ICS Graduation Requirements

The recommended ICS course load provides a strong and broad academic foundation and ensures a well-rounded transcript in the college application process. The required course of study covers the list of minimum credits by discipline students must complete to graduate from ICS and still provides a broad college-prep experience. Most students complete the recommended course of study. Some students elect to meet minimum requirements in one area to have schedule space for specialization in another area (e.g. STEM, arts, interdisciplinary).

MINIMUM REQUIRED CREDITS RECOMMENDED CREDITS

4 including 1 credit each year.

ENGLISH

MATH & COMP. SCIENCE

Grade 9: Eng 9; Grade 10: Eng 10 or AP Sem; Grade 11: Eng 11 or AP Lang; Grade 12: AP Lit or 2 semester electives

3 including completion of Algebra 2.

3 including one earth science (Big 9: History & Science of our World,) one physical science (Physics or Chemistry), and one life science (Biology)

4+

4+ including a computer science

*Note: To be considered for acceptance to a school in the University System of Maryland, students must complete 4 years of math.

SCIENCE

This requirement applies to the Classes of 2025 and later. Prior classes are required to have 3 science credits.

4 – 5+ including all required courses, two physical sciences (physics and chemistry), and an upper-level science course

HISTORY

3 including Big 9: History and Science of Our World, World History or AP World History, and U.S. History or AP U.S. History

3.5 – 4+ including electives between Grades 10-12 in addition to requirements INTERDISCIPLINARY

WORLD LANGUAGES

The “Big 9” requirement applies to the Classes of 2025 and later.

2 consecutive years of the same language taken in Upper School

3 – 4 years including completing Level 3 of one language

2+ credits including .5 credit in the performing arts, .5 credit in the fine arts, and participation in an ensemble

ADDITIONAL CREDITS

As needed to get to 21 credits

As needed and interested to get to 24 credits

Participate in at least 1 ICS team per year for a total of 4 seasons, or Athletic Director approval for equivalent credit.

SIGNATURE PROGRAMS

SERVICE LEARNING

Students are required to take Learning Skills in Grade 9 and 4 years of Human Development. These courses are graded as pass/fail and must be passed to graduate. All students give a senior speech to the Upper School in Grade 12.

Students may document service hours. Service recognition: 75+ approved hours; Service recognition with distinction: 150+ approved hours. To receive recognition, students are required to submit a reflection on a meaningful service project/partnership.

* The minimum required credits for graduation exceed the Maryland State requirements for nonpublic schools for secondary school graduation, which include: “four credits in English-language arts; two credits in social studies to include at least one credit in U.S. history; six credits in science and mathematics (at least two credits in each); and nine additional credits in accordance with the school's written requirements.” COMAR 13A 09.09.09.