Advanced Diploma

Advanced Studies Diploma Requirements

Standard Credits

Verified Credits

English

4 Standard

2 Verified

Mathematics

Courses shall include at least three selections from among Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II, or other math courses above the level of Algebra II. A Computer Science* course credit may be considered a mathematics credit.

4 Standard

1 Verified

Laboratory Science

Courses shall include selections from at least three different disciplines from among earth science, biology, chemistry, physics or completion of the sequence of science courses required for the IB diploma. A Computer Science* course credit may be considered a laboratory science credit.

4 Standard

1 Verified

Social Studies

Courses shall include VA and US History, VA and US Government, and two courses either in world history or geography, or both.

4 Standard

1 Verified

Health & Physical Education

2 Standard

Economics & Personal Finance

May meet Virtual Course requirement

1 Standard

Fine Arts or Career & Technical Education

A Computer Science* course credit may be considered a Career and Technical Education credit.

1 Standard

World Languages

Courses shall include three years of one language or two years of two languages.

3 Standard

Electives

Courses shall include at least two sequential electives.

3 Standard

Total Credits Required:

26 Standard

5 Verified

Additional graduation requirements for students who entered ninth grade in the 2018-2019 school year and beyond

  • Successfully complete an Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), Dual Enrollment, or Honors course; or complete a Work-Based Learning experience as established by Board guidance; or earn a board-approved Career and Technical Education credential; and

  • successfully complete one virtual course, which may be non-credit bearing; and

  • complete training in emergency first aid, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and the use of automated external defibrillators, including hands-on practice of the skills necessary to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation; and

  • demonstrate foundational skills in the 5 C’s: critical thinking, creative thinking, collaboration, communication, and citizenship in accordance with the Profile of a Virginia Graduate approved by the board.

Service Learning/Community Service Requirement

  • Students enrolled in 9th grade in 2020-21 and beyond will be required to complete a service learning experience embedded in a core area course (VA & US Government).


*For mathematics and career and technical education, AP Computer Science A may provide a standard credit to satisfy graduation requirements. For laboratory science, AP Computer Science A may provide a standard credit to satisfy graduation requirements when students successfully complete laboratory science courses from the different science discipline areas in accordance with the Standards of Accreditation.

Students With Disabilities

The Board of Education has approved Standard Diploma Credit Accommodations for students with disabilities to provide alternatives for meeting the requirements for a Standard Diploma. Students with an Individual Education Plan (IEP) or a 504 Plan that meet specific criteria may be eligible to receive credit accommodations for the Standard Diploma. This is determined by the student’s IEP or 504 committee/team at any point after the student’s eighth grade year.