Graduation Honors & FADS

The Fine Arts Diploma Seal (FADS) is a prestigious recognition for high school seniors who demonstrate dedication to the arts through coursework, community engagement, and extracurricular involvement. To be eligible, students must successfully complete a fine arts pathway, which includes three credits in the same arts discipline and an additional fourth credit in fine arts or an approved creative industry course.

Beyond academics, students must complete 20 hours of arts-related community service during their senior year, actively participate in two or more arts-related clubs, and complete a capstone project showcasing their artistic growth and achievements.

This seal is available in public school districts that have applied to award it. Individual schools do not apply—only districts do. The district application deadline is February 15 each year, and applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Districts that have previously been approved do not need to reapply.

Earning the Fine Arts Diploma Seal is a remarkable way to highlight artistic commitment, strengthen college and career applications, and celebrate the impact of the arts in students' lives.