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Grade-Level Pathways

High school is a four-year journey. Know what to focus on, what deadlines to hit, and what opportunities to take advantage of at every grade level.

9th Grade 10th Grade 11th Grade
9th Grade | Freshman Year

Build the Foundation

Freshman year sets the academic habits, GPA, and course choices that follow you through all four years. The decisions you make now, especially in English and Math, directly affect your grade level classification and your Bright Futures eligibility later.

GPA Matters Now Your GPA starts accumulating the moment you take your first high school-level course, whether that's in 9th grade or earlier (for example, Algebra 1 taken in 7th or 8th grade). It counts toward both your graduation GPA and your Bright Futures GPA, so even one rough semester can affect your eligibility years from now.
Pass English and Math To be promoted to 10th grade you need 5 credits, including at least 1 English or 1 Math credit. These are the gatekeepers. See Promotion Requirements for the full credit breakdown at every grade level.
Get Involved Extracurriculars, clubs, sports, and volunteer work start here. Colleges look for sustained involvement over time, not a list of things you joined senior year.
Explore with Xello Log in to Xello (through Blended Learning in OneView, not a separate Xello password) and complete the interest and career assessments. It is free, takes 20 minutes, and gives you a starting point for thinking about what comes after high school.

9th Grade Checklist

  • Meet your school counselor and introduce yourself early in the year
  • Review the graduation requirements and the Bright Futures course requirements with your counselor
  • Aim for a 3.0 or higher GPA from day one (3.5 if you are targeting Bright Futures FAS)
  • Choose electives and courses with both your interests and your graduation plan in mind
  • Join at least one club, sport, or activity that genuinely interests you
  • Log in to Xello through Blended Learning in OneView and complete your career interest survey; see Xello & Scholarships for the full login steps
  • If you already volunteer, start logging your hours now with the Community Service Log form so nothing gets lost later
  • Start a personal folder (paper or digital) to track your activities and achievements for later
Bright Futures GPA is calculated on a specific set of 16 college-prep courses starting in 9th grade. The courses you take now count. Ask your counselor to confirm your class choices align with the Bright Futures course list.
Graduation Requirements Promotion Requirements Bright Futures Overview Community Service Log
10th Grade | Sophomore Year

Check Your Progress

Sophomore year is the time to audit where you stand and course-correct before junior year, when the pace picks up significantly. By the end of 10th grade you need 12 credits, including at least 2 English and 2 Math or Science credits, to be promoted to 11th grade.

Credit Audit Ask your counselor for a credit audit. Make sure your total credits and your English, Math, and Science credits are on track for 11th grade promotion. See Promotion Requirements for the full credit breakdown at every grade level.
PSAT 8/9 Many schools administer the PSAT 8/9 in 10th grade. It is practice for the PSAT/NMSQT you will take in 11th grade, and a useful baseline for your SAT prep.
Plan Junior Year Courses Junior year is when AP courses, dual enrollment, and advanced coursework matter most for college applications. Plan those choices now with your counselor.
Service Hours You can start logging Bright Futures volunteer service hours any time. Getting a head start in 10th grade takes pressure off junior and senior year.

10th Grade Checklist

  • Request a credit audit from your counselor and confirm you are on track for 11th grade promotion (12 credits, including 2 English + 2 Math/Science)
  • Take the PSAT 8/9 if offered at your school as a practice baseline
  • Check your Bright Futures GPA with your counselor
  • Begin logging volunteer service or paid work hours toward your Bright Futures total (FMS needs 75, FAS needs 100)
  • Research AP and dual enrollment options for junior year with your counselor
  • Continue updating your Xello plan and explore college and career profiles
  • Keep a running list of activities, awards, and accomplishments you can use later for applications and the Common App activity list
Not on track for 11th grade promotion? Talk to your counselor now about credit recovery options. Duval FLEX online courses can help you catch up without falling behind in your other classes.
Duval FLEX Enrollment
Promotion Requirements Graduation Requirements Bright Futures Overview
11th Grade | Junior Year

Junior Year is the Big One

Junior year is the most consequential year of high school for college preparation. The PSAT/NMSQT, your first SAT or ACT attempt, AP exams, college exploration, and the push to complete Bright Futures hours all happen this year. Stay organized and start early.

PSAT/NMSQT in October This is the qualifying test for the National Merit Scholarship Program. It is administered at your school in October. Only juniors are considered for National Merit Semifinalist status. Prepare ahead of time.
First SAT or ACT Aim to take your first SAT or ACT in the spring of junior year (March, May, or June). That leaves time to retest senior year if needed. See Key Dates for the full schedule.
AP Exams in May If you are in AP courses, exams are in May and are ordered for you through your school in the fall. There is no cost unless an exam is withdrawn after it has been ordered.
College Exploration Use Xello, college websites, and campus visits to build a realistic college list with reach, match, and safety schools.
Bright Futures Push Complete your remaining service or work hours before the end of junior year if possible so senior year is not rushed.
Preview Common App Create a Common App account and preview the platform so you are ready to hit the ground running when it opens for seniors on August 1.

Junior Year Checklist

  • Take the PSAT/NMSQT in October (administered at school automatically, no registration needed, check with your counselor for Mandarin's date)
  • Take the SAT or ACT at least once before the end of junior year
  • If you are in AP courses, your exams are ordered for you in the fall, no registration needed
  • Confirm you have 18 credits including 3 English and 4 Math/Science credits for 12th grade promotion, plus a 1.5 cumulative GPA
  • Complete or get close to your Bright Futures service or work hours (FMS: 75, FAS: 100)
  • Build your college list: at least 2 to 3 safety, 3 to 4 match, and 2 to 3 reach schools
  • Visit college campuses or attend virtual info sessions
  • Ask two teachers (junior year if possible) if they will write a recommendation letter for you in the fall
  • Create a Common App account and explore the platform before August
  • Update your Xello plan and use the college research tools
  • Meet with your counselor in the spring to review your graduation plan and college readiness
The PSAT/NMSQT date is set by your school in October. Ask your counselor early in the fall for Mandarin's exact date so you can prepare.
Key Dates Calendar Bright Futures College Application Hub
Ready for 12th grade? Head to the Senior Year section for the senior checklist, key deadlines, cap and gown ordering, and everything else you need to finish strong.
Back to All Resources Senior Year Checklist

Sources: Florida Department of Education graduation requirements; Duval County Public Schools Student Progression Plan; Common App; College Board PSAT/NMSQT; Florida Bright Futures Scholarship Program.