In order to graduate, 19.25 credits are required. In order to earn a Winsor School diploma, an Upper School student must complete:

• Four years of English (including one year of United States literature in Class VI). 
• Three years of a world language, completed by the end of Class VII. 
• Three years of math, completed by the end of Class VII. 
• Seven semesters of physical education (two semesters each year in Classes V, VI, and VII; one semester in the fall of Class VIII). 
• Three semesters of health and wellness (one semester each year in Classes V, VI, and VII). 
• Two and a half years of history, completed by the end of Class VII (including one year in Class V, one year of United States history in Class VI, and one semester of an interdisciplinary history global studies course in Class VII or the fall of Class VIII). 
• Two and a half years of science, completed by the end of Class VII (including one year of biology in Class V, one year of chemistry in Class VI, and one semester of physics in Class VII). 
• 1.25 credits of performing or visual arts, completed by the middle of Class VIII, 0.75 of which must be completed by the end of Class VI. 
• One semester of a quantitative course in Class VIII (first semester). 
• Independent Learning Experience in Class VIII (second semester).

These requirements reflect the principles of Winsor’s curriculum. They provide a unified experience for students in Classes V and VI and more choice for those in Classes VII and VIII, guiding them toward independence in a manner consistent with the school’s philosophy. The requirements by class are described below.

Class V

All students must take one year of history, English, algebra 2 or geometry, biology, a world language, and one semester of health. Students typically take a course in visual or performing arts during one or both semesters. Additionally students may choose to take a minor elective in computer science or STEM.

Class VI

All students must take a full year of United States History, United States Literature, chemistry, geometry or precalculus, a second year of the same world language, and one semester of health. Students may also take a course in performing or visual arts during one or both semesters. Additionally students may choose to take a computer science minor elective. Students wishing to study a second language may apply for a credit overage in order to take a sixth major course each semester (See Appendix for petition process). By the end of Class VI, all students must have taken a total of at least 0.75 credits of performing and/or visual arts, and it is recommended that they complete some of the requirement each year.

Class VII

All students must take a third year of the same world language, a year of precalculus or calculus, an English elective each semester, and one semester of physics. Depending on interest, they may choose to take a second semester of physics or another major elective in the spring. Students will select a fifth major course each semester, which may include a second language or the history component of their global studies requirement. Students must also take health in the fall and Approaching the College Process in the spring. Additionally, students may choose to take a performing arts, visual arts, or computer science minor elective one or both semesters. In order to satisfy the global studies requirement, students must take a paired, interdisciplinary global studies course during their junior year or senior fall. 

Class VIII

AAll students must take English each semester and a quantitative course during the first semester. Students typically take five major courses in the first semester, and four major courses and the ILE Seminar in the second semester. The ILE Seminar will prepare students for the senior Independent Learning Experience, which they will complete in May. By senior year, students will typically have completed all other graduation requirements. Students must complete the global studies requirement and all remaining required performing or visual arts credits by the first semester of Class VIII.

Below is a visual representation of the General Graduation Requirements. 

*Students must complete 0.75 credits of performing and visual arts by the end of Class VI, and any remaining required credits by the middle of Class VIII.

**Class VI Health may be taken either semester, depending on a student’s schedule.

***The global studies requirement may be satisfied during either semester of Class VII or during the fall of Class VIII.

****During the spring of senior year, students may choose whether to take a fifth major course in addition to the ILE Seminar.