Graduation Requirements

Tap into your creativity in Emma’s expansive Arts program. We offer courses for all levels, from the budding musician to the advanced artist.

For entering 9th graders, successful completion of two units of arts electives; one unit must be completed by the end of 10th grade; at least one course must be performing, and at least one course must be a visual arts course.

For entering 10th graders, successful completion of one unit of arts electives; at least one course must be performing, and at least one course must be a visual arts course.

For entering 11th graders, successful completion of one unit of arts courses with no distribution required among the arts.

All Emma Girls take physical education or its equivalent in team sports or dance all year during 9th, 10th, 11th, and 12th grades. We offer JV and Varsity sports, yoga, Zumba, and more. All students must complete a swimming and water safety proficiency test.

During 9th, 10th, and 11th grades you will take full-year English courses. In 12th grade you may choose two English electives, one per semester. Example electives include Gothic Literature, Literature of Fairy Tales, and Poetry Workshop.

Girls in 9th and 10th grades complete a two-year sequence in world history consisting of four semester-long courses. A United States history course is taken in 11th or 12th grade, and a variety of challenging electives are available to enrich the history buff’s soul.

Emma offers French, Spanish, Latin, and Chinese—after an initial placement test. Girls are required to complete the third (300) level of a single foreign language, and many take advantage of advanced language courses and travel abroad to enhance their learning. This requirement does not apply to students for whom English is a second language.

Completion of Algebra I, Algebraic Geometry, and either Algebra II and Trigonometry or Algebra II and Trigonometry with Non-Routine Problems are a must but many girls don’t stop there. Advanced math courses through multi-variable calculus are offered to upper-level math students.

Explore new interests or refine your skills with one of our many electives. Courses such as Neuroscience, Astrobiology, Advanced Photography and Film, and World Religions and Literature allow you to think outside of the traditional curriculum.