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Academic Standards of Physical Education

Physical education is part of the school experience of South Carolina students. Physical education provides students with important opportunities for healthy activities and play.

  • High School Graduation Requirements: The state requires students to earn 1.0 physical education credit, including a 0.5 credit personal wellness course for graduation.
  • Substitutions: The state permits school districts or schools to allow students to substitute JROTC for their required physical education credit.
  • Exemptions/Waivers: Exemptions are not allowed.
  • State Standards: The state has developed its own standards for physical education, with which all school districts must comply. The South Carolina Academic Standards for Physical Education were last revised in 2014. [See State Standards for Physical Education chart for details.]
  • Online Physical Education Courses: High School Physical Education credit may be earned through HCS virtual online physical education course.  See your Guidance Counselor for more information.
  • Student Assessment Requirements: The state requires student assessment in physical education in grades 2, 5, 8 and 9. Students’ performance of motor/movement skills, physical fitness levels, knowledge of physical education content and participation in physical activity outside of physical education class are assessed. Results are used to evaluate program effectiveness.
  • Fitness Testing: The state requires the use of FITNESSGRAM in the South Carolina Physical Education Assessment and FITNESSGRAM reports are sent to parents or guardians of students in grades 5, 8 and high school.
  • Body Mass Index (BMI): The state requires schools to collect body composition, students’ BMI or height and weight once per year in grades 5, 8 and 9. Individual student results are sent to parents or guardians in a FITNESSGRAM/ACTIVITYGRAM.