Graduation Requirements

for students who entered 9th grade (for the first time) prior to 2018 – 2019

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Advanced Diploma

Advanced Studies Diploma Requirements

Standard Credits

Verified Credits

English

4 Standard

2 Verified

Courses shall include at least three selections from among Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II, or other math courses above the level of Algebra II. A Computer Science* course credit may be considered a mathematics credit.

4 Standard

2 Verified

Courses shall include selections from at least three different disciplines from among earth science, biology, chemistry, physics or completion of the sequence of science courses required for the IB diploma. A Computer Science* course credit may be considered a laboratory science credit.

4 Standard

2 Verified

Courses shall include VA and US History, VA and US Government, and two courses either in world history or geography, or both.

4 Standard

2 Verified

Courses shall include three years of one language or two years of two languages.

3 Standard

Health & Physical Education

2 Standard

May meet Virtual Course requirement

1 Standard

A Computer Science* course credit may be considered a Career and Technical Education credit.

1 Standard

Electives

3 Standard

Passing of an additional end-of-course test (associated SOL or additional tests for earning verified credit in CTE or other areas as prescribed by 8VAC20-131-110) beyond those needed for specific academic content areas.

1 Verified

Total Credits Required:

26 Standard

9 Verified

Additional graduation requirements for students who entered ninth grade prior to the 2018-2019 school year

  • Successfully complete one virtual course, which may be non-credit bearing; and
  • complete training in emergency first aid, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and the use of automated external defibrillators, including hands-on practice of the skills necessary to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation

* For mathematics and career and technical education, AP Computer Science A may provide a standard credit to satisfy graduation requirements. For laboratory science, AP Computer Science A may provide a standard credit to satisfy graduation requirements when students successfully complete laboratory science courses from the different science discipline areas in accordance with the Standards of Accreditation.

Additional Notes

Students who complete a Career and Technical Education program sequence and pass an examination or occupational competency assessment in a Career and Technical Education field that confers certification or an occupational competency credential from a recognized industry, or trade or professional association, or acquires a professional license in a Career and Technical Education field from the Commonwealth of Virginia may substitute the certification, competency credential, or license for either a science or social studies verified credit when the certification, license, or credential confers more than one verified credit. The examination or occupational competency assessment must be approved by the board as an additional test to verify student achievement.

Standard Diploma

Advanced Studies Diploma Requirements

Standard Credits

Verified Credits

English

4 Standard

2 Verified

Courses shall include at least two selections from among Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra, Functions and Data Analysis, Algebra II, or other math courses above the level of Algebra II. A Computer Science* course credit may be considered a mathematics credit.

3 Standard

1 Verified

Courses shall include selections from at least two different disciplines from among earth science, biology, chemistry, physics, or completion of the sequence of course required for the IB diploma. A Computer Science* course credit may be considered a laboratory science credit.

3 Standard

1 Verified

Courses shall include VA and US History, VA and US Government, and one course in either in world history or geography, or both.

3 Standard

1 Verified

Health & Physical Education

2 Standard

May meet Virtual Course requirement

1 Standard

Courses shall include one credit in fine or performing arts or Career and Technical Education. A Computer Science* course credit may be considered a Career and Technical Education course.

2 Standard

Courses shall include at least two sequential electives.

4 Standard

Passing of an additional end-of-course test (associated SOL or additional tests for earning verified credit in CTE or other areas as prescribed by 8VAC20-131-110) beyond those needed for specific academic content areas.

1 Verified

Total Credits Required:

22 Standard

6 Verified

Additional graduation requirements for students who entered ninth grade for the first time prior to the 2018-2019 school year

  • Earn a board-approved Career and Technical Education credential; and
  • successfully complete one virtual course, which may be non-credit bearing; and
  • complete training in emergency first aid, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and the use of automated external defibrillators, including hands-on practice of the skills necessary to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

*For mathematics and career and technical education, AP Computer Science A may provide a standard credit to satisfy graduation requirements. For laboratory science, AP Computer Science A may provide a standard credit to satisfy graduation requirements when students successfully complete laboratory science courses from the different science discipline areas in accordance with the Standards of Accreditation.

Students With Disabilities

The Board of Education has approved Standard Diploma Credit Accommodations for students
with disabilities to provide alternatives for meeting the requirements for a Standard Diploma.
Students with an Individual Education Plan (IEP) or a 504 Plan that meet specific criteria may be
eligible to receive credit accommodations for the Standard Diploma. This is determined by the
student’s IEP or 504 committee/team at any point after the student’s eighth grade year.

Additional Notes

Students who complete a Career and Technical Education program sequence and pass an examination or occupational competency assessment in a Career and Technical Education field that confers certification or an occupational competency credential from a recognized industry, or trade or professional association, or acquires a professional license in a Career and Technical Education field from the Commonwealth of Virginia may substitute the certification, competency credential, or license for either a science or social studies verified credit when the certification, license, or credential confers more than one verified credit. The examination or occupational competency assessment must be approved by the board as an additional test to verify student achievement.

Applied Studies Diploma (Students with an IEP)

for students receiving special education services through an IEP and not pursuing any other diploma type

Applied Studies Diploma Requirements

To receive an Applied Studies Diploma, a student must receive exceptional education services and meet the requirements specific in his/her Individualized Education Program (IEP). 

The Applied Studies Diploma is available to students with an Individualized Education Program. The Code of Virginia (8VAC20-131-50D) states, “In accordance with the requirements of the Standards of Quality, students with disabilities who complete the requirements of their Individualized Education Program (IEP) and do not meet requirements for other diplomas shall be awarded Applied Studies Diplomas.” This diploma is available to all students with an IEP. Students with an IEP who pursue a Standard Diploma but do not meet the criteria are still eligible to earn the Applied Studies Diploma.