Hickory Ridge High School's graduation requirements are determined by the State of North Carolina and Cabarrus County Schools.  Graduation requirements can vary from one year to the next, so it is important to consult the requirements that were in effect the year you entered high school. 

Responsibility for tracking a student's progress through the graduation requirements is a collaborative effort between students, parents/guardians, and school counselors.  HRHS school counselors review graduation requirements with students at least twice each year.  New enrollees will review the graduation requirements at their enrollment appointment with their school counselors.  Consult your school counselor if you have any questions or concerns about the graduation requirements. 

Graduation Requirements may not meet Minimum Admission Requirements for some colleges and universities.  Be sure to check the Minimum Admission Requirements for the colleges to which you plan to apply.  For your convenience, a quick link to the UNC System's Minimum Admission Requirements is available on the right. 

Below you will find classroom guidance/assembly information for each grade level.  This information is presented at the start of every school year to students in each grade level.

4 YEAR HIGH SCHOOL PLAN FOR STUDENTS ENTERING HIGH SCHOOL AFTER 2020-21

3 Year Graduation Path (optional pathway to graduate in 3 academic school years)

• CCS Three-Year Graduation Path 
• NC & CCS High School Graduation Requirements
• Three-Year Graduation Path PPT
• Three-Year Graduation Path Video

Graduation Requirements for Rising 9th Graders, Class of 2029

Graduation Requirements for Rising 10th -12th Grader, Class of 2026, 2027, and 2028

• Many courses can be taken at the standard/regular or Honors levels, and some courses can be taken at the AP level.
• Advanced Math options will be discussed with students as they draw nearer to making those course selections.  Options include NC Math 4, AP Precalculus, AP Statistics, AP Calculus AB and AP Calculus BC.
•  *World Languages* are not required for high school graduation but are required for admission to a four-year college or university.  We advise a minimum of two credits in the same language; those planning to apply to more competitive colleges and universities should consider taking three or more credits in the same foreign language.
• Career Clusters are recommended by the State of North Carolina but required by Cabarrus County Schools.
• Some students who transfer into Hickory Ridge High School may be required to earn fewer than 27 credits for high school graduation, depending on their maximum credit potential over their four years of high school.