Graduation comes in more than one flavor.
The California public school system has established a set of graduation requirements that every student must fulfill before receiving a diploma. While most students graduate simply by following the guidelines and plan of the local school, there are some students who may opt for other graduation options. Whether disabled or intent on graduating early, a high school student is free to consider more than just the standard option.
Graduate Normally
Most students graduate from high school in California using the standard method of completing four years of high school education, passing all required courses. These required courses are three English courses, two math courses, two science courses, three social studies courses, one art or foreign language course and two physical education courses. In addition to the completion of the course requirements, students must complete the California High School Exit Examination. If a student meets all of these requirements he can graduate from high school and receive his degree.
Obtain a Diagnosis of Disability
If you already have been diagnosed with a disability or believe you can obtain such a diagnosis from a doctor, you can graduate from California high schools with slightly different requirements than the average students. The two main differences between this way and the standard way lie in the course and the California High School Exit Exam requirements. First, if you have a disability, you are eligible to waive the algebra 1 and physical education requirements. Second, disabled students are exempt from the California High School Exit Exam requirements.
Graduate Early
Some California Public High Schools give students the option to graduate early through local school requirements. Because each school has different requirements, you must discuss this option with your school counselor before you can confirm what steps to take. However, if you are looking for a definite way to graduate early, there is another option: the California High School Proficiency Exam. In the second semester of 10th grade or anytime after, you have the option to take this test. If you pass this test and fulfill California's required high school course requirements, you may graduate early.
Enroll in a Private High School
Private high schools lie out of the hands of the California public state school system's graduation requirements. Private high schools have their own sets of graduation requirements. If you want to take this route to high school graduation, contact the private schools in your area, ask about the graduation requirements and discuss the possibility of transferring schools.
Tags: California High School, graduation requirements, California High, graduate early, graduate from, High School Exit