Students entering grade 9 in 2005 or earlier have 21 credits required with 3 credits required in mathematics. They do not have a Career Pathway requirement.

⁺ 1 in World History, 1 in U.S. History; 1 in Local, State, and National Government

⁺⁺ 1 with fundamental or advanced algebraic concepts; 1 with fundamental or advanced geometric concepts

^{^} 1 in biology

• English courses in grades nine, ten, and eleven must be taken sequentially and a student may not enroll in the next grade level until he/she has passed the preceding one. The exception is English 12, which may be taken simultaneously with English 11, during the senior year.
• Eighth graders are given the option of registering for the Maryland Scholars program. Check with local high school counselors for more information.
• To be eligible for a high school diploma, all students must complete the student service program requirements developed by the Harford County Public School System.
• Students must take the applicable Maryland High School Assessment (HSA)at the end of the courses in government, English 2, algebra 1, and biology, with a combined score of 1602, in order to receive a Maryland High School Diploma.

Under certain circumstances, students may waive the required fourth year of high school attendance. Upon receiving permission from the school principal and the superintendent of schools, a student may be awarded a diploma after acceptance and/or successful completion of one year of college or post-secondary education.

In addition to the regular school program, students may earn credits by attending summer school or Alternative Education.

Seniors may receive approval from the principal and the Executive Director of Secondary Education to earn one additional credit beyond the credits earned during the regular school day.

Questions concerning 'Exceptions to the Regular High School Program' should be directed to the high school counseling office.