Partial Credits & Evaluation to Graduation under State Requirements
You may be eligible for a high school graduation requirements waiver if you are in one of the following student groups.
Newly enrolled or identified student by school personnel or parents.
Pupil in foster care
Pupil who is a homeless youth
Former juvenile court school pupil (was in juvenile hall during the school year and school days)
Pupil who is a child of a military family
Pupil who is a migratory child or a pupil participating in an English language proficiency program for newly arrived (newcomer) immigrant pupils
Unaccompanied Minors: If you are not in the physical custody of your parents or legal guardian(s) and are homeless, you may also qualify. Please request information at school with the school social worker or school counselor.
Not sure? Please ask to speak with your school counselor.
You must meet all of the following eligibility criteria:
One: Must be in a pupil subgroup mentioned above;
Two: Transferred a district or a school in the 3rd or 4th year of high school;
Three: Not on track to graduate with the district's required coursework (220) by the end of 4th year of high school; and
Four: Youth and parent/legal guardian declined a 5th year of high school to complete the local educational agency’s (LEA) requirements (220 credits.)
The eligibility determination is facilitated by your school counselor. Each situation is unique, and approvals are done on a case-by-case basis.
If there is a disagreement or dispute about this process or the eligibility determination, please contact the local educational liaison listed below.
What will be the coursework if eligible?
California Education Code (EC) Section 51225.3 has specified a minimum set of courses to meet state requirements to graduate from high school and receive a diploma. The average amount of credits is 130 for a high school diploma
Follow this link to the California Department of Education (CDE) and course required:
Additional Important Information
School districts are prohibited from requiring an eligible student to graduate before the end of his/her fourth year.
Graduating with a graduation waiver of 130 credits does not entitle the student to enter a four-year university or college.
Students can be eligible to attend a community college and utilize a course of study that will allow them to transfer to a four-year postsecondary institution.
If a student is eligible for the exemption, they are not required to accept the waiver and cannot be denied enrollment in courses for which they are otherwise eligible.
The student can remain in school for a fifth year to complete the full district’s 220 coursework.
Once the graduation waiver of 130 credits has been granted, it cannot be revoked by any school district, private, or charter school.
If it is determined that you are not eligible for a graduation requirements waiver, you must complete the AUHSD-approved coursework of 220 credits.
If you are found not to be eligible, you are entitled to a re-evaluation should your circumstances change.
Need further assistance? The district's educational liaison is available should you need help beyond what the school site can provide.
McKinney-Vento Homeless, Foster Youth, and Military Educational Liaison
Dr. Adela Cruz, LCSW
Director of School Mental Health & Wellness
Email: cruz_ad@auhsd.us
Office: 714-999-7734
Senior Administrative Assistant
Amy Saldana
Office: 714-999-4434