NH Scholars Program
New Hampshire Scholars Initiative
Part of the National State Scholars Initiative Network, the NH Scholars initiative has been adopted in over 70 high schools throughout New Hampshire thus far. The aim of NH Scholars is to ensure that students will graduate better prepared for college and career by exceeding high school graduation requirements and understanding the growing importance of attaining high level skills. The program is based on a partnership between a community's local business leaders and its school district. The business community is invited to participate by providing material support, mentors, academic support and experiential learning opportunities to students enrolled in the program.
Students may choose to be identified as NH Scholars candidates as early as Freshman year. Upon successful completion of NH Scholars requirements, students will receive acknowledgement on their official transcripts, during graduation ceremonies and will be invited to attend the annual statewide “NH Scholars Day” recognition ceremony. Registration forms are available in the Student Services office.
Benefits of the New Hampshire Scholars Program
By completing the NH Scholars core courses students are better prepared for college-level work, to test out of remedial classes, and will attain 21st century skills necessary in today’s competitive workforce. According to New Hampshire Scholars data, 87% of all graduating New Hampshire Scholars seniors have immediately enrolled in postsecondary education.
New Hampshire colleges and universities are supporting the initiative by: offering free course vouchers, providing application fee waivers, offering merit awards and serving on local school advisory committees for New Hampshire Scholars high schools. A current list of college incentives may be found by visiting http://nhscholars.org.
Three Options
In addition to the traditional NH Scholars program, students may enroll in STEM or Arts options within the NH Scholars program. Please note the additional requirements listed below.
| NH Scholars Program | ||||
| Discipline | Credits | STEM | ARTS | Qualifying Courses (all courses must be A-level, Honors or AP) |
| English | 4 | 4 | 4 | English 9, 10, 11 & 12 |
| Mathematics | 4 | 4 | 4 | Math credits must include (or exceed): Algebra I, Geometry & Alg. II |
| Science | 3 | 3 | 3 | Biology, Chemistry, & Physics (preferred) - 1 exchange allowed |
| Social Studies | 3.5 | 3.5 | 3.5 | Am. St. 9, Am. St. 10, Modern World Studies & 1/2 credit elective |
| World Lang. | 2 | 2 | 2 | two credits of the same language earned at high school level |
| Technology | 1 | 1 | 1 | see ICT approved courses |
| STEM | 1 | see STEM approved courses | ||
| Fine Arts | 1 | 1 | 2 | see Fine Arts Approved courses |
| Wellness | 2 | 2 | 2 | Wellness I & II |
| Electives | 5.5 | 4.5 | 4.5 | any additional courses of your choice |
| GPA | 3.0 | 3.25 | 3.25 | GPA calculated at time of graduation |
A detailed list of requirements and allowable exchanges for the NH Scholars program may be found on the following page.
MHS New Hampshire Scholars
Requirements and Exchanges
GPA Requirements
NH Scholar 3.0
STEM 3.25
ARTS 3.25
English Requirements (4 credits)
English 9 A-level or Honors
English 10 A-level or Honors
English 11 A-level, Honors, or AP
English 12 A-level, Honors, or AP
Math Requirements (4 credits)
Algebra I or II (Full-Year Std. Acceptable)
Geometry A-level or Honors
Algebra II or Advanced Math*
Fourth Math Credit all courses qualify
*Advanced Math classes include any math class that has Algebra II as a prerequisite.
Science Requirements (3 credits)
Biology A-level, Honors, or AP
Chemistry A-level, Honors, or AP
Physics A-level, Honors, or AP
*The following courses may be exchanged for either Chemistry or Physics. Only one exhange permitted:
Anatomy & Physiology
Advanced Engineering Design
Data Structures and Algorithms
AP Biology
AP Chemistry
Microbiology (A-level or Honors)
Biotechnology (A-level or Honors)
AP Physics
Social Studies Requirements (3.5 credits)
American History 9 A-level or Honors
American History 10 A-level or Honors or AP U.S. History
Modern World Studies A-level or Honors or AP European History
Additional 1/2 credit* Social Studies Elective
*The following business courses may also be used to satisfy the additional 1/2 credit in Social Studies: Marketing Ed. II, Business I, Personal Finance
World Language Requirements (2 credits)
Two credits of the same World language earned at the high school level
Additional Graduation Requirements
Information & Communication Technology (1 credit) - From list of approved ICT courses. A portfolio option is available for students to complete the ICT requirement.
Fine Arts (1 credit) - Art, Theatre, or Music courses
Wellness (2 credits) - Wellness I & II
Electives (5.5 credits)