Earning a Pierson High School diploma is a milestone we celebrate with every student and family. To graduate, students must fulfill all Arizona state credit requirements, pass the Arizona Civics Test, and meet any additional requirements established by Nogales Unified School District. We encourage all students to work closely with their school counselor to plan their four-year course pathway and stay on track toward graduation.

Total Credits Required: 22

The following table outlines the minimum credit requirements for graduation as established by the Arizona State Board of Education.

Note: One credit equals a year-long course (approximately 55 minutes per day for 180 days).

Subject-Area Breakdown

English Language Arts — 4 Credits
Students complete four years of English coursework focused on reading comprehension, literary analysis, writing, research, and communication.

Mathematics — 4 Credits
Students must complete a minimum of four math credits, including:

• Algebra I

• Geometry

• Algebra II

• Personal Finance

Science — 3 Credits
Three credits of science coursework aligned to Arizona Academic Standards. Courses may include Biology, Physical Science, Earth Science, and other approved science courses.

History & Social Studies — 3 Credits
Students must complete coursework covering the following:

• 1 credit — American History (including Arizona History)

• 1 credit — World History & Geography

• 0.5 credit — Government (including Arizona Government)

• 0.5 credit — Economics

Health / Physical Education — 1 Credit
All students must complete one Physical Education course. This course supports student health, fitness, and wellness.

Fine Arts or Career & Technical Education (CTE) — 1 Credit
Students may satisfy this requirement through any approved Fine Arts course or through one of Pierson's CTE pathways: Career Exploration, Fire Service, Medical Assistant, or Digital Printing.

Spanish — 1 Credit
All students are required to complete one credit of Spanish. This course supports world language development and cultural awareness, and positions students favorably for university admission, which often requires two years of a world language.

Elective Courses — 5 Credits
Students select five additional elective credits from a range of course offerings across departments. Counselors assist students in choosing electives that align with their interests, graduation goals, and post-secondary plans.

Arizona Civics Test

All students graduating from an Arizona high school must pass the Arizona Civics Test as a condition of graduation.

• Passing score: 70 out of 100 questions (effective for the Class of 2026 and beyond)

• The test is based on the official U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) naturalization civics questions

• Students may retake the test if they do not pass on the first attempt

• Special Education students: The civics test is only required if it is specified in the student's Individualized Education Program (IEP)

CPR Training

All students must complete state-mandated cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training as a requirement for graduation.

• Training is provided during the school year through approved instruction

• Students must achieve a score of 80% or higher to fulfill this requirement

• CPR training equips students with a life-saving skill they will carry well beyond high school

Contact your counselor for information on when training is scheduled.

Education and Career Action Plan (ECAP)

All Arizona high school students are required to develop and maintain an Education and Career Action Plan (ECAP) throughout their high school years. The ECAP is a personalized planning tool that helps students connect their academic coursework to their future goals.

• Completed with the guidance and support of your assigned school counselor

• Updated annually to reflect the student's evolving interests, career goals, and post-secondary plans

• Includes course planning, career exploration, and post-secondary pathway identification

• Successful completion of the ECAP is required for graduation

Your counselor will initiate your ECAP in your freshman year — stay engaged in the process every year to ensure you are on track.

Statewide Assessments

While passing statewide assessments is not required for graduation, all students participate in the following:

• ACT Aspire — Administered in Grade 9

• ACT — Administered in Grade 11 (this exam is provided at no cost to all Arizona 11th graders)

Results from these assessments help students, families, and teachers understand academic progress and college readiness. Students are encouraged to take these assessments seriously as ACT scores are used in college admissions.