American private high schools generally prepare their graduates for academic work after graduation. With that in mind let's take a look at the various academic options which you will find in American private schools.
Because private schools are indeed private or independent, as opposed to being state schools, they can set their own curricula and the qualifications of their faculty. Most private high schools meet or exceed the course requirements mandated by the state education department for the state in which the school is located.
For example, here are the State of Minnesota's graduation requirements:
Minnesota students are required to complete three kinds of requirements by the time they graduate. Students must:
Satisfactorily complete the state course credit requirements under Minnesota Statutes, section 120B.024.
Satisfactorily complete all state academic standards or local academic standards where state standards do not apply.
Meet graduation assessment requirements.
Course Credits
Students complete the academic standards by taking a core course of study that equips them with the knowledge and skills they need for success in postsecondary education, highly skilled work, and civic life. In order to graduate, your child’s high school coursework must include at least the minimum state course credit requirements. A course credit is equivalent to a student successfully completing an academic year of study or mastering the subject matter, as determined by the local school district.
Students must complete a minimum of 21.5 course credits as follows:
4 credits of language arts
3 credits of mathematics, including algebra,
