Course Guide

All students at Elkhart High School are enrolled in the Indiana CORE 40 curriculum, the standard for high school graduation in Indiana. Completing CORE 40 is required for admission to Indiana’s four-year public colleges and is highly recommended for two-year colleges and career entry.

• English: 8 credits
• Mathematics: 6 credits (including Algebra I, Geometry, and Algebra II)
• Science: 6 credits (including Biology, Chemistry or Physics, and a Science elective)
• Social Studies: 6 credits (including U.S. History, Government, Economics, and Geography/World History)
• Physical Education & Health: 3 credits
• Directed Electives: 5 credits (in World Languages, Fine Arts, or Career & Technical Education)
• Additional Electives: 6 credits

Elkhart High School encourages students to follow a structured four-year plan to complete the CORE 40 diploma, ensuring readiness for college and careers. The recommended progression includes:

• Freshman Year: English, Mathematics, Biology, PE/Health, and two (2) electives
• Sophomore Year: English, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, and three (3) electives
• Junior Year: English, Mathematics, U.S. History, Science, and three (3) electives
• Senior Year: English, U.S. Government/Economics, recommended Math and Science, and three (3) electives

Students seeking an advanced academic challenge can pursue the Indiana Academic Honors Diploma. This diploma requires the completion of CORE 40 plus additional credits and academic achievements, including:

• Two additional CORE 40 math credits
• 6-8 credits in a World Language
• 2 credits in Fine Arts
• A minimum 2.67 GPA with no grade lower than a C
• Completion of one of the following:
  • AP courses (4 credits) and corresponding AP exams
  • A minimum SAT score of 1250 or an ACT score of 26
  • 6 transferable college credits through dual credit courses

For students focused on career and technical education, the CORE 40 with Technical Honors Diploma provides an opportunity to gain workforce-ready credentials while completing high school.

• 6 credits in a College & Career Pathway course
• Industry-recognized certification or 6 transcripted dual credit college credits
• A minimum 2.67 GPA with no grade lower than a C
• Completion of one of the following:
  • AP or dual credit courses
  • Accuplacer minimum scores in reading, writing, and math

Elkhart High School students must complete Indiana’s Graduation Pathways, which offer multiple ways to demonstrate postsecondary readiness. Requirements include:

1. Earning a High School Diploma
2. Demonstrating Employability Skills through project-based, service-based, or work-based learning experiences
3. Demonstrating Postsecondary Readiness through one of the following:
   • Completing an Honors Diploma
   • Meeting SAT, ACT, or ASVAB benchmarks
   • Earning an industry certification
   • Completing a State or Industry-recognized Apprenticeship
   • Completing a CTE career pathway with a C average or higher

Through partnerships with Ivy Tech Community College, Indiana University, and Ball State University, Elkhart High School students can take college-level courses during the school day. Benefits include:

• Free or low-cost college credits
• Classes taught by high school teachers who meet college faculty standards
• Guaranteed credit transfer to Indiana public colleges and universities

Students must meet eligibility criteria to enroll in dual credit courses. Check with the counseling office for details.