In order to graduate, 19.25 credits are required. In order to earn a Winsor School diploma, an Upper School student must complete:

• Four years of English (one full year course in Class V, one year of US literature in Class VI, and a one-semester global studies literature course in Class VII)
• Three years of a language, completed by the end of Class VII
• Three years of math, completed by the end of Class VII (including Algebra 2, Geometry, and Precalculus)
• Seven semesters of PE
• Three semesters of health, completed by the end of Class VII 
• Two and a half years of history, completed by the end of Class VII (one year of world history in Class V, one year of U.S. history in Class VI, and a one-semester global studies history course in Class VII)
• Two and a half years of science, completed by the end of Class VII (one year of biology in Class V, one year of chemistry in Class VI, and one semester of physics in Class VII)
• 1.25 credits of performing or visual arts .75 credits must be completed by the end of sophomore year.
• One quantitative course in the first semester of Class VIII (math or some science courses)
• ILE in second semester senior year

These requirements reflect the principles of Winsor’s curriculum. They provide a unified experience for students
in Classes V and VI and more choice for those in Classes VII and VIII, guiding them toward independence in a manner consistent with the school’s philosophy. The requirements by class are described below.

Class V

All students must take one year of history, English, Algebra 2 or Geometry, Biology, a language, and one semester of health. Students typically take a course in visual or performing arts during one or both semesters. Additionally students may choose to take a minor elective in computer science.

Class VI

All students must take a full year of U.S. History, U.S. Literature, Chemistry, Geometry or Precalculus, a language, and one semester of health. Students may also take a course in visual or performing arts during one or both semesters. Additionally students may choose to take a STEM or computer science minor elective.

By the end of Class VI, all students must have taken a total of at least 0.75 credits of performing and/or visual arts,
and it is recommended that they complete some of the requirement each year.

Class VII

All students must take a year of language, a year of Precalculus or Calculus, and one semester of physics. Students must also take a pair of connected English and history courses, focusing on global history and literature, either fall or spring semester. Students must take an English elective during the other semester. Students will select two additional semester-long major courses; depending on interest, they may choose to take a second semester of physics, another major elective, or a second language. Students must also take one semester of health. Additionally, students may choose to take a STEM or computer science minor elective.

Class VIII

All students must take English each semester and a quantitative course during the first semester. Students normally take five major courses in the first semester. In the second semester, students typically take four courses and the ILE Seminar. The ILE Seminar will prepare students for the senior Independent Learning Experience. By senior year, students will typically have completed all other graduation requirements.

Students must complete all remaining performing or visual arts credits by the first semester of Class VIII.

Below is a visual representation of the General Graduation Requirements. 

*In Class VII, the global studies history/English combination may be taken in either semester.

**Health may be taken either semester, depending on a student’s schedule.