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Graduation Requirements

Students in their graduation gowns

High School Graduation Requirements

The mission of the San Diego Unified School District is to ensure that all students will graduate with the skills, motivation, curiosity and resilience to succeed in their choice of college and career in order to lead and participate in the society of tomorrow.

In order to graduate from a San Diego Unified high school, all students must meet all of the following requirements:

Attendance

All students in grades 9-12 must attend eight semesters for six periods daily.

If it is in best interest of a student, an alternative plan may be created, with an accelerated program or shortened-day schedule. The plan requires counselor involvement as well as approval from the school principal and the student's parent/guardian.

Grade-Point Average

Students must maintain a cumulative weighted grade-point average (WGPA) of 2.0 or higher, computed on the basis of A = 4, B = 3, C = 2, D = 1, F = 0. The WGPA for graduation is computed from courses completed in grades 9-12. Students should talk to their school counselors about the effects of repeating courses on computing GPAs.

Advanced Placement (AP) courses, certain International Baccalaureate (IB) courses, and designated Honors courses earn credit on a weighted or five-point scale: A = 5, B = 4, C = 3, D = 1, F = 0.


Requisitos para la Graduación

Class of 2016 Ushers in New Graduation Requirements

In 2011, the Board of Education adopted new, more rigorous graduation requirements that align with the district's mission.

The new requirements include taking specific high school courses that fulfill the minimum subject-area course requirements for students to be eligible for admission to University of California (UC) and California State University (CSU) schools.

The Class of 2016 will be the first required to meet the new graduation requirements. The district will also provide student learning support, staff professional development and resources to help all students successfully meet these requirements.

Student in her graduation gown

Conduct

Students must maintain a record of responsible citizenship. To participate in graduation ceremonies, students must meet a minimum standard of a 2.0 average in citizenship during the senior year. The citizenship GPA is computed on a scale of E (excellent) = 4, G (good) = 3, S (satisfactory) = 2, N (needs improvement) = 1, U (unsatisfactory) = 0.

Diplomas and Certificates

The district issues diplomas and certificates based on the following criteria:

  • Diploma: Awarded to students who complete all general and course requirements with at least a 2.0 grade point average.

  • Diploma with Academic Distinction: Awarded to students who complete all general requirements for a diploma with a weighted GPA of 3.5 or higher in grades 10, 11, and the first semester of grade 12 or to students who in grades 10 through 12 complete 14 semester credits in designated, academically rigorous coursework specified in Administrative Procedure 4772. Note: This procedure will be revised for the Class of 2016 and beyond.

  • Certificates of Completion are presented to non-diploma-bound students receiving special education services who meet all the goals and objectives specified in their Individualized Education Programs (IEP). A Certificate of Completion is issued at the completion of the student's prescribed educational program. Students receiving Certificates of Completion are eligible to participate in commencement ceremonies. See Administrative Procedure 4770

  • Credit Requirements See shortcuts at left.