8.6.3. Early Graduation Policy

Early High School Graduation Policy

Statement

This policy applies to high school students who are eligible to submit a request for permission to graduate early from high school in three years defined by the below requirements. This request would not be a common practice; however, a policy has been developed for these rare instances.

Requirements

The following procedures must be followed when a student elects to submit for early graduation:

• The student and parent (s) must meet with administration to discuss and present their request for early graduation; all requests need to be made by the end of the third quarter of the sophomore year in order to be considered;
• The Academic Council and Head of School will review the request and determine whether to proceed;
• For a student to be eligible for early graduation, all graduation requirements must be met, even for the year that is being skipped. These include: 4 Bible, 4 Math, 4 English, 4 Social Science, 3 Science, 2 Foreign Language, 1 PE/Health, 1 Fine Arts elective, 3 other Electives, 80 Community service hours, (Junior and Senior seminar are required classes that may be done virtually)
• Academic credit check: A cumulative GPA of 3.0 is required to apply for early graduation, with no lower than a “C” for any course listed on the high school transcript to date;
• In order to graduate early, a student must complete six (6) semesters or three years of high school attendance and have successfully completed the terms of the GRACE Christian School Graduation Requirements;
• The student and parent/guardian will complete the request form for early graduation and submit it to the high school principal;
• The student and parent/guardian will conference with the counselor and high school principal once the request has been submitted;
• Students and parents will sign an agreement with the administration on all details of early graduation;
• The administration will establish a tentative final course schedule and the student must continue to meet the specified requirements in the agreement.
  

Opportunities for Earning Credit for Early Graduation

• Students may take multiple subject area courses concurrently in order to complete all requirements
• Students may enroll in Sevenstar Academy online to complete courses and receive the biblical worldview integration.

Evaluation Criteria for the Early Graduation Application Consideration

• The student does not intend to graduate prior to completing at least six semesters of high school. (After 11th grade)
• The student is declaring no later than the first day of the student’s first semester as a junior.
• The student must have no lower than a “C” in any course prior to the time of application.
• The social and emotional maturity of the student will be considered.
• The student’s attitude toward early graduation and post-high school plans will be considered.
• Evidence of a well-planned post-high school program within the student’s ability to achieve will be considered.
• Evidence that the high school program has prepared the student for post-high school opportunities will be considered. Such preparation includes academic standing, extracurricular activities, regularity of attendance, etc.
• Parent/Guardian support will be considered.

Remaining Eligible Once Approved

• Once approved for early graduation, the student must maintain a minimum “C” average in the remaining courses and no lower than a 3.0 cumulative GPA. Failure to do so will result in the student being required to remain enrolled with a full schedule through the end of their fourth year.
• Once approved for early graduation, the student must meet with his/her counselor twice each year to monitor progress. A student’s plan may be terminated or adjusted at any meeting if criteria are not being met.
• A student will be declared ineligible to graduate early if he/she does not meet the graduation proficiency requirements.
• If an early graduate intends to participate in the graduation ceremony, they must indicate that intention on their final checkout form completed the last day of the previous year’s attendance, if not sooner. Early graduates’ names will be included on the graduation program.

Additional Senior Privileges

• Students may participate in all senior class events.