A Virginia high school diploma tells admission officers at colleges, universities, and career and technical schools that the bearer is ready for the rigors of post-secondary education. It also tells potential employers that the graduate possesses the reading, writing, and mathematical skills required for success in the workplace.
The resources available here explain Virginia’s graduation requirements in effect when a student enters the ninth grade for the first time. They also provide information on the many options now available to students for earning a high school diploma. You also will find information on how students can get even more out of their high school experience by accepting the challenge of advanced courses.
The Standards of Accreditation (SOA) – regulations authorized by the Standards of Quality that have the force of law – provide graduation information including the types of diplomas available to students and the course requirements for earning each of the diplomas. We are currently in a transition period, with one set of requirements applying to students who entered the ninth grade prior to 2010-2011, and a different set of requirements that apply to students who enter the ninth grade in 2010-2011 or later.
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Graduation Requirements –
For Students Entering the Ninth Grade Prior to 2010-2011The graduation requirements for students who entered the ninth grade prior to 2010-2011 are contained in the Standards of Accreditation (SOA) that were adopted by the Board of Education on May 24, 2006, and that became effective on September 7, 2006.
The Board of Education approves courses to satisfy the graduation requirements. The list of approved courses to satisfy graduation requirements for students who entered the ninth-grade prior to 2010-2011 was adopted by the Board on July 20, 2007.
Diplomas
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Graduation Requirements –
For Students Entering the Ninth Grade Beginning 2010-2011
The graduation requirements for students who enter the ninth grade in 2010-2011 or later are contained in the Standards of Accreditation (SOA) that were adopted by the Board of Education on February 19, 2009, and that became effective on July 31, 2009.
The Board of Education approves courses to satisfy the graduation requirements. The list of approved courses to satisfy graduation requirements for students who enter the ninth grade in 2010-2011 or later was adopted by the Board on May 28, 2009.
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Want to Maximize Your Senior Year?
To get the most out of your high school experience, while reducing the cost of college tuition and technical training, consider these three options:
Early College Scholars
The Early College Scholars program allows eligible high school seniors to complete the requirements for an Advanced Studies Diploma while earning at least 15 hours of potentially transferable credits toward a college degree.
Commonwealth Scholars and Academic Competitiveness Grants
Students who exceed the minimum requirements for a Standard Diploma may qualify for federal Academic Competitiveness Grants and other incentives for students to take more challenging courses. For more information contact your school counselor.
Path to Industry Certification
The Path to Industry Certification program encourages students to earn an industry certification while still in high school. Often, this technical preparation will continue after graduation from high school. |
