High School Graduation Requirements
The mission of the San Diego Unified School District is to ensure that all students will graduate with the skills, motivation, curiosity and resilience to succeed in their choice of college and career in order to lead and participate in the society of tomorrow.
In order to graduate from a San Diego Unified high school, all students must meet all of the following requirements:
Attendance
All students in grades 9-12 must attend eight semesters for six periods daily.
If it is in best interest of a student, an alternative plan may be created, with an accelerated program or shortened-day schedule. The plan requires counselor involvement as well as approval from the school principal and the student's parent/guardian.
Grade-Point Average
Students must maintain a cumulative weighted grade-point average (WGPA) of 2.0 or higher, computed on the basis of A = 4, B = 3, C = 2, D = 1, F = 0. The WGPA for graduation is computed from courses completed in grades 9-12. Students should talk to their school counselors about the effects of repeating courses on computing GPAs.
Advanced Placement (AP) courses, certain International Baccalaureate (IB) courses, and designated Honors courses earn credit on a weighted or five-point scale: A = 5, B = 4, C = 3, D = 1, F = 0.
Conduct
Students must maintain a record of responsible citizenship. To participate in graduation ceremonies, students must meet a minimum standard of a 2.0 average in citizenship during the senior year. The citizenship GPA is computed on a scale of E (excellent) = 4, G (good) = 3, S (satisfactory) = 2, N (needs improvement) = 1, U (unsatisfactory) = 0.
Computer Proficiency
Students may demonstrate computer proficiency (in Grades 5-12) through completion of a course of study (such as i21) that incorporates proficiency in computer applications. Proficiency may also be demonstrated through satisfactory results on the high school level district test of computer proficiency.
Diplomas and Certificates
The district issues diplomas and certificates based on the following criteria:
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Diploma: Awarded to students who complete all general and course requirements with at least a 2.0 grade point average and pass the California High School Exit Examination (CAHSEE).
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Diploma with Academic Distinction: Awarded to students who complete all general requirements for a diploma with a weighted GPA of 3.5 or higher in grades 10, 11, and the first semester of grade 12 or to students who in grades 10 through 12 complete 14 semester credits in designated, academically rigorous coursework specified in Administrative Procedure 4772 . Note: This procedure will be revised for the Class of 2016 and beyond.
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Certificates of Completion are presented to non-diploma-bound students receiving special education services who meet all the goals and objectives specified in their Individualized Education Programs (IEP). A Certificate of Completion is issued at the completion of the student’s prescribed educational program. Students receiving Certificates of Completion are eligible to participate in commencement ceremonies. See Administrative Procedure 4770
Credit Requirements See shortcuts at left.