Graduation Requirements
REVISED SCHOOL ACCREDITATION & GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS
On November 16, 2017, the Virginia Board of Education approved revisions to the requirements students must meet to earn a high school diploma. For students, the revised regulations reduce the number of Standards of Learning tests they need to pass to earn a diploma. The new standards also implement the “Profile of a Virginia Graduate,” a set of expectations that includes increased emphasis on developing critical thinking, creative thinking, communication, collaboration, and citizenship skills, in addition to academic achievement in English, mathematics, science, and history. The new diploma requirements took effect with students entering the ninth grade in the Fall 2018 (Class of 2022). Course requirements for both the Advanced Studies Diploma and the Standard Diploma remained the same but the number of required verified credits was reduced to five (one each in English reading, English writing, mathematics, science, and history/social science). In addition, schools are required to provide opportunities for students to learn about career options aligned with their interests in their own communities and elsewhere.
DIPLOMAS AND CERTIFICATES
STANDARD DIPLOMA
Available to students with or without an identified disability, who have earned the required credits and passed the required Standards of Learning (SOL) tests.
ADVANCED STUDIES DIPLOMA
Available to students with or without an identified disability, who have earned at least 26 standard units of credit and five verified units of credit.
APPLIED STUDIES DIPLOMA
Available to students with disabilities who complete the requirements of their IEP and who do not meet the requirements for other diplomas.
CERTIFICATE OF PROGRAM COMPLETION
Available to students who complete the prescribed programs of studies defined by the local school board and who do not qualify for diplomas.
GENERAL EDUCATION DEVELOPMENT CERTIFICATE (GED)
Available to students, with or without an identified disability and who have met the requirements of the General Education Program.