NUSD Online School

The selection of a graduation plan, monitoring course choices, and tracking the number of credits accumulated toward graduation are shared responsibilities between the student and their parent or guardian. The counselor is available to meet with students individually to assist in planning their high school curriculum and exploring post-secondary options. When choosing courses, students should consider the entrance requirements for colleges, universities, and technical schools. Those aiming for selective higher education institutions should consult the websites for current requirements.

We also offer additional post-secondary planning support through various resources, such as visits from college admissions representatives, college fairs, and presentations by guest speakers. Whether a student plans to enter the workforce or pursue further education after high school graduation, it's crucial to utilize the counseling services at Pierson High School. Doing so will not only offer a significant advantage but also ensure you are well-informed and prepared for your post-secondary journey.

The table below summarizes Arizona's minimum credit requirements for high school graduation, starting with the graduating class.

To fulfill graduation requirements, students must:

1. Pass the Civics Test: Achieve a grade of 70% or higher on the state-mandated civics test.

2. CPR Training: Complete state-mandated cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training and achieve a score of 80% or higher.

3. ECAP Program: Successfully complete the Education and Career Action Plan (ECAP) program with the support of a counselor.

All students are required to participate in state-mandated assessments as determined by the Arizona Department of Education. While these assessments may not be a graduation requirement, they are a mandatory part of enrollment in NUSD Online School.

Students must complete these assessments in person at the designated testing site. Failure to participate in the required state assessments may result in the student being withdrawn from NUSD Online in accordance with Arizona state policy and school guidelines.

Parents and students will be notified in advance of testing dates and locations. Please make arrangements to attend as scheduled to ensure compliance and maintain enrollment status.

NUSD Online School is excited to announce that our graduation ceremony will take place on Tuesday, May 19, 2026. To ensure that all students can participate in this memorable event, please complete all graduation requirements by Monday, May 11, 2026. Unfortunately, students who complete their requirements after this date cannot join the ceremony, so please adhere to the deadline.

We look forward to celebrating our graduating class's hard work and achievements on this special day.

• Coursework Evaluation: Coursework completed outside the District will be evaluated for credit and meeting graduation requirements.

• Course Selection: Incoming first-year and second-year students must take at least six courses each semester. Third-year and graduating students must take five courses each semester. Administrative approval is required for students wishing to take fewer than five courses.

• Dropping a Course: Students must have a valid and serious reason to drop a class and must complete the necessary form available in the counseling office. Students must continue to attend all classes until the request has been processed and they have been notified of any schedule changes.

At NUSD Online School, each course is equivalent to 0.5 credit. Students are expected tocomplete each course within one semester as part of the regular academic pacing.However, if a student is unable to complete a course by the end of the semester, thecourse may be rolled over into the second semester of the academic year. In such cases,students may continue working on the same course without losing any progress or credit.It is important to note that:

• Only 0.5 credit will be awarded upon successful completion of the course, even if it tooktwo semesters to complete.

• The rollover simply extends the time for completion but does not increase the creditvalue of the course.

• Students are still expected to demonstrate mastery of the course content and meet allacademic requirements to earn credit.

This policy allows for flexibility while maintaining academic standards and ensuresstudents have adequate time to complete their coursework if challenges arise during thesemester. If you have questions about course timelines or credit, please contact the NUSDOnline office or your academic advisor.