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The State Seal of Biliteracy is a prestigious award that recognizes high school graduates for achieving high proficiency in English and one or more other languages. Awarded by individual states, it serves as a formal acknowledgement of a student's linguistic abilities, placing a gold seal on their diploma or transcript, and is a valuable asset for college and career opportunities. The specific criteria and languages recognized vary by state, but generally require demonstrated proficiency in reading, writing, and speaking in both English and another language.
The State Seal of Civic Engagement is an official recognition given to high school students who demonstrate excellence in civics education and participation, including understanding the US and California constitutions and the democratic system, and completing an informed civic engagement project. It serves to encourage lifelong participation in democratic processes and is formally recognized on transcripts and diplomas.
Seal of Biliteracy
Seal of Biliteracy
Biliteracy is the ability to read and write in two languages.
Biliteracy is the ability to read and write in two languages.
In order to be eligible for the State Seal of Biliteracy, students must meet all of the following criteria:
Complete all English language arts requirements for graduation with an overall grade point average of 2.0 or above in those classes.
Pass the California standards assessment at the “standards met” or above in English language arts (ELA) set for native English speakers at the 11th grade.
Demonstrate proficiency in one or more languages—in addition to English—by accomplishing one of the following:
Score three or higher on an Advanced Placement (AP) foreign language examination.
Score four or higher on an International Baccalaureate foreign language examination.
Score of 600 or higher on the Scholastic Assessment Test II foreign language examination.
Score at the "proficient" level or higher on a school district language examination that, at a minimum, assesses speaking, reading, and writing in a language other than English.
Successfully complete a four-year high school course of study in a world (foreign) language and attain an overall grade point average of 3.0 or above in that course of study, including oral proficiency.
If students have a primary language other than English, they must meet the criteria in items 1–3 above and also obtain a score of 4 on the English Language Proficiency Assessments for California Development Test (ELPAC).
Seal of Civic Engagement
Seal of Civic Engagement
Civic engagement empowers students to become active, informed participants in their communities, and your leadership has been instrumental in carrying this initiative forward since its launch last year.
Students who complete the requirements will earn a Seal on their diploma and a medallion to wear at graduation. The proposal submission deadline is February 27, 2026, and the application deadline is April 18, 2026.
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