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 computational 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 cources.
The Standards of Accreditation (SOA) – regulations authorized by the Standards of Quality and have the force of law – provide graduation information including the types of diplomas available to students the course requirements for earning each of the diplomas.
- Current SOA adopted by the Board of Education on May 24, 2006, and effective since September 7, 2006
- Proposed SOA adopted by the Board of Education on February 19, 2009, and currently undergoing the regulatory review process required by the Administrative Process Act (see Item number 3729) and will be effective July 22, 2009.
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Graduation Requirements –
For Students Entering the Ninth Grade Prior to 2010-2011
Diplomas
Resources |
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Graduation Requirements –
For Students Entering the Ninth Grade Beginning 2010-2011
The Board of Education adopted new graduation requirements for student who enter the ninth grade for the first time in the 2010-2011 school year and beyond.
Additional resources will be posted when available. |
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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. |
