Early Graduation Program

Christian County Public Schools

Early Graduation Policy and Capstone Requirements

Students who meet all applicable legal requirements shall be eligible for the Early Graduation Program (EGP) in relation to receipt of a graduation diploma and an Early Graduation Certificate. Students wishing to participate in the EGP shall notify the Principal in writing at the beginning of grade nine (9) or as soon as the intent is known, but no later than the first thirty (30) school days of the academic year in which the student intends to graduate.

A student shall not be prohibited from completing the EGP if the student meets all requirements. Students who enroll in the EGP and meet all applicable legal requirements shall receive a diploma and an Early Graduation Certificate.

A Letter of Intent to Apply shall be entered into the student information system by October 15 of the year the student intends to graduate.

A student shall complete all requirements applicable to the academic year in which the student intends to graduate as established in administrative regulation by the Kentucky Board of Education.

A student who has indicated an intent to complete the EGP may participate in the state administration of the college entrance exam prior to the junior year, if needed. 

For students wishing to participate in the EGP and earn an Early Graduation Certificate and scholarship the Superintendent/designee shall provide:

• Criteria for supporting the development and monitoring of the student’s ILP;

• Goal planning related to the attainment of established District essential workplace ethics programs;

• Completion of a professional resume; and

• Completion of one (1) postsecondary admissions application that may be used at a Kentucky public two (2) year community and technical college, or a Kentucky four (4) year public or non-profit independent institution accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

Each EGP participant, with the support of the comprehensive school counselor/designee, shall:

• Identify all EGP requirements and develop a strategy within the ILP for meeting those requirements, including the District’s established workplace ethics program; and

• Complete an entrance interview with the Principal/designee to discuss postsecondary goals and career aspirations.

By July 1, 2024, each high school shall determine performance descriptors and evaluation procedures for an EGP performance-based project, portfolio, or capstone required for students who intend to complete the EGP beginning with the 2024-2025 academic year.

Performance descriptors and evaluation procedures shall provide an opportunity for the student to demonstrate attainment of the following critical skills required for post-secondary and career success:

• Attainment of essential workplace ethics program components;

• Demonstration of an ability to apply the academic standards as a lifelong learner and contributing member of society;

• Demonstration of written and verbal communication skills needed for post-secondary success; and

• Demonstration of an ability to think critically, synthesize information, and draw conclusions.

By July 1, 2024, the performance-based project, portfolio, or capstone shall be required for completion of the EGP.

Each high school shall maintain and make readily available to the Kentucky Department of Education the EGP participant’s performance-based project, portfolio, or capstone for a minimum of five (5) years.

Any student seeking to graduate early who receives services deemed essential by the District shall engage in meaningful consultation with a school-based mental health services provider on the creation of a continuity of services plan prior to graduation.

The District shall ensure the creation of a continuity of services plan for all students identified as a homeless child, a migratory child, or youth engaged in foster care. A transition plan shall be completed for children aging out of foster care.

Capstone Requirements for Early Graduation Candidates: 

During the spring semester of the final year of high school for an early graduate, the student will successfully pass the Profile of a Graduate defense in accordance with the District-approved rubric, which will satisfy the descriptors described above through the competencies of Adaptable Learner, Career- and/or Work-Ready Professional, Empathetic Communicator, Innovative Critical Thinker, Collaborative Problem Solver, and Accountable Self-Starter.  

In addition, the following must occur:

• Attainment of the work ethics program components;

• Completion of a professional resume.  

• Completion of one (1) postsecondary admissions application to a Kentucky public two-year community and technical college, or a Kentucky four-year public or nonprofit independent institution accredited by SACS that qualifies for the EGP scholarship offered through KHEAA.  

• Attainment of college entrance exam benchmarks established by CPE in 13 KAR 2:020​ for placement in credit-bearing courses without the need for remediation.  

• Reflection essay that answers the following prompt:

  • How will you apply your learning from the Profile of a Graduate competencies in order to be a contributing member of society? 

The Early Graduation capstone will consist of the following:

• ILP

• Documentation of benchmark attainment of ACT benchmarks

• Reflection essay 

• professional resume 

• proof of postsecondary application 

• transcript 

• any presentation materials from the Profile of a Graduate defense

The capstone will be kept on file at the high school for 5 years in order to present to KDE should it be required.