Early Graduation

A student may initially be referred for possible early graduation by a parent or legal guardian, professional staff member, school administrator, or through self-nomination to the building principal or the student’s guidance counselor. Referral forms will be located in the counseling office.

The building principal or counselor will convene the student’s education team, which includes the counselor, student, and parent(s) or legal guardian. It may also include classroom teachers, the school psychologist, and/or the district gifted coordinator.
Evaluation is based on past academic performance, measures of achievement tied to state standards, and successful completion of graduation requirements. The student’s own thoughts on early graduation are also considered.

Means of accessing grade acceleration and early graduation may include, but are not limited to:

• High school credit for approved high school–level classes taken earlier

• District-approved summer enrichment programs

• Formal independent study coursework offered with universities

• Dual credit

• Post-Secondary Education Options (PSEOP)

All independent and external coursework must be approved in writing by the education team before participation. A total of six credits may be earned through independent study or external sources as per Board policy.

After review, the education team will make a recommendation to the principal and the student’s parent(s) or guardian.
For students planning to meet graduation requirements in fewer than three years, a Written Acceleration Plan (WAP) will be created to outline the timeline and means of acquiring the necessary credits. The WAP will be placed in the student’s cumulative file, and an early graduation application will be completed at the appropriate time.

For students recommended for early graduation, the WAP will be reviewed annually each spring. By April prior to the year of intended early graduation, the student and parent or guardian must apply in writing to the student’s counselor.

The evaluation process must be concluded within 90 days of receiving the parent’s written permission to evaluate. The parent or guardian will be notified in writing of the outcome within 90 days.

The student’s parent or guardian may appeal the decision to the Superintendent in writing within 30 days of being notified. The Superintendent will review and respond within 30 days, and that decision is final.
However, the student may be referred and evaluated again at the next available opportunity.