Grade Level(s): 9
Prerequisite: None
Credit: 1.0
Curriculum
Cardinal Gibbons offers a robust college preparatory program of studies with over 170 courses in 11 departments. Students take an average of 7 credits per year, which come from both semester and year-long classes. Gibbons also offers 25 Advanced Placement courses.
Core Courses
- Gibbons Freshman Seminar
- English
- Math
- Physical Education
- Science
- Social Studies
- Theology
- World Languages
Gibbons Freshman Seminar
English
Four English credits are required for graduation. Students take one core English course each year.
Grade Level(s): 9
Prerequisite: Completion of 8th grade English
Credit: 1.0
Grade Level(s): 9
Prerequisite: Reading and verbal scores from the High School Placement Test above 75th percentile
Credit: 1.0
Grade Level(s): 10
Prerequisite: English 9
Credit: 1.0
Grade Level(s): 10
Prerequisite: Minimum of a B+ in English 9 Honors, an A in English 9, or ITBS: ELA Total NPR score of at least 80
Credit: 1.0
Grade Level(s): 11
Prerequisite: English 10
Credit: 1.0
Grade Level(s): 11
Prerequisite: Minimum of a B+ in English 10 Honors, an A in English 10 or PSAT: ERW score of at least 550
Credit: 1.0
Grade Level(s): 11
Prerequisite: Minimum of a B+ in English 10 Honors, an A in English 10 or PSAT: ERW score of at least 590
Credit: 1.0
Grade Level(s): 12
Prerequisite: English 11
Credit: 1.0
Grade Level(s): 12
Prerequisite: Minimum of a B+ in English 11 Honors, an A in English 11 or PSAT: ERW score of at least 570
Credit: 1.0
Grade Level(s): 12
Prerequisite: Minimum of a B in AP English Language, a B+ in English 11 Honors, an A in English 11 or PSAT: ERW score of at least 590
Credit: 1.0
Math
Four Math credits are required for graduation. Students take one core Math course each year. Seniors may take two Math courses.
Grade Level(s): 9
Prerequisite: Completion of Math 8
Corequisite: Students enrolled in this class will also be enrolled in the Essential Math Lab/Curriculum Assistance class
Credit: 1.0
Grade Level(s): 9
Prerequisite: Completion of Math 8 and quantitative and math scores on the High School Placement Test above the 25th percentile
Credit: 1.0
Grade Level(s): 9, 10
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Math I or Essential Math I*
Credit: 1.0
*For rising 9th grade students, placement in this course also requires quantitative and math scores from the High School Placement Test above the 25th percentile.
Grade Level(s): 9. 10
Prerequisite: Minimum of an A in Math I and ITBS: Math Total NPR score of at least 80*
Credit: 1.0
*For rising 9th grade students, placement in this course requires successful completion of Math I and quantitative and math scores from the High School Placement Test above the 60th percentile.
Grade Level(s): 11
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Essential Math II
Credit: 1.0
Grade Level(s): 10, 11
Prerequisite: Minimum of a C in Math II
Credit: 1.0
Grade Level(s): 9, 10, 11
Prerequisite: Minimum of an A in Math II* or a B in Math II Honors and PSAT: Math score of at least 500 or ITBS: Math Total NPR of at least 85**
Credit: 1.0
*For Math II students, educator approval and completion of a summer assignment are strongly recommended.
**For rising 9th grade students, placement in this course requires successful completion of Math II and quantitative and/or math scores from the High School Placement Test above the 60th percentile.
Grade Level(s): 11, 12
Prerequisite: Minimum of a C in Math III
Credit: 1.0
Grade Level(s): 11, 12
Prerequisite: Minimum of an A in Math III
Credit: 1.0
Grade Level(s): 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: Minimum of a B+ in Math IV, a B in Math IV Honors, or successful completion of Math III Honors
Credit: 1.0
Grade Level(s): 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: Minimum of a B in Math III Honors or an A in Math IV Honors and PSAT: Math of at least 550 or ITBS: Math Total of at least 90
Credit: 1.0
Grade Level(s): 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: An A+ in Math III Honors and PSAT: Math score of at least 550 or ITBS: Math Total of at least 90 or a score above the threshold on the AP Precalculus placement test
Credit: 1.0
Grade Level(s): 12
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Math III Essentials or educator approval
Credit: 1.0
Grade Level(s): 12
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Math IV or Math IV Honors
Credit: 1.0
Grade Level(s): 11, 12
Prerequisite: Minimum of a B- in Precalculus or C in Precalculus Honors
Credit: 1.0
Grade Level(s): 11, 12
Prerequisite: Minimum of a C in AP Precalculus, a B in Precalculus Honors or an A in Calculus Honors
Credit: 1.0
Grade Level(s): 11, 12
Prerequisite: Minimum of an A in Precalculus Honors*, a B in AP Precalculus, or a B in AP Calculus AB
Credit: 1.0
*In 2023-2024 and beyond, only AP Precalculus students may advance to AP Calculus BC. Students in Precalculus Honors will advance to AP Calculus AB.
Grade Level(s): 12
Prerequisite: Minimum of a C in Precalculus Honors, a B in Precalculus, or an A in Math IV Honors
Credit: 1.0
Grade Level(s): 12
Prerequisite: Successful completion of AP Calculus BC with a 3 or better on the AP Calculus BC Test
Credit: 1.0
Physical Education
One credit in PE is required for graduation. This credit may be earned through Men’s Fitness 9/10, Women’s Fitness 9/10, or by independent study. To be eligible for the PE independent study, a student must have taken a course in the Fine Arts or BTE department during 9th and 10th grade.
Grade Level(s): 9, 10
Prerequisite: None
Credit: 1.0
*This course may be taken in multiple years and is Honors Option in the second year.
Grade Level(s): 9, 10
Prerequisite: None
Credit: 1.0
*This course may be taken in multiple years and is Honors Option in the second year.
Science
Three Science credits are required for graduation, although taking four credits is recommended. Biology and a physical science (Chemistry or Physical Science) are required. Unlike other subjects areas, the four semester Science electives do contribute to the graduation requirement.
Grade Level(s): 9
Prerequisite: None
Credit: 1.0
Grade Level(s): 9
Prerequisite: Reading and verbal scores from the High School Placement Test above 75th percentile and placement in Math II or higher
Credit: 1.0
Grade Level(s): 10
Prerequisite: Biology or Biology Honors
Credit: 1.0
Grade Level(s): 10, 11
Prerequisite: Minimum of a B+ in Biology or a B in Biology Honors
Credit: 1.0
Grade Level(s): 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: Minimum of a B in Biology, a B- in Biology Honors, a B in Earth Science, or a B- in Earth Science Honors and placement in Math II Honors or higher
Credit: 1.0
Grade Level(s): 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: Minimum of an A in Biology, a B+ in Biology Honors, or a B in Earth Science Honors and placement in Math III Honors or higher
Credit: 1.0
Grade Level(s): 11, 12
Prerequisite: Earth Science or Earth Science Honors
Credit: 1.0
Grade Level(s): 11, 12
Prerequisite: Minimum of a B in Chemistry or C+ in Chemistry Honors and placement in Math IV Honors or higher
Credit: 1.0
Grade Level(s): 12
Prerequisite: Minimum of a B in Chemistry or a C+ in Chemistry Honors
Credit: 1.0
*Advanced Anatomy and Physiology is a dual credit course that will use the AP grading scale.
Grade Level(s): 11, 12
Prerequisite: Minimum of a B+ in Chemistry Honors
Corequisite: By enrolling in this course, students will automatically be enrolled in AP Chemistry Lab
Credit: 1.0
Grade Level(s): 11, 12
Corequisite: Must be enrolled in AP Chemistry
Credit: 1.0
Grade Level(s): 11, 12
Prerequisite: Minimum of a B in Chemistry or a B- in Chemistry Honors
Credit: 1.0
Grade Level(s): 11, 12
Prerequisite: Minimum of a B in Chemistry Honors or a B in AP Environmental Science and enrolled in Precalculus Honors or higher and PSAT: Math score of at least 550
Credit: 1.0
Grade Level(s): 11, 12
Prerequisite: Minimum of a B in Chemistry Honors or a B in AP Environmental Science and enrolled in AP Calculus AB or higher and PSAT: Math score of at least 570
Credit: 1.0
Grade Level(s): 12
Prerequisite: Minimum of a B in AP Physics 1 or AP Physics C and a B in Precalculus Honors and PSAT: Math score of at least 550
Credit: 1.0
Grade Level(s): 12
Prerequisite: Minimum of an A in Chemistry, a B+ in Chemistry Honors, or a B in AP Environmental Science
Credit: 1.0
Social Studies
Three Social Studies credits are required for graduation. World History, U.S. History, Economics, and U.S. Government are required.
World History Courses
All 10th grade students are required to take one of the following courses.
Grade Level(s): 10
Prerequisite: None
Credit: 1.0
Grade Level(s): 10
Prerequisite: Minimum of an A in English 9, a B in English 9 Honors, or ITBS: ELA Total NPR score of at least 80
Credit: 1.0
Grade Level(s): 10
Prerequisite: Minimum of an A+ in English 9, a B+ in English 9 Honors, or ITBS: ELA Total NPR score of at least 90
Credit: 1.0
U.S. History Courses
All 11th grade students are required to take one of the following courses.
Grade Level(s): 11
Prerequisite: None
Credit: 1.0
Grade Level(s): 11
Prerequisite: Minimum of an A in World History, a B in World History Honors, a C in AP World History, or PSAT: ERW score of at least 550
Credit: 1.0
Grade Level(s): 11
Prerequisite: Minimum of an A+ in World History, a B+ in World History Honors, a B- in AP World History, or PSAT: ERW score of at least 590
Credit: 1.0
Government Courses
All 12th grade students are required to take one of the following courses.
Grade Level(s): 12
Prerequisite: None
Credit: 0.5
Grade Level(s): 12
Prerequisite: Minimum of an A in US History, a B in US History Honors, a C in AP US History, or PSAT: ERW score of at least 570
Credit: 0.5
Grade Level(s): 12
Prerequisite: Minimum of an A+ in US History, a B+ in US History Honors, a B- in AP US History, or PSAT: ERW score of at least 590
Credit: 1.0
Economics Courses
A half credit in Economics is required for graduation. Seniors should take one of the following courses to fulfill this requirement. If a student is enrolling in AP U.S. Government, and does not have room in their schedule, they may take a summer Economics course prior to the start of senior year. Alternatively, students may take AP Macroeconomics independently through Catholic Virtual School during their junior year.
Grade Level(s): 12
Prerequisite: None
Credit: 0.5
Grade Level(s): 12
Prerequisite: Minimum of an A in US History, B in US History Honors, C in AP US History, or PSAT: ERW score of at least 570 and PSAT: Math score of at least 550
Credit: 0.5
Catholic Virtual Courses
The following courses may be taken independently through Catholic Virtual Schools during the school year and/or summer. These courses require an extra fee and do not replace a course taken on campus. Grades earned in these courses will not contribute to the student’s Cardinal Gibbons GPA, but students may obtain a separate transcript from Catholic Virtual. Students should use the Special Request Form to express interest in these courses.
Grade Level(s): 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: None
Credit: No credit is awarded from Cardinal Gibbons for this course.
Grade Level(s): 11, 12*
Prerequisite: None
Credit: 0.5
*After the 2023-2024 school year, this course will only be available to students in grade 11. Rising seniors for 2023-2024 will need to complete the class by the end of Semester 1.
Theology
Four credits in Theology are required for graduation - one credit for each year of attendance.
Grade Level(s): 9
Prerequisite: None
Credit: 1.0
Grade Level(s): 10
Prerequisite: None
Credit: 1.0
Grade Level(s): 11
Prerequisite: None
Credit: 1.0
Senior Theology Courses
Senior Theology courses are semester-long. Each senior chooses two.
Grade Level(s): 12
Prerequisite: None
Credit: 0.5
Grade Level(s): 12
Prerequisite: None
Credit: 0.5
Grade Level(s): 12
Prerequisite: None
Credit: 0.5
Grade Level(s): 12
Prerequisite: None
Credit: 0.5
World Languages
Two credits in the same world language are required for graduation.
French Courses
Grade Level(s): All
Prerequisite: None
Credit: 1.0
Grade Level(s): All
Prerequisite: Successful completion of French I
Credit: 1.0
Grade Level(s): All
Prerequisite: Minimum of an A- in French II
Credit: 1.0
Grade Level(s): 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: Minimum of a B+ in French III Honors
Credit: 1.0
Latin Courses
Grade Level(s): All
Prerequisite: None
Credit: 1.0
Grade Level(s): 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Latin I
Credit: 1.0
Grade Level(s): All
Prerequisite: Minimum of an A- in Latin I or score of A- or better on the Latin placement test
Credit: 1.0
Grade Level(s): All
Prerequisite: Minimum of an A- in Latin II or an A- in Latin II Honors
Credit: 1.0
*In 2023-2024 and beyond, only Latin II Honors students may advance to Latin III Honors. Students in Latin II will advance to Latin III.
Grade Level(s): 11, 12
Prerequisite: Minimum of a B- in Latin III or Latin III Honors
Credit: 1.0
Grade Level(s): 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: Minimum of a B+ in Latin III Honors
Credit: 1.0
Spanish Courses
Grade Level(s): All
Prerequisite: None
Credit: 1.0
Grade Level(s): 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: Essential Spanish I or educator approval
Credit: 1.0
Grade Level(s): 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: Minimum of a C in Spanish I
Credit: 1.0
Grade Level(s): All
Prerequisite: Minimum of an A- in Spanish I or score of A- or better on the Spanish placement test
Credit: 1.0
Grade Level(s): 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: Minimum of a C+ in Spanish II Honors or Spanish II
Credit: 1.0
Grade Level(s): All
Prerequisite: Minimum of an A- in Spanish II Honors
Credit: 1.0
Grade Level(s): 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: Minimum of a C+ in Spanish III Honors or B- in Spanish III
Credit: 1.0
Grade Level(s): 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: Minimum of a B+ in Spanish III Honors
Credit: 1.0
Grade Level(s): 11, 12
Prerequisite: Minimum of a B+ in AP Spanish Language
Credit: 1.0
American Sign Language Courses
Grade Level(s): All
Prerequisite: Approval from Learning Support Specialist
Credit: 1.0
Elective Courses
- Business, Technology, and Engineering
- English
- Fine Arts - Media
- Fine Arts - Music
- Fine Arts - Performing Arts
- Fine Arts - Visual Arts
- Physical Education
- Science
- Social Studies
- Theology
Business, Technology, and Engineering
Business Electives
The Business electives are semester-long and may be taken independent of each other.
Grade Level(s): 11,12
Prerequisite: None
Credit: 0.5
Grade Level(s): 11, 12
Prerequisite: None
Credit: 0.5
Computer Science Electives
The Computer Science electives offer a four-year path, which may be started in any grade level.
Grade Level(s): All
Prerequisite: None
Credit: 1.0
Grade Level(s): 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: Introduction to Computer Programming Honors
Credit: 1.0
Grade Level(s): 11, 12
Prerequisite: AP Computer Science Principles
Credit: 1.0
Grade Level(s): 11, 12
Prerequisite: AP Computer Science Principles
Credit: 1.0
Engineering Electives
The Engineering electives offer a three-year path and follow the Project Lead the Way (PLTW) curriculum. These electives must be taken in the specified order.
Grade Level(s): 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: None, but Art I or Intro to Computer Programming are recommended
Credit: 1.0
Grade Level(s): 11, 12
Prerequisite: Introduction to Engineering Design Honors
Credit: 1.0
Grade Level(s): 12
Prerequisite: Principles of Engineering Honors
Credit: 1.0
English
The English electives are all semester-long and do not satisfy the English graduation requirement.
Grade Level(s): 11, 12
Prerequisite: None
Credit: 0.5
Grade Level(s): 11, 12
Prerequisite: None
Credit: 0.5
Grade Level(s): 11, 12
Prerequisite: None
Credit: 0.5
Grade Level(s): 11, 12
Prerequisite: None
Credit: 0.5
Grade Level(s): 11, 12
Prerequisite: None
Credit: 0.5
Grade Level(s): 11, 12
Prerequisite: None
Credit: 0.5
Grade Level(s): 11, 12
Prerequisite: None
Credit: 0.5
Grade Level(s): 11, 12
Prerequisite: None
Credit: 0.5
Fine Arts - Media
All Media courses fulfill the Fine Arts requirement for graduation. Ninth grade students who choose to take a Fine Arts elective in place of PE must commit to taking a second course in the Fine Arts department their sophomore year in order to defer the PE requirement. Read more about the PE deferment.
Introductory Course
Introduction to Media is suggested, but not required, before other media courses. Rising 9th grade students who wish to pursue the media program are encouraged to start with this course.
Grade Level(s): 9, 10
Prerequisite: None
Credit: 1.0
Digital Media Electives
The digital media path can be started in grade 10, 11, or 12. Courses must be taken in order.
Grade Level(s): 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: None, but Intro to Media is suggested
Credit: 1.0
Grade Level(s): 11, 12
Prerequisite: Digital Media I Honors
Credit: 1.0
Production Media Electives
These media courses may be taken in multiple years during grades 10, 11, and 12. Students may also choose to move from one production course to another the following year.
Grade Level(s): 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: None, but Intro to Media is suggested
Credit: 1.0
Grade Level(s): 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: None, but Intro to Media is suggested
Credit: 1.0
Grade Level(s): 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: None, but Intro to Media is suggested
Credit: 1.0
Grade Level(s): 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: None, but Intro to Media is suggested
Credit: 1.0
Fine Arts - Music
All Music courses fulfill the Fine Arts requirement for graduation. Ninth grade students who choose to take a Fine Arts elective in place of PE must commit to taking a second course in the Fine Arts department their sophomore year in order to defer the PE requirement. Read more about the PE deferment.
Band and Percussion Electives
Grade Level(s): All
Prerequisite: None
Credit: 1.0
Grade Level(s): 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: Symphonic Band or audition*
Credit: 1.0
*Exceptional rising 9th grade students may audition.
Grade Level(s): All
Prerequisite: None
Credit: 1.0
Grade Level(s): 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: Audition
Credit: 1.0
Guitar Electives
The guitar electives must be taken in the specified order. An audition is required to skip any class in the sequence.
Grade Level(s): All
Prerequisite: None
Credit: 1.0
Grade Level(s): All
Prerequisite: Guitar I or audition
Credit: 1.0
Grade Level(s): 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: Guitar II
Credit: 1.0
Grade Level(s): 11, 12
Prerequisite: Guitar III Honors, audition, and interview
Credit: 1.0
String Orchestra Electives
The string orchestra electives must be taken in the specified order. An audition is required to skip any class in the sequence.
Grade Level(s): All
Prerequisite: None
Credit: 1.0
Grade Level(s): All
Prerequisite: String Orchestra I or audition
Credit: 1.0
Grade Level(s): All
Prerequisite: String Orchestra II or audition
Credit: 1.0
Vocal Ensemble Electives
Grade Level(s): All
Prerequisite: None
Credit: 1.0
*This course may be taken in multiple years and is Honors Option in the second year.
Grade Level(s): All
Prerequisite: None
Credit: 1.0
*This course may be taken in multiple years and is Honors Option in the second year.
Grade Level(s): 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: Audition
Credit: 1.0
Other Music Electives
These elective courses are non-instrument based. Music experience is not required for either course, but is preferred for the AP course.
Grade Level(s): 11, 12
Prerequisite: None
Credit: 0.5
Grade Level(s): 11, 12
Prerequisite: Educator approval
Credit: 1.0
Fine Arts - Performing Arts
All Performing Arts courses fulfill the Fine Arts requirement for graduation. Ninth grade students who choose to take a Fine Arts elective in place of PE must commit to taking a second course in the Fine Arts department their sophomore year in order to defer the PE requirement. Read more about the PE deferment.
Dance Electives
The dance electives must be taken in the specified order. An audition is required to skip any class in the sequence.
Grade Level(s): All
Prerequisite: None
Credit: 1.0
Grade Level(s): All
Prerequisite: Dance I or audition
Credit: 1.0
Grade Level(s): 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: Dance II or audition
Credit: 1.0
Grade Level(s): 11, 12
Prerequisite: Dance III Honors or audition
Credit: 1.0
Grade Level(s): 12
Prerequisite: Dance IV Honors or audition
Credit: 1.0
Drama Electives
The drama electives are grade level based. It is not required to have taken previous courses in the sequence to enroll.
Grade Level(s): 9
Prerequisite: None
Credit: 1.0
Grade Level(s): 10
Prerequisite: None
Credit: 1.0
Grade Level(s): 11, 12
Prerequisite: None
Credit: 1.0
Grade Level(s): 12
Prerequisite: None
Credit: 1.0
Musical Theater Electives
After an introductory course in Drama, Dance or Vocal Music, students will be eligible to audition for placement in the musical theater track. This track is intended to be a three-year course of study in the multidisciplinary subject area of Musical Theater. However, upperclassmen may audition for placement in their grade level cohort if they do not start the program in grade 10.
Grade Level(s): 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: Dance, Drama, or Vocal Ensemble course and vocal/movement audition
Credit: 1.0
Grade Level(s): 11, 12
Prerequisite: Musical Theater I or audition* and educator approval
Credit: 1.0
*Audition available for rising juniors not enrolled in Musical Theater I.
Grade Level(s): 12
Prerequisite: Musical Theater II or audition* and educator approval
Credit: 1.0
*Audition available for rising seniors not enrolled in Musical Theater II.
Technical Theater Electives
The technical theater electives must be taken in the specified order. Educator approval is required to skip any class in the sequence.
Grade Level(s): All
Prerequisite: None
Credit: 1.0
Grade Level(s): 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: Technical Theater I or educator approval
Credit: 1.0
Grade Level(s): 11, 12
Prerequisite: Technical Theater II or educator approval
Credit: 1.0
Grade Level(s): 11, 12
Prerequisite: Educator approval
Credit: 1.0
Theatrical Design Electives
The theatrical design electives are semester-long and will be offered in opposite semesters. Students are encouraged to enroll in both courses.
Grade Level(s): 11, 12
Prerequisite: None
Credit: 0.5
Grade Level(s): 11, 12
Prerequisite: None
Credit: 0.5
Fine Arts - Visual Arts
All Visual Arts courses fulfill the Fine Arts requirement for graduation. Ninth grade students who choose to take a Fine Arts elective in place of PE must commit to taking a second course in the Fine Arts department their sophomore year in order to defer the PE requirement. Read more about the PE deferment.
Art and Design Electives
The art and design electives must be taken in the specified order.
Grade Level(s): All
Prerequisite: None
Credit: 1.0
Grade Level(s): 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: Art I
Credit: 1.0
Grade Level(s): 11, 12
Prerequisite: Art II
Credit: 1.0
Grade Level(s): 11, 12
Prerequisite: Art II
Credit: 1.0
Grade Level(s): 12
Prerequisite: Art II
Credit: 1.0
Other Visual Art Electives
These specialty art electives are available to juniors and seniors only.
Grade Level(s): 11, 12
Prerequisite: None
Credit: 1.0
Grade Level(s): 11, 12
Prerequisite: None
Credit: 1.0
Grade Level(s): 11, 12
Prerequisite: None
Credit: 1.0
Grade Level(s): 11, 12
Prerequisite: None
Credit: 1.0
Grade Level(s): 12
Prerequisite: Sequential Art I Honors
Credit: 1.0
Art History Elective
Grade Level(s): 12
Prerequisite: Minimum of a B in current English class
Credit: 1.0
Physical Education
Science
The Science electives are semester-long courses. With the exception of Laboratory Assistant, these courses do contribute towards the Science graduation requirement.
Grade Level(s): 11, 12
Prerequisite: Must concurrently take Chemistry or Physical Science or have successfully completed one of these classes
Credit: 0.5
Grade Level(s): 11, 12
Prerequisite: Minimum of a C+ in Chemistry
Credit: 0.5
Grade Level(s): 11, 12
Prerequisite: Must concurrently take Chemistry or Physical Science or have successfully completed one of these classes
Credit: 0.5
Grade Level(s): 11, 12
Prerequisite: Must concurrently take Chemistry or Physical Science or have successfully completed one of these classes
Credit: 0.5
Grade Level(s): 12
Prerequisite: Educator approval
Credit: 0.5
Social Studies
The Social Studies electives do not satisfy the Social Studies graduation requirement.
Grade Level(s): 11, 12
Prerequisite: None
Credit: 0.5
Grade Level(s): 11, 12
Prerequisite: None
Credit: 0.5
Grade Level(s): 11, 12
Prerequisite: Minimum of an A in English 10 or 11, a B+ in English 10 Honors or 11 Honors, a B in AP English Language or a PSAT: ERW score of at least 590
Credit: 1.0
Theology
Course of Studies & Pathways
Gibbons Virtual Online Electives
Cardinal Gibbons partners with Catholic Virtual, fully accredited online private school, to offer more than 50 online electives.
Dual Credit Program
We partner with Marymount University to offer seniors the opportunity to earn college credit.
Helpful Information
Course types
Students are placed in Honors or AP courses based on grades in current classes and/or test score prerequisites.
College Preparatory
All courses at Cardinal Gibbons High School are designed for students enrolled in a college preparatory program.
Honors
These courses represent an academic challenge for students and are weighted when calculating GPA.
Advanced Placement (AP)
These courses are weighted in GPA calculations and present college-level material according to the course requirements of the College Board AP Program. They conclude with the AP examinations.
Grading policies & records
Grading Policies & Records
Grading Policies and Records
Grading Scale
Cardinal Gibbons uses letter grades in evaluating scholastic achievement. GPA points are awarded based on the grade earned and the course level. A grade of incomplete (INC) indicates that requirements have not been met. An incomplete grade must be made up within two weeks of the date the grade was issued.
| Letter grade | Range | College Prep | Honors | AP |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A+ | 97-100 | 4.33 | 4.83 | 5.33 |
| A | 93-96 | 4.00 | 4.50 | 5.00 |
| A- | 90-92 | 3.67 | 4.17 | 4.67 |
| B+ | 87-89 | 3.33 | 3.83 | 4.33 |
| B | 83-86 | 3.00 | 3.50 | 4.00 |
| B- | 80-82 | 2.67 | 3.17 | 3.67 |
| C+ | 77-79 | 2.33 | 2.83 | 3.33 |
| C | 73-76 | 2.00 | 2.50 | 3.00 |
| C- | 70-72 | 1.67 | 2.17 | 2.67 |
| D | 65-69 | 1.00 | 1.50 | 2.00 |
| F | 64 or below | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Failures
Students who receive a grade of an F in a required course must make up the course in order to be promoted to the next grade. Students will have access either to a summer school option or an online option. Students must complete any coursework prior to July 31st of the academic year. Students with multiple failures will be placed on academic probation. Students on probation who do not improve may be asked to withdraw from Cardinal Gibbons.
Report Cards and Semester Grade Policy
Students and parents can view quarter, exam, and semester grades by logging in to PowerSchool. Additionally, report cards are emailed to parents/guardians at the conclusion of each quarter. (Please note: Report cards are only emailed to parents/guardians who have a PowerSchool parent account.)
Credit is awarded by semester and only the semester grade is recorded on the student’s permanent record. In the case of a course that does not have a semester exam, the two quarter grades are averaged together each counting as half. The GPA is calculated on the basis of the semester average.
Exams at the end of each semester count for no more than 20% of the student’s semester average; each quarter grade counts for a minimum of 40%. Absence from semester exams will be excused only for serious illness or at the discretion of the Head of School or Assistant Head of School for Academics.
Transcripts
Transcripts are an official record of a student’s semester grades and GPA. The registrar is responsible for these records. Transfer student grades will not be a part of the Cardinal Gibbons HS transcript. Official grades and credits earned at other schools will be attached to the Cardinal Gibbons transcript when an official transcript is requested. Only high school courses taken at Cardinal Gibbons High School are included in the GPA and determination of awards. High school credit is not given for courses taken at a college or university.
Transcripts may not be released to any third party, except for a member of the staff having an official need for the information, without the expressed approval (in writing) of the student, if 18 years of age or older, or a parent/guardian if the student is not yet 18.
Parents/students may obtain a copy of his/her transcript at any time as well as challenge any information contained in the records. A student’s permanent record (transcript) will remain on file at Cardinal Gibbons High School indefinitely. Students should be aware that the transcript is a permanent, official record that contains all semester grades and a cumulative grade point average. Colleges and employers often ask that this record be provided. Students should recognize the importance of this document as it reflects achievement.
Graduation Requirements
Students are required to complete 24 credits; a credit is defined as a yearlong course.
Cardinal Gibbons’ graduation requirements exceed the minimum undergraduate admissions requirements at all 16 constituent institutions of the University of North Carolina.
Theology
4 credits - one credit for each year of attendance
English
4 credits
Mathematics
4 credits - one credit must be above Math III
Science
3 credits - Biology is required; one credit must be a physical science (Chemistry or Physical Science)
Social Studies
3 credits - World History, U.S. History, Economics, and U.S. Government are required
World Language
2 credits in the same World Language
Fine Arts
1 credit
Physical Education
1 credit*
Freshman Seminar
1 credit - Gibbons Freshman Seminar is required
Elective
1 credit - any additional course in any department
*Students may choose to defer the PE requirement.
Note: Individual constituent institutions or a specific area of study may require other courses in addition to the minimum requirements and, therefore, prospective students should refer to the catalogs and contact the admissions offices of any institutions to which they plan to apply.