of core academic courses, if they wish to graduate and receive a diploma. This includes social studies, English, mathematics, science, art, and physical education. The exact amount of academic credit needed to satisfy graduation requirements is determined by the school district. All students are required by the district to enroll in four subject courses and a Physical Education course. However, the school compels lower-class students to schedule a full day of classes, in order to ensure satisfaction with district graduation requirements. Juniors and Seniors have the option of having an "open period" during the first or last period of the school day (Seniors may have open periods during any period). However, Juniors require parental permission to have an open period. All students are required to take finals. From being one of the bottom schools in the State of Iowa, North has tightened up their standards, and has consistently raised its expectations of its students and faculty. North has many visitors from around the country to see what they can come away with to help their students. North is the largest school in Iowa to provide a laptop for every student and faculty member, which it did in the 2011-2012 school year. In 2013-14 school year, North stopped the use of the Apple Mac laptops in favor of the IPAD. So far no data has been generated to show that this has increased academic scholarship among the student body. North has also required all athletes to maintain a "C" average or above to be eligible to participate in athletics. Notable alumni Herbert W. Armstrong (Class of 1910), founder of the Worldwide Church of God. Ed Beisser (Class of 1939), All-American basketball player at Creighton University in 1943 and three-time AAU national champion. MarTay Jenkins (Class of 1993), former NFL wide receiver for the Arizona Cardinals. Robert Ray Scott (Class of 1939), United States Air Force colonel John Tinker (Class of 1968), one of the petitioners in the Supreme Court case Tinker v. Des Moines Schools. Roger Williams, pianist made famous for his version of "Autumn Leaves". See also Des Moines Independent Community School District for other schools in the same district. List of high schools in Iowa References External links Des Moines Public Schools Homepage North High School Homepage President Barack Obama at North (2015) Governor Terry Branstad at North High (2015) Schools in Des Moines, Iowa Public high schools in