Academics
Graduation Requirements
Twenty-four units and a satisfactory citizenship record are required for graduation from any course of study. A unit is defined as the credit earned for a class meeting at least 200 minutes per week for 36 weeks. Laboratory and vocational classes meet 240 minutes per week. The final semester of the senior year must be taken in residence at OAA. To qualify for participation in the Commencement Exercise, all academic requirements must be completed and all necessary transcripts on file in the Registrar’s Office. Diplomas will be issued when the student’s account is paid in full.
Specific Requirements
Students must meet the minimum requirements of 24 units distributed as follows:
| Class | Specifics | |
| Computer Applications | (1) | Keyboarding proficiency is required as a prerequisite for Computer Applications. |
| Electives | To total 24 units. | |
| English | (4) | |
| Fine Arts | (½) | A maximum of two (2) fine arts credits will count toward the 24 unit requirement. |
| Foreign Language | Two (2) units for College Prep Diploma. | |
| Health | (½) | |
| Mathematics | (4) | At least one (1) unit of Algebra and one (1) unit of Geometry must be completed. All math credits must be algebra or geometry based. |
| Physical Education | (1) | A maximum of two (2) PE credits will count toward the 24 unit requirement. |
| Religion | (4) | Or ½ unit of Religion for each semester of attendance in a Seventh-day Adventist school. |
| Science | (3) | At least one (1) unit must be a life science and one (1) unit a physical science. All science credits must be lab courses. |
| Speech | (½) | |
| Social Studies | (3) | One (1) unit of U.S. History taken after the ninth grade, one (1) unit of World History, and one (1) unit of Civics or American Government |
The fundamental level courses will meet high school graduation requirements but will not necessarily prepare a student to take college level courses without remedial work.
Qualifying for the High School diploma may not necessarily meet full admission requirements to colleges or to all college courses of study. All students should check the specific entrance requirements of the college they plan to attend to make sure they qualify for full admission.
College Prep Diploma
The College Prep Diploma will best prepare students to be successful in ACT/SAT scores and in their preparation for college. A College Prep diploma will be awarded to students who have completed the High School Diploma requirements and the following requirements:
- 2 units of the same foreign language.
- 4 units of math to include Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II, and a math beyond Algebra II (Senior Math or Pre Calculus).
- 3 units of science (General Chemistry does not meet this requirement).
- Cumulative grade point average of 2.75 or higher.
Math and Science Fundamental level courses do not meet these requirements.
Attendance Diploma
Occasionally there are circumstances where a student may not be able to meet the regular academic requirements for graduation yet the family wants their child in a Seventh-day Adventist school environment. The following policy has been developed to meet these special needs. It is understood that the Attendance Diploma is not the equivalent of a high school diploma and does not meet college entrance requirements.
A. Criteria for acceptance into Attendance Diploma program:
1. A written request from parents (guardian) for admission into the program.
2. Documented learning disability.
3. Signed statement of understanding by parent/guardian and student.
B. Requirements for continuing in the program:
1. The student must demonstrate progress commensurate with his/her ability.
2. Faithful class attendance is required.
C. Requirements for receiving the Attendance Diploma:
1. The student must be enrolled in a high school program for a minimum of 4 years.
2. The student must attempt courses totaling 24 credits including all specific requirements for graduation under the regular high school program. Course attendance requirements may be met by either enrollment in regular classes or by assignment to special tutorial sessions.
For more information see the Student Handbook.