Accelerated Pathway for Early Graduation
Based on HB 259, Lee County Schools will provide students with an option of an accelerated pathway for
graduation in three years of high school. To graduate early from high school, a student must follow the
process for early graduation form high school (SBE policy GRAD-001). Students choosing to be part of an
accelerated pathway must have an accelerated learning plan that both the student and parent/guardian will
agree to before Grade 9. Any parent who wishes to enroll their child in an accelerated pathway must submit
the Lee County Schools Accelerated Pathway Application by June 1, 2025.
Click Here to Access the Application
Guidelines:
The high school student must be at least 16 and have completed three years of high school.
Prior to ninth grade, the student and parent/legal guardian must complete and sign a request form,
provided by the school, unless the student is at least 18 years old or has been emancipated. The
student must have an accelerated learning plan that both the student and parent/guardian will agree
to before Grade 9.
The school principal will then meet with the student and their parent/guardian to discuss the
implications of graduating in three years. This discussion will include plans after high school and
discontinued access to high school services (counseling services, sports, proms, senior activities, free
and reduced lunch.)
Students would not be accelerated in grades but would remain with their cohort and graduate at the
end of their junior year. Students graduating early would not advance to be considered a part of the
“senior” class cohort for class rank, valedictorian, salutatorian, or other awards.
The school principal will then verify that the student has met the minimum graduation requirements
set by the State Board and submit the request to the superintendent for final approval.
The superintendent will approve the request upon verification of the student’s eligibility, no later
than 45 school days after receiving the request.
If the student submits the request before the first day of school, the student will be required to
complete the current semester, unless the superintendent approves an early graduation. If the
request is approved during the semester after classes have started, the student may graduate
immediately or graduate at the end of the semester.
Course offerings will vary based schedule, teacher availability, classroom lab space, and student enrollment
and interest. The recommended course sequencing option would be as follows:
