Graduation Requirements
Graduation from Palo Verde High School with a high school diploma requires a student to earn 230 credits. Credits are awarded at a rate of 5 credits per semester grade of "D" or better. These credits are broken down as follows:
4 years of English (40 credits)
2 years of Mathematics (20 credits) including at least one course equivalent to Algebra I or Integrated Math I.
2 years of Science (20 credits) including 1 full year of biological science and 1 full year of physical science
3 years of Social Science (30 credits) including World History (10 credits), United States History (10 credits), a one-semester course in American Government and Civics (5 credits), and a one-semester course in Economics (5 credits)
1 year of Visual or Performing Arts, World Language, or career technical education (CTE) (10 credits)
2 years of Physical Education (20 credits)
1 semester of Health (5 credits)
17 semesters of Elective credit, which may include additional courses in the above subject areas (85 credits)
Students should also review the a-g requirements for admission to a 4-year university and NCAA requirements for competing as an athlete at D1 and D2 universities.
Golden State Merit Diploma
Students who earn at least one grade of "B+" or high in a full year of English, Math, and Science (or an equivalent state test grade) and a "B" or higher in U.S. History and at least two other subjects will be awarded a Golden State Merit Diploma.
The detailed requirements for a Golden State Merit Diploma are listed on the California Department of Education website.
Grade Point Average
Student grade point average (GPA) is used to determine athletic eligibility as well as graduation honors.
Each semester a student earns grade points for courses as follows:
"A" = 4 points (+1 for Honors/AP)
"B" = 3 points (+1 for Honors/AP)
"C" = 2 points (+1 for Honors/AP)
"D" = 1 point
For most students at PVHS, GPA can be calculated by adding up the number of grade points and dividing it by the number of classes taken.
Example: A student with seven classes has four "B"s, two "Cs", and a "D" at the end of a semester. This awards him 17 grade points and a GPA of 2.43 (rounded up).
Students taking classes worth more or less than 5 credits must multiply the grade points for each class by the number of credits offered and divided the total by the number of credits attempted.
Honor Roll and class ranking is determined by total weighted GPA. Each transcript also includes notes for:
Unweighted GPA does not count the "bump" from Honors or AP classes. This is checked for athletic eligibility.
Academic GPA ignores non-academic classes such as PE. This is what colleges and universities are most concerned with.
10-12 GPA counts only grades and credits earned from the summer before 10th Grade and onward. It is also considred by colleges and universities.
Sports Eligibility
Students seeking to play sports must meet a minimum unweighted GPA of 2.0 in at least 20 credits of coursework. Graduating seniors with a 3.0 or higher cumulative GPA will be awarded a green honors code.
Students interested in sports should account for the NCAA requirements and work to maintain grades of "C" or higher in all classes. It is also important to check the PVHS Athletics page for the dates and forms needed for athletic clearance.
Honor Roll and Principal's List
Students with an a weighted total GPA of 3.0 or higher will be recognized at each quarter assembly:
Students with a GPA between 3.00 to 3.99 are awarded an Honor Roll certificate.
Students with a GPA of 4.00 or higher are on the Principal's List.
Graduating with Honors
Students with a cumulative total weighted GPA of 3.5 or higher are considered to graduate with honors. The thresholds are:
The status of Cum Laude for students with a GPA from 3.50 to 3.79.
The status of Magna Cum Laude for students with a GPA from 3.80 to 3.99.
The status of Summa Cum Laude for students with a GPA of 4.00 or higher.
Each class will also have at least one:
Valedictorian for the student with the highest overall GPA.
Salutatorian for the student with the second-highest overall GPA.
In the event of a tie for either Valedictorian or Salutatorian, the position shall be shared and the remaining position shall be filled.