Policy 8440: Early Graduation

Early Graduation

A scholar who, for educational and vocational reasons, wishes to graduate from high school in less time than the normal four-year grade 9-12 sequence may request permission for early graduation. The scholar and parents/guardians must consult with high school administrative and/or guidance personnel in order to develop a graduation plan. The scholar must request in writing to the Superintendent permission for early graduation with reasons supporting their plan and request. Examples of reasons to be considered are: 

• Hardship circumstances, 
• Vocational opportunities, 
• Enlistment in the military occupations, 
• Pursuit of a continuous specialized education objective, and 
• College entrance.

The scholar or their parent/legal guardian must submit a letter in support of the scholar's request for early graduation, and such letter must accompany the scholar's written request. The request letters must be submitted to the Superintendent no later than six months before the scholar's anticipated completion of the required high school program. 

The scholar will be expected to complete all state and local graduation requirements of subjects and credit units or their accepted equivalents satisfactorily in order for consideration to be given to any request. 

Each request is to be determined by the Superintendent on the merits of the individual circumstances; one case will not set a precedent for others. 

Advanced College Placement

Scholars accepted for university or college entrance prior to completing all high school graduation requirements may be granted a high school diploma if the following conditions are met: 

1. Requests are made to the Board in advance for a waiver of completion of high school graduation requirements; 
2. Approval by the Board of the waiver upon recommendation of the Superintendent; 
3. Satisfactory completion of all state requirements for graduation at the high school or at the college/university or other institution approved by the Board, and 
4. Satisfactory completion of sufficient college courses which may be substituted for required or elective courses for which high school credit will be given in order to meet the high school graduation requirements. 

A diploma will not be granted until all of the above conditions have been met. The Superintendent is responsible for developing procedures and criteria to implement this policy.