District Course Catalog

These eligibility rules are adopted for Saint Paul Public Schools in accordance with the Minnesota State High School League. 

Considerations for Athletic Eligibility

• These academic total credit requirements are for athletic eligibility only. Whether or not a student is on track to graduate is determined by completing specific credit requirements and must be evaluated by a school counselor to verify graduation status.  
• Coaches, school counselors and athletic administrators must be exceedingly diligent in educating incoming 9th graders to ensure they understand the importance of academic achievement and the connection to athletic eligibility.
• School counselors must counsel student-athletes wisely entering their junior and senior years to support any aspirations or realized opportunities to participate in intercollegiate athletics, i.e. scheduling courses that meet the NCAA / NAIA / Junior College requirements during these years.
• Students and school counselors must be strategic when considering a student’s schedule to include study hall.
• The minimum number of credits earned, as listed in the chart below, is predicated on a total of 86 credits being required for graduation will apply to the Class of 2025 and beyond throughout their academic career.
• The academic expectation is that all students may equitably participate and be able to meet the academic requirements.
• Credit requirements are designed to encourage and allow for students to take more academically challenging classes in their later high school career,

The following information is the SPPS Athletics Department’s current practices related to academic eligibility for participating in SPPS interscholastic athletic programs.  

Eligibility Summary 

• All students entering as ninth graders are academically eligible to participate. 
• Students must be on course in the number of credits outlined below.
• Athletics will determine eligibility of student-athletes using the student’s quarter grades. Athletic directors should consult with students’ school counselors as needed. 
• Students who fail to meet the minimum requirements may have their academic eligibility status reviewed on a case-by-case basis. This includes students who have achieved meeting the minimum requirements through credit recovery programs. 
• Academic eligibility will be determined on a quarterly basis, after each quarter has concluded and final grades are awarded.

Academic Eligibility at Comprehensive High Schools

• Student athletes must earn the following credits during each quarter:
• 9th grade must earn a minimum of 6 credits for each quarter
• 10th grade must earn a minimum of 6 credits for each quarter
• 11th grade must earn a minimum of 5 credits for each quarter
• 12th grade must earn a minimum of one half of the credits attempted each quarter

AND

the following minimum total number of credits after each quarter has concluded and final grades, to include P / NP, have been awarded:

*to include summer school/area learning centers/credit recovery

Recovery Credits: In the event a student does not earn the requisite number of credits, the student is strongly advised to attend credit recovery class(es) in order to re-establish eligibility.

Exceptions

Exceptions will be reviewed by the Athletic Eligibility Appeals Committee using the following criteria:

• Quarter Course Passing Exception: Students who do not meet the minimum quarterly requirement may continue to participate provided students have passed all courses taken in the quarter being used to determine eligibility, or all enrolled credits in summer credit recovery prior to fall season sports. Once this eligibility criteria is initiated, students must continue to pass all courses each quarter until they meet minimum quarterly requirements.
• ALC and Alternative Programs: Students at AGAPE, Gateway to College, Gordon Parks, Journeys, and LEAP students who do not meet the minimum quarterly requirement may continue to participate provided students have passed at least half of the attempted credits taken in the quarter being used to determine eligibility.

Academic Eligibility for Middle School Students Participating in High School Athletics

7th and 8th graders participating in high school athletics must maintain passing grades during the athletic season. There are no Athletic Eligibility Appeals for academic eligibility for middle school. 

Math (4 credits)
4 credits x 1 year  

• Additional coursework in math is encouraged and required for many colleges and career training programs.  

Science (4 credits)
4 credits x 1 year  

• Additional coursework in science is encouraged and required for many colleges and career training programs.  

Indigenous or World Language (8 credits)
4 credits x 2 years
OR  Achievement of the World Language Proficiency Certificate or the Seal of Biliteracy (Gold or Platinum)

• There is no MDE requirement for Indigenous or world language, however, many colleges require at least two years of an Indigenous or world language.