Nevada Revised Statutes
Chapter 389 - Academics and Textbooks
NRS 389.018 - Designation of core academic subjects; minimum units of credit required in high school; exception; additional subjects to be taught. [Effective through June 30, 2022.] Designation of core academic subjects; minimum units of credit requi...


1. The following subjects are designated as the core academic subjects that must be taught, as applicable for grade levels, in all public schools, the Caliente Youth Center, the Nevada Youth Training Center and any other state facility for the detention of children that is operated pursuant to title 5 of NRS:
(a) English language arts;
(b) Mathematics;
(c) Science; and
(d) Social studies, which includes only the subjects of history, geography, economics, civics, financial literacy and multicultural education.
2. Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, a pupil enrolled in a public high school must enroll in a minimum of:
(a) Four units of credit in English language arts;
(b) Four units of credit in mathematics, including, without limitation, Algebra I and geometry, or an equivalent course of study that integrates Algebra I and geometry;
(c) Three units of credit in science, including two laboratory courses; and
(d) Three units of credit in social studies, including, without limitation:
(1) American government;
(2) American history; and
(3) World history or geography.
A pupil is not required to enroll in the courses of study and credits required by this subsection if the pupil, the parent or legal guardian of the pupil and an administrator or a counselor at the school in which the pupil is enrolled mutually agree to a modified course of study for the pupil and that modified course of study satisfies at least the requirements for a standard high school diploma, an adjusted diploma or an alternative diploma, as applicable.
3. Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, in addition to the core academic subjects, the following subjects must be taught as applicable for grade levels and to the extent practicable in all public schools, the Caliente Youth Center, the Nevada Youth Training Center and any other state facility for the detention of children that is operated pursuant to title 5 of NRS:
(a) The arts;
(b) Computer education and technology;
(c) Health; and
(d) Physical education.
If the State Board requires the completion of course work in a subject area set forth in this subsection for graduation from high school or promotion to the next grade, a public school shall offer the required course work. Except as otherwise provided for a course of study in health prescribed by subsection 1 of NRS 389.021 and the instruction prescribed by subsection 1 of NRS 389.064, unless a subject is required for graduation from high school or promotion to the next grade, a charter school is not required to comply with this subsection.
4. Instruction in health and physical education provided pursuant to subsection 3 must include, without limitation, instruction concerning the importance of annual physical examinations by a provider of health care and the appropriate response to unusual aches and pains.
(Added to NRS by 1999, 3257; A 2003, 1143; 2007, 1962; 2013, 2261; 2015, 1330, 2095; 2017, 237; 2019, 1478; 2021, 905, 1954)

1. The following subjects are designated as the core academic subjects that must be taught, as applicable for grade levels, in all public schools, the Caliente Youth Center, the Nevada Youth Training Center and any other state facility for the detention of children that is operated pursuant to title 5 of NRS:
(a) English language arts;
(b) Mathematics;
(c) Science; and
(d) Social studies, which includes only the subjects of history, geography, economics, civics, financial literacy and multicultural education.
2. Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, a pupil enrolled in a public high school must enroll in a minimum of:
(a) Four units of credit in English language arts;
(b) Four units of credit in mathematics, including, without limitation, Algebra I and geometry, or an equivalent course of study that integrates Algebra I and geometry;
(c) Three units of credit in science, including two laboratory courses; and
(d) Three units of credit in social studies, including, without limitation:
(1) One-half unit of credit in American government;
(2) Two units of credit in American history, world history or geography; and
(3) One-half unit of credit in economics.
A pupil is not required to enroll in the courses of study and credits required by this subsection if the pupil, the parent or legal guardian of the pupil and an administrator or a counselor at the school in which the pupil is enrolled mutually agree to a modified course of study for the pupil and that modified course of study satisfies at least the requirements for a standard high school diploma, an adjusted diploma or an alternative diploma, as applicable. A school district may authorize one or more public high schools in the school district to offer a combined course in American government and economics for one unit of credit which satisfies the requirements of subparagraphs (1) and (3) if the curriculum of an advanced placement course is used for American government in the combined course.
3. Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, in addition to the core academic subjects, the following subjects must be taught as applicable for grade levels and to the extent practicable in all public schools, the Caliente Youth Center, the Nevada Youth Training Center and any other state facility for the detention of children that is operated pursuant to title 5 of NRS:
(a) The arts;
(b) Computer education and technology;
(c) Health; and
(d) Physical education.
If the State Board requires the completion of course work in a subject area set forth in this subsection for graduation from high school or promotion to the next grade, a public school shall offer the required course work. Except as otherwise provided for a course of study in health prescribed by subsection 1 of NRS 389.021 and the instruction prescribed by subsection 1 of NRS 389.064, unless a subject is required for graduation from high school or promotion to the next grade, a charter school is not required to comply with this subsection.
4. Instruction in health and physical education provided pursuant to subsection 3 must include, without limitation, instruction concerning the importance of annual physical examinations by a provider of health care and the appropriate response to unusual aches and pains.
(Added to NRS by 1999, 3257; A 2003, 1143; 2007, 1962; 2013, 2261; 2015, 1330, 2095; 2017, 237, 2929; 2019, 1478; 2021, 905, 1954, effective July 1, 2022)

Structure Nevada Revised Statutes

Nevada Revised Statutes

Chapter 389 - Academics and Textbooks

NRS 389.003 - Enforcement of standards and courses of study by trustees.

NRS 389.007 - Uniform grading scale for high schools. [Effective through June 30, 2022.] Uniform grading scale for high schools. [Effective July 1, 2022.]

NRS 389.009 - Public high school to administer certain examination concerning civics; requirements for administration of examination; pupil required to take examination as condition for graduation; waiver from examination; reports.

NRS 389.0095 - Establishment of plan to identify pupils for placement in more rigorous courses; notification of parent or guardian; establishment of more rigorous courses.

NRS 389.014 - Patriotic observance.

NRS 389.018 - Designation of core academic subjects; minimum units of credit required in high school; exception; additional subjects to be taught. [Effective through June 30, 2022.] Designation of core academic subjects; minimum units of credit requi...

NRS 389.0186 - Public high schools to allow pupils to receive certain credit for completion of certain computer science courses; requirements for receipt of such credit.

NRS 389.021 - Establishment of courses of study; provisions governing cardiopulmonary resuscitation and automated external defibrillator for health course in middle school, junior high school and high school.

NRS 389.026 - Development of model curriculum for English language arts and mathematics; distribution; authorized use by teachers and regional training programs for professional development.

NRS 389.031 - Development of standards for teaching personal safety of children.

NRS 389.033 - Development of list of curricula and programs concerning prevention of substance misuse and substance use disorders.

NRS 389.036 - Establishment of course or unit of course of instruction concerning human immunodeficiency virus, human reproductive system, related communicable diseases and sexual responsibility; appointment of advisory committee; notice to parent or...

NRS 389.037 - Availability of course in computer science; efforts to be made to increase enrollment in such course by certain pupils. [Effective July 1, 2022.]

NRS 389.0375 - Internet repository of resources for providing instruction in computer science; assistance to school districts and schools to establish programs of instruction in computer science. [Effective through June 30, 2022.] Internet repository...

NRS 389.038 - Review of instruction in computer education and technology; recommendations to State Board regarding approval. [Effective through June 30, 2022.] Review of course and instruction in computer education; recommendations to State Board reg...

NRS 389.041 - Establishment of course of study in occupational guidance and counseling.

NRS 389.046 - Programs and curricula for American Indians.

NRS 389.054 - Instruction in American government; exception.

NRS 389.057 - Instruction in American history; exception.

NRS 389.061 - Instruction in history and contributions of certain groups of persons. [Effective July 1, 2022.]

NRS 389.064 - Instruction in personal safety of children; exception; report; required background checks of volunteers; acceptance of grants, gifts and donations.

NRS 389.072 - Instruction in computer education and technology; regulations.

NRS 389.074 - Instruction in financial literacy.

NRS 389.077 - Satisfactory completion of courses in American government and American history required for graduation; exception for certain pupils.

NRS 389.090 - Regulations by State Board; purposes; liability insurance required; content of courses; restrictions on age of pupils.

NRS 389.100 - Legislative findings; authorization for school districts and charter schools to charge fee.

NRS 389.155 - Program of independent study for certain pupils; regulations; requirements.

NRS 389.160 - Credit toward graduation from high school for courses taken at community college, state college or university.

NRS 389.165 - Credit toward graduation from high school for certain community service projects.

NRS 389.167 - Credit toward graduation from high school for completion of work-based learning program; application to offer work-based learning program; requirements for work-based learning program; report.

NRS 389.169 - Grants of money from Department to develop and implement work-based learning programs; State Board to prescribe fields, trades or occupations for which grant may be awarded.

NRS 389.171 - Credit granted for performance on examination in lieu of course attendance; regulations.

NRS 389.200 - "Competency-based education" defined.

NRS 389.210 - Establishment of pilot program to provide competency-based education; regulations; requirements for schools selected to participate in program.

NRS 389.220 - Competency-Based Education Network: Establishment; composition; duties; meetings; Chair; quorum; members serve without compensation.

NRS 389.230 - Public campaign to raise awareness; meetings to inform superintendents of school districts; distribution of available money to carry out program.

NRS 389.300 - Application to enroll in dual credit course; approval or disapproval of application; prerequisites for dual credit course to be completed before enrollment in course.

NRS 389.310 - Programs for dual credit courses; reports.

NRS 389.320 - Requirements to receive full or partial credit for specific course of study.

NRS 389.330 - Requirements for award of high school diploma to certain pupils who transfer schools; modified course of study for certain pupils who transfer schools.

NRS 389.500 - "Council" defined.

NRS 389.505 - Superintendent of Public Instruction required to ensure Council carries out duties successfully.

NRS 389.510 - Creation; membership; terms; compensation.

NRS 389.520 - Establishment of standards; periodic review of standards; adoption of standards by State Board; establishment of policy for ethical, safe and secure use of computers.

NRS 389.525 - Establishment of standards of content and performance for ethnic and diversity studies for pupils enrolled in high school; provision of instruction in ethnic and diversity studies; regulations.

NRS 389.530 - Duty of Department to provide support; assistance from other state agencies.

NRS 389.540 - Review of courses of study to determine compliance with standards.

NRS 389.840 - Definitions.

NRS 389.850 - Final selection by State Board; exception for charter schools; accurate portrayal of cultural and racial diversity of society. [Effective through June 30, 2022.] Final selection by State Board; exception for charter schools; accurate po...

NRS 389.860 - Contracts by State Board for purchase; provisions of contracts.

NRS 389.870 - Enforcement by board of trustees of use of prescribed textbooks; exception for charter schools.

NRS 389.880 - Use of prescribed textbooks; exceptions; penalty.