While these graduation requirements provide the minimum acceptable credits or courses for a Perkiomen diploma, it is essential to know that most colleges expect more than the minimum. Perkiomen, recognizing that colleges expect students in a college preparatory school to graduate with excellent credentials, has the following expectations:
Each student at Perkiomen School carries five major courses and any minor required courses such as Health and World Religions. A sixth major course may be selected only with the permission of the Head of Upper School.
If a student completes any basic academic requirement, they should seek advice from their advisor, the Head of Upper School, and/or the College Counseling Office prior to making their next course selection. In mathematics, for example, the three credit requirement through Algebra II may be met early in one’s career at Perkiomen. Students should plan to continue the study of math beyond that level if they have any interest in a selective college.
Students and parents should understand that Perkiomen will not make course changes or requests based on teacher preferences.
Once a student begins a first year world language, that student is required to enroll in the next level. Only if the school grants a waiver to this exception can a student shift to another language prior to completing the first two levels. Most selective colleges look for a sequence of three years, even if their minimum requirements state otherwise.
Students should understand that their grade point average is the sum total of all credits earned while at Perkiomen School.
Grades nine, ten, eleven and twelve of a student’s education fully count toward the cumulative average. Students should work consistently throughout upper school to achieve a cumulative average and standardized test scores that will maximize their chances of entrance to a selective college.
Family Responsibilities - It is expected that all financial obligations to the school will be satisfied before the onset of the graduation program festivities. Faculty will not grade final papers/exams or submit grades until all financial obligations are met. This may prevent a student from graduating with their class or participating in commencement weekend programs.
End of Year Expectations - Baccalaureate Service and Commencement are held at the end of the year. Because Perkiomen School highly values its sense of community, the end of the year capstone events and commencement program are required of all seniors including postgraduate students.