 The daily schedule is from 7 : 30 AM to 2 : 29 PM and consists of seven 51 @-@ minute periods with four minutes between each class and a 30 @-@ minute lunch period . Students who have lunch option are permitted to leave the campus during their lunch period and upper classmen who have a study hall during their final period may leave early . The school year is divided into four 9 @-@ week grading periods which form two 18 @-@ week semesters . The first semester generally begins in mid @-@ August and concludes in December while the second semester begins in early January and finishes in late May. tate graduation requirements for the class of 2014 and beyond include 21 @.@ 5 total credits . Of these , four must be in English , four in math , three each in science and social studies , one each in physical education and fine or practical arts , half a credit in health , and five elective credits . Within the credit requirements are specific classes that must be taken while the remainder can be filled by elective classes . Beginning with the class of 2017 , the school will begin using the Cum Laude system for recognizing academic achievement instead of class rank . Curriculum is based on state content standards set by the Ohio Department of Education as well as additional national standards . Since 1909 , the school has been accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools . 
