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MHS Graduation Requirements

Malden Public Schools students must meet the competency determination standard, as well as meeting local graduation requirements, in order to qualify for a Malden High School diploma. 

The Malden School Committee shall issue a local Certificate of Attainment to those students who have met the local district requirements but have not met the Competency Determination. Said certificate shall be in a suitable form, signed by the Chair of the Committee and presented at the time of commencement exercises.

All students who have met the local district requirements for graduation shall be allowed to participate in commencement exercises.
 

Local Course Requirements

Students  must pass a minimum of 22 credits (combination of 1.0 full-year credits, and 0.5 semester course credits) based on the following requirements:

  • 4 years/credits of English (9th, 10th, 11th, 12th grade)
  • 4 years/credits of Mathematics, one of which must be an Algebra course
  • 3 years/credits of Science, one of which must be Biology (with lab requirement)
  • 3 years/credits of Social Sciences, which must include United States History I and II and the other in World History
  • 2 years/credits of World Language
  • 1 year/credit of Fine Arts
  • 2 years/credits of Wellness (Physical Education and Health)
  • 1 year/credit from the following disciplines: Business, Technology Education, Fine & Performing Arts
  • 2 years/credits from any discipline

Competency Determination

Criteria for Meeting the Competency Determination Standard:

  • Demonstrating mastery of the skills, competencies and curriculum frameworks in the areas measured by the 2023 MCAS high school tests, as evidenced by a passing score in the class.  These courses include:  
    • Math: Math II or equivalent course
    • ELA: English 10 or equivalent course
    • Science: Biology I, Physics 1 or equivalent course 
  • Former Malden High School students who did not pass the MCAS exam(s), were awarded a Certificate of Attainment, and now believe they have met the current competency determination & graduation requirements, may submit requests in writing inviting the district’s consideration of their transcript.  
  • The determination regarding equivalent coursework shall be made by the Principal; any appeals to the decision of the Principal shall be submitted to and reviewed by the Director of Guidance and the Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning.