Portsmouth High School graduation requirements are in compliance with The Rhode Island High School Diploma System as prescribed by the Board of Regents for Elementary and Secondary Education.  The requirements are in place to ensure that Portsmouth High School graduates are able to demonstrate proficiency in the seven learning expectations outlined under School Beliefs and Expectations for Student Learning. 

The course of study for all students at Portsmouth High School will include rigorous common demonstrations of proficiency for all courses and common end of course examinations. In addition, prior to graduation all seniors must have successfully completed at least one of the following options in order to ensure all Portsmouth students are well prepared to embark upon their intended college or career pathway: 

1. Completion of a Career and Technical Education program, including work based learning. 

2. Completion of a RIDE sanctioned and Local Education Agency (LEA) approved Pathway, including an embedded Capstone or related student Project and Exhibition. 

3. Completion of a RIDE recognized performance-based diploma assessment option: Capstone Portfolio & Exhibition or Advanced Placement Capstone.

Following the procedures established by the high school principal, students will be certified to be eligible for graduation by the principal immediately following the close of grades for seniors at the end of the fourth marking period.  Only students certified by the principal are eligible to receive a Portsmouth High School Diploma and to participate in graduation ceremonies.   

In order to be eligible for a Portsmouth High School diploma, a student must have, at minimum, been enrolled as a Portsmouth student for the final semester of the senior year. 

Students with an Individual Education Plan (IEP) who complete the prescribed diploma requirements will receive a diploma that does not differentiate from the diploma received by children who do not have disabilities.  This includes students who achieve modified proficiency standards requiring significant interventions under federal and state regulations and who are eligible for the alternate assessment as defined by the state of Rhode Island.   

Criteria for students who qualify for alternate assessment are as follows: 

• Successful completion of a minimum of 23 credits inclusive of core, transition, and career/life experiences courses. Coursework may include internship, activities of daily living instruction, career exploration, Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics, etc.  

• Participate in Work Based Learning Experiences as part of a Career Development Plan and completion of a Making Action Plan (MAP). 

• Participate in Alternate Assessment  

Eligible students who meet these criteria may participate in graduation ceremonies at the end of their fourth year of high school, or during the year in which they turn twenty-two years of age.  

Students denied participation in the graduation ceremony may file an appeal in writing to the principal.  If denied by the principal, the appeal may be presented following normal appeal procedure through the office of the superintendent, followed by an appeal to the school committee, and if necessary to the Rhode Island Department of Education.