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GDAA-AP: Early Graduation

The district believes that with rare exception the many benefits of a high school education cannot be fully realized in less than four yearsFurther, it views the entire senior year as an important period during which the student should be able to enjoy many experiences providing academic growth and enrichment, exploration of new areas, and social growth and maturity. 

Only in unusual or extenuating circumstances should a student forego the opportunities available during the senior yearFor those who may have special needs or goals and who would benefit from early graduation, the following policy is established. 

Requirements 

The candidate must have: 

  1. Completed at least 6 semesters of high school attendance. Summer school shall not be used to achieve early graduation. 

  1. Satisfied all the requirements of a four-year graduate. 

  1. Earned at least a 3.0 GPA. 

  1. Qualified by virtue of extenuating circumstances or special goals. 

  1. Designed a plan for the semester(s) not spent in high school aligned to choice-ready goals. 

Procedures 

If the applicant meets the above requirements, the student must submit (the early graduation form) a written request for early graduation to the high school principalThe request must be submitted one calendar year prior to graduation. The request must contain a statement of endorsement and the signatures of the parents or legal guardian and must clearly express the reasons for the request. 

The matter will be thoroughly reviewed in conference to include the student, counselor, parents/legal guardians, and the high school principal. After a complete evaluation of the request, the principal will forward a recommendation to the Superintendent or designee for approval or denial. 

Graduation 

If early graduation is approved, the student may participate in commencement exercises on the same basis as other graduates.  Students who do not participate in commencement will receive their diplomas as soon as practical. 

 

Adopted: 05/09/23 

Reviewed:               

Revised: