White Mountain's academic year is based on a semester system. Each two-semester course is given one credit when completed with a passing grade. A one-semester course is worth one-half credit. Students who pass both semesters of a two-semester course will receive an end-of-year grade that is a composite of both semesters. (Note: This grade may not be a mathematical average if semesters are not weighted evenly.) A student receiving a failure for the first semester of a year-long course must balance that with a C- or better in the other term in order to receive a passing grade and credit for the entire school year. A student, who fails the second term of a year-long course, having passed the first term, will receive a half credit for the first term but may be required to repeat the course. Students must take at least five courses during each semester and must complete 20 credits to be eligible for a WMS diploma. High school credits earned elsewhere will be translated into our system by the Registrar and the Dean of Studies.

In addition to the requirements below, seniors are required to pass every class taken in the Spring Term of Senior year.

• Graduation Requirements •

English:

• 4 credits over 4 years, including 1 literature and 1 writing elective in the senior year

History & Human Values:

• 1 year of Modern World History in the 9th or 10th grade
  
• 1 year of American History
  
• ½ year in non-Western History in the 11th or 12th grade (waived for one year seniors with 2.5 credits in history)
  
• ½ year in Human Values in the 11th or 12th grade

Mathematics:

• Algebra I
  
• Geometry
  
• Algebra II

Science:

• Biology and 1 year of a Physical Science (Chemistry or Physics)

World Language:

• 2 years (two credits) of one language (4 years of language are encouraged for best college placement)

Fine Arts:

• 4-year students: 1½ credits in  residence
  
• 3-year students: 1 credit in  residence
  
• 2-year students: 1 credit with ½ credit in residence
  
• 1-year students: 1 credit

Sustainability Studies:
Two, three and four year students must complete both the theory component and the action component. One year seniors must complete either the theory or the action component.

Theory Component –

• ½ credit - one Sustainability Studies elective (Note: Because this is an interdisciplinary department, courses chosen may satisfy more than one requirement.)

Action Component – one of the following

• 1 semester of Farm & Forest Crew
  
• 1 action-based Sustainability Studies course (½ credit )
  
• 1 semester internship (approved by the department chair and Dean of Studies)

Wilderness Skills:

• Satisfactory participation in all Outdoor Learning Expeditions (4 per year, including Orientation)

Residential Curriculum:

• Part of White Mountain School's mission is “to help students learn who they are, how they contribute to their communities, and how they can become responsible citizens of a changing planet.” As part of the life of a residential school, students also have the opportunity to learnabout respecting themselves and othrs, living as part of a community, leadership and also begin to shape their individual values. This happens in many ways, including: dorm meetings, and advisor meetings, as well as special events and speakers. All students are expected to attend and participate in these important events.

Community Service:

• 1-year students: no requirement
  
• 2-, 3-, and 4-year students: one of the following:
  
  1 term of Community Service (1 day/week)
  1 Community Service Odyssey
  Hourly commitment approved by the Community Service Director