Nevada is above the national average of those having a high school diploma over the age of 25.
There is no statewide set of core curriculum requirements. Nevada allows each school district to determine high school graduation requirements. Variation between the districts are small, the following requirements were taken from the curriculum of the White Pine County School District, www.washoe.k12.nv.us.
To be awarded a Standard High School Diploma, a student must earn a total of 22-1/2 credits and receive a passing score on the Nevada Proficiency Exams. Currently, 16 credits are required and 6.5 credits are electives. The course/unit requirements are as follows:
- Four credits of English language arts
- Three credits of mathematics
- Two credits of science
- Two credits of physical education or JROTC
- One credit of world history
- One credit of U.S. history
- One credit of government
- One credit of arts and humanities
- 0.5 credit of computer literacy
Nevada offers an Honors Diploma program designed to enhance academic preparation and challenge students through more rigorous course work. The requirements are as follows:
- Four credits of English language Arts
- Three credits of mathematics
- Two credits of foreign language
- One credit of world history or world geography
- One credit of U.S. history
- One credit of government
- One credit of arts and humanities
- Two credits of physical education or approved equivalent
- 0.5 credit of computer literacy
- 0.5 credit of health education
In addition to core requirements, students must successfully complete the Nevada High School Proficiency Examination (HSPE). Beginning with the 2000-2001 academic year, the exam has been based on State Content and Performance standards adopted by the State Board of Education in 1998 (as prioritized in 2001).
