The California Golden State Seal Merit Diploma (GSSMD) 

Provides recognition to public high school graduates who have demonstrated a superior level of performance in English, math, science, and U.S. History, plus two additional subject areas. It is awarded jointly each year by the California State Board of Education and the State Superintendent of Public Instruction. Local educational agencies affix the insignia to the diplomas of qualifying graduates.

Students should check with their high school counselor or principal to confirm eligibility and complete the necessary application materials. The Golden State Seal of Merit is a valuable addition to résumés and college applications, as it demonstrates a high level of academic achievement and dedication.

To be eligible for the GSSMD

Students (1) must be eligible to receive a high school diploma; and (2) must have demonstrated mastery of the curriculum in at least six subject areas, as follows:

1. English language arts/literacy (ELA)—students must have earned one of any of the following:

   1. A grade of B+ or above (or numerical equivalent) in a single course (each semester) completed in grade nine or ten or eleven

   2. An achievement level of “Standard Met” or above for the high school Smarter Balanced Summative Assessment

2. Mathematics—students must have earned one of any of the following:

   1. A grade of B+ or above (or numeric equivalent) in a single course (each semester) completed in grade nine or ten or eleven

   2. An achievement level of “Standard Met” or above for the high school Smarter Balanced Summative Assessment

3. Science—students must have earned one of any of the following:

   1. A grade of B+ or above (or numeric equivalent) in a single course (each semester) completed in grade nine or ten or eleven

   2. An achievement level of "Standard Met" or above for the high school California Science Test taken in grade ten or eleven

4. U.S. History—students must have earned one of any of the following:

   1. A grade of B or above (or numerical equivalent) upon completion of the required U.S. history course (each semester)

   2. A qualifying score that demonstrates mastery of the subject as determined by the LEA for an examination produced by a private provider or the LEA

5. Two additional subject areas—students may choose from any of the following:

   1. Any additional qualifying grade or score listed above, earned for the subject of ELA, mathematics, science, or U.S. history not already used to meet eligibility

   2. A grade of B or above (or numerical equivalent) upon the completion of high school courses in other subjects

   3. A qualifying score that demonstrates mastery of other subjects, as determined by the LEA, for an examination produced by a private provider or the LEA

• CDE Golden State Seal Merit Diploma FAQ