Students must select and enroll in both required and elective courses every year to make progress towards meeting graduation requirements. The minimum course load expectations are as follows:

Seven classes each semester (including at least one PE) in grades 9 and 10
Five classes each semester and PE one semester in grade 11.
Four classes each semester and PE one semester in grade 12.

Note: Course offerings are based on student request and student need. If there are not enough students interested in a particular course, it may not be offered.

Cedar Rapids Community School District uses a semester schedule with the school year divided into two 16-week terms. CRCSD students must earn a minimum of 40 credit hours in grades nine to 12 to qualify for a diploma. Under the semester-based credit system, a passing grade in a semester course earns one credit. There are some credit exceptions for music courses. Contact your counselor for more information.

The credit hours required for graduation shall include the following minimum subject area requirements:

English language arts: eight credit hours
Mathematics: six credit hours
Science: six credit hours
Social studies: six credit hours
Physical education: four credit hours

Iowa Code requires all physically-able students in grades nine to 12 to participate in physical education each semester they are enrolled. Currently, CRCSD receives a Chapter 12 waiver from the Iowa Department of Education. This allows students to enroll in daily physical education for one semester instead of two semesters each school year. Students are also expected to participate in a CPR course per Iowa Code 281-IAC 12.5(20).

Financial literacy: one-half unit (currently fulfilled within the economics curriculum)
Elective courses: 10 credit hours (these courses vary upon interest of the student)