Graduation & College Requirements

Mother of Divine Grace School offers a standard academic diploma and transcript. As an established, respected, and accredited private school our transcript is accepted by colleges throughout the United States. (To see a list of the colleges that Mother of Divine Grace School's graduates have been accepted at or have attended, please visit our Graduates page.)

Graduation from Mother of Divine Grace School requires completion of 22.5 credits (225 units). Students must also meet our minimum requirements for graduation and (due to the unique methodology and integrated writing used in MODG courses) are required to take at least two MODG courses each year. One of these must be in a core area (History, Religion, or English.) Note: An MODG course is defined as one described by an MODG syllabus, one using the same texts in essentially the same way as an MODG syllabus, or one where a parent-submitted course description demonstrates that MODG school goals for the course are met.

Total Credits: 27.5 (Total Units: 275)

This is Mother of Divine Grace School's suggested course of study for high school students and meets/or exceeds the requirements for most colleges in the United States. However, even though colleges do follow a general pattern, every college is different and may require slightly different courses to be completed in high school for admission to their program. So, as the student progresses through high school, he should contact the colleges he is interested in attending for a list of their course requirements. The consultants are able to help the parent adapt the curriculum for each student to meet the requirements for the college he is interested in attending. For example, if the college or program a student was interested in attending required Physics for admission, the consultant can make suggestions for adjusting the Science curriculum. This could be done by completing 1/2 credit of Natural History in the summer so that Biology can be done in 10th Grade, Chemistry in 11th Grade, and Physics in 12th Grade. Or the student could complete Earth Science in 8th Grade, so that Natural History can be done in 9th Grade, Biology in 10th Grade, Chemistry in 11th Grade, and Physics in 12th Grade.

The recommendations below from Thomas Aquinas College are an example of a college's course requirements. These recommendations are suggestions for the best high school preparation for their program. In the case of Thomas Aquinas College, they are not requirements, but the student is strongly encouraged to complete these courses. Thomas Aquinas College, like many colleges, evaluates every application for admission on an individual basis.

Based on the suggested course of study by Thomas Aquinas College:

Because Thomas Aquinas College only specifies 15 credits, but 22.5 credits are required for graduation, the balance of credits (7.5) would be used to fulfill California State Requirements in Physical Education, Health, additional Language courses, and of course the Religion courses which are required by Mother of Divine Grace School every year.

As a fully accredited private school within the State of California, Mother of Divine Grace School's students must meet the minimum requirements for the State of California in order to graduate and receive a diploma. The Minimum Requirements for High School Graduation are:

Because the Minimum Requirements only specify 13.5 credits, but graduation requires 22.5 credits, the balance of credits (9) can be completed with electives or academic courses in the field of the student's choice. Mother of Divine Grace School is interested in helping students acquire the art of learning. The consultants are able to assist parents in determining the best course of study to achieve this goal.

Mother of Divine Grace School's Course of Study following the Minimum Requirements for Graduation:

The course of study above is a suggested course of study. It fulfills the minimum requirements for graduation while still meeting our basic high school goals. The student may substitute other electives or academic courses in the field of his choice, provided he meets the minimum requirements for graduation. For example the student might follow the fine arts suggestions offered in Designing Your Own Classical Curriculum, take voice lessons, play an instrument, be involved in drama, participate in a Shakespeare play, or take dance lessons. He might also take additional math, science or language courses. Or the student might take courses, such as Computer Programming or advanced science courses, at a local community college.

To see a complete list of the high school courses which Mother of Divine Grace School offers please see our list of Syllabi, peruse our Learning Support and Teacher Services class offerings. As noted above, a student may also take other courses (not included in our syllabi) toward graduation and have them recorded on their high school transcript, provided the student meets our course requirements regarding the difficulty and duration of the courses. The consultant is able to help the parent in adapting and verifying these courses. Here is a list of other high school courses a student might take (please note: this is not an exhaustive list).

MODG offers a variety of science courses in Learning Support and Teacher Services, including a rigorous STEM method track.

MODG offers Latin in Learning Support and Teacher Services, for more information about our current classes, click here.

As a classical school, Mother of Divine Grace School encourages all students to study Latin or Greek. Many of our students do, however, take modern world languages and we have approved many texts and programs for use. MODG offers three kinds of world language titles:

• Conversational <Language> Yr __: Conversational programs focused on vocabulary, pronunciation, listening skills and fluency
• <Language> Yr ___: Grammar/reading/writing programs with flexibility regarding the topics covered
• Intro to <Language>, <Language> I, II, etc: Grammar/reading programs with specific concepts mastered. These titles are correlated to national standards and convey that specific concepts are covered in a grammar reading program. To ensure mastery of topics, students receive a qualifying score on the Oxford Placement test (which can be taken through MODG).

MODG offers Fine Arts, Drama, and Journalism classes in Learning Support. For more information about our current Fine Arts classes click here. Students may earn credits for other fine arts programs as well. Credits depend on length and difficulty of program. (Discuss with family educational consultant.) Generally 120 hours: 1 credit

• Music (instrumental, vocal, music history, music theory, etc.)
• Visual Arts (ceramics, drawing, painting, sculpture, photography, etc.)
• Performing Arts (Dramatic Arts – acting, directing, set design, costuming, etc. OR Dance – ballet, tap, Irish Dance, etc.)

Physical Education – Students may earn credits for any sport or exercise program, such as aerobics, baseball, basketball, football, ice skating, martial arts, mountain biking, tennis, equestrian training, skiing, surfing, or dance. 120 hours: 1 credit

Travel – Students may receive credit for travel! Some of our students have earned credits for participating in international leadership programs and trips to other countries.

Apprenticeship – Students may become an apprentice in order to learn a trade or find out about an occupation and earn credits for their apprenticeship.

Work Study – Students who are California residents are permitted by California state law to work up to 24 hours (ages 16–17) or 18 hours (ages 14–15) each week. (Families from other states should check their state laws for Work Permit rules and regulations.) 400 documented hours of work: 1 credit (10 units).

Community College – Students may enroll in elective and academic courses at their local community college. Students can earn high school and/or college credit for these courses. Since community colleges provide a transcript, students do not need to purchase and complete an elective portfolio for these classes.