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.

For up-to-date information, please go to the district page https://www.sandiegounified.org/high-school-graduation-requirements.

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 in scholarship, 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.

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 grades 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.

California High School Exit Examination

All students in the State of California must pass the California High School Exit Examination (CAHSEE) to receive a diploma. The two-part examination is based on the California State Content Standards for English language arts and mathematics. All students are required to take the exam in the spring of grade 10. Students who do not pass either or both parts in grade 10 will continue to retake those parts in grades 11 and 12 until they are successful.

Computer Proficiency

Students may demonstrate computer proficiency (in Grades 5-12) through completion of a course of study (such as i21) that incorporates proficiency in computer applications. Proficiency may also be demonstrated through satisfactory results on the high school level district test of computer proficiency.

Diplomas, Certificates, and Letters of Recognition (not graduation requirements)

The district issues diplomas, certificates and letters of recognition based on the following criteria:

  • Diploma: Awarded to students who complete the district Course of Study with at least a 2.0 grade point average and pass the California High School Exit Examination (CAHSEE).
  • 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 exercises. See Administrative Procedure 4770.

Credit Requirements:

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