Early graduates are students graduating...
after only three years of high school or
mid-year (in January, instead of June, of their Senior year).
Students who participate in summer school, virtual programs, and/or other district-identified opportunities may be allowed to graduate in less than four years if they have met the graduation requirements to receive a SC High School Diploma and are considered college and/or career ready.
Early graduates are not considered for the top ten, honor graduate, board scholar, valedictorian, or salutatorian.
If graduating in January...
The student will be removed from the school’s enrollment.
The student would not be eligible for student activities (spring sports, prom, senior trip, ect).
The student will not receive a class rank. If the student has not already qualified for scholarships, it may hurt their chances to qualify.
Early graduation is a personal choice of the student and the parent (s).
The Darlington County School District strongly encourages the student to remain enrolled and take advantage of the district’s other educational opportunities.
Dual Credit
DCIT and certification courses
Internship
Procedures to Request Early Graduation
The student applying for early graduation (less than four years) will meet the standards required of all high school graduates.
The student applying for early graduation is college and/or career ready based on the States requirements.
Students who wish to graduate early must complete an Early Graduation Application.
Students who wish to graduate early and participate in the high school graduation ceremony and other activities must indicate their requests on the application.
The application must be filed with the school principal no later than the end of the first marking period of the anticipated spring graduation year.
The school principal will appoint a committee to consist of a member of the school's administrative team and the student's school counselor to examine requests for accelerated graduation to ensure all requirements are met for graduation. The committee will make a recommendation to the principal and the Office of Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment regarding approval or denial of the request within two weeks after the end of the first grading period.
Incomplete or late applications will not be accepted or approved.