Curriculum and Departments

Basic Information

Upon completion of four years at Pius XI, students will have earned a minimum of 25 credits. Below are the graduation credit requirements.

Electives 3.0 credits
English 4.0 credits
Fine Arts 1.0 credits
Fitness (PE) & Wellness (Health) 1.5 PE credits & 0.5 Health credit
Mathematics 3.0 credits
Science 3.0 credits
Social Science 3.0 credits
Theology 4.0 credits
World Language 2.0 credits

View the 2025-26 Curriculum Guide Here

STEM.ORG

Pius XI is officially recognized and accredited by STEM.org as an exemplary STEM school. Being STEM.org accredited is, in part, a recognition of how we offer excellent STEM education to students at any level. In keeping with our core values, we are committed to fostering diversity and inclusivity within our STEM programming. We actively encourage students from all backgrounds to pursue STEM classes and recognize the importance of a diverse workforce to address current and future global challenges.

PROJECT LEAD THE WAY (PLTW)

The PLTW program believes all students need access to real world, applied learning experiences that empower them to gain the skills they need to thrive in college, career, and beyond. That is why our pathways in engineering and biomedical science provide hands-on learning opportunities. PLTW’s research-supported approach empowers students to discover and explore interests, imagine and design solutions to real-world challenges, and become independent, confident problem solvers.

At Pius XI, we offer the following PLTW courses:

Principles of Engineering
Civil Engineering and Architecture
Principles of Biomedical Science
Medical Interventions
Human Body Systems
Biomedical Innovation - NEW

Colleges and universities across the U.S. recognize and reward PLTW students for their great work. These postsecondary institutions recognize PLTW students with scholarships, admissions preference, course credit, and more. Students will take the new End of Course Assessment at the end of the school year and will receive a detailed score report that highlights their subject matter knowledge and mastery of in-demand, transportable skills.

Students can use their test results to bolster college applications or resumes or can send their score report directly to higher education institutions and employers, who may use it for admissions, scholarships, dual credit opportunities, campus experiences, internships, apprenticeships, industry certifications, and more.

For the most up to date information on how each PLTW course will be beneficial at various colleges and universities, see the following website: https://www.pltw.org/experience-pltw/student-opportunities