Graduation Programs for Students in General Education Programs 1003.4282 F.S.
Beginning in 2011-2012, HB 1255 requires that each school provide students in grades six through twelve and their parents/legal guardians with information concerning the three-year and four-year high school graduation options. The selection of one of the graduation program options that follow may be completed by the student and parent/legal guardian at any time and is exclusively up to the student and parent/legal guardian.
Students may choose from one of five State options to earn a standard diploma:
- 24-credit program
- 18-credit, Academically Challenging Curriculum to Enhance Learning (ACCEL) option
- Career and Technical Education (CTE) Pathway
- An International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum
- An Advanced International Certificate of Education (AICE) curriculum
All of the graduation paths include opportunities to take rigorous academic courses to prepare students for their future academic and career choices.
Students whose cumulative grade point average drops below a 2.0 are required to receive in-person academic advising that includes information on career education programs by a certified school counselor or the school principal or his or her designee during any semester the student is at risk of dropping out or has a cumulative grade point average below 2.0. 1003.491, F.S.
All students are required to take a full schedule of courses until the credits required for graduation have been earned. Students who have met all graduation requirements are encouraged to continue to pursue academic courses that will best prepare them for postsecondary success. The principal of the school may grant an exception in certain circumstances. Consistent with school board rules and in accordance with state statute 1012.28(5) F.S., the Superintendent has designated the principal of the school as the final authority in the placement of students in programs and classes.
All students, regardless of the graduation program, must still earn a 2.0 grade point average on a 4.0 scale and achieve passing scores (or concordant or equivalent scores) on the Grade 10 FAST in reading and the Algebra I End- of-Course (EOC) assessment in order to graduate with a standard diploma (1003.4282 F.S.)
Requirements for the receipt of a standard high school diploma include one credit in United States History and one-half credit in United States Government. Students enrolled in a United States Government course are required to participate in the Florida Civic Literacy Exam, per section 1008.4282(3)(d), F.S.: Beginning with the 2021-2022 school year, students taking the United States Government course are required to take the assessment of civic literacy identified by the State Board of Education pursuant to s. 1007.25(5). Students earning a passing score on the assessment are exempt from the postsecondary civic literacy assessment required by s. 1007.25(5).
24 Credit Program 1003.4282 F.S.
This program takes the traditional four years to complete high school and requires students to take at least 24 credits in core content areas. Foreign language credit is not required for this program, although it is recommended for Florida college preparation and is required for admission to Florida’s state universities. Additionally, a financial literacy course is available to all students via St. Johns Virtual School.
(http://www.fldoe.org/academics/career-adult-edu/cape-secondary/cape-industry-cert-funding-list- current.stml).
The 24-credit program is designed for a variety of students with differing academic abilities. The standard diploma prepares and may qualify the student for a variety of post high school opportunities, including a military career, entry-level or apprentice jobs, admission to a technical school, admission to a Florida College System, or admission to a four-year college or university.
Students who complete a minimum of 24 credits in courses designated as meeting the specified requirements, achieve a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of a 2.0 on a 4.0 scale, and earn a passing score on the statewide assessments required for high school graduation have an option to graduate in fewer than eight semesters (four years) as specified in 1003.4281 F.S.
A student who graduates from high school midyear may receive an initial Bright Futures Scholarship
Award. The student must apply no later than December 31 of the student’s graduation year in order to be evaluated for and, if eligible, receive an award for the current academic year. Additional information is available on the Florida Department of Education web site at http://www.floridastudentfinancialaid.org/ssfad/bf/ or toll-free: 1-888-827- 2004. Senate Bill (SB) 190.
International Baccalaureate (IB) Program 1007.27(8) F.S.
IB is a rigorous pre-university course of study, leading to internationally standardized examinations. The IB curriculum requires coursework in six areas: (1) Language A1; (2) Language A2; (3) Individual and Societies; (4) Experimental Sciences; (5) Mathematics: and (6) Arts and Electives.
Over the course of the two-year IB Diploma Program, students successfully complete 10 credits chosen from the six subject groups, complete an extended essay, follow a theory of knowledge course, and participate in creativity, action, and service (a minimum of 100 community service hours).
AICE, AP, and IB courses are designed to earn college credit as well as meet high school graduation requirements. As such, materials and discussions for these courses may reflect topics not typically included in SJCSD courses. Due to the dual credit nature of these courses, content and materials may not be modified.
Students can choose many varieties of subject options; examples of the many combinations chosen by students are shown below. (SL-standard level, HL-higher level)
HL English A: Literature SL
French B HL
Economics HL
Chemistry SL Physics
HL Mathematics
HL French B
HL Social/cultural anthropology
HL Chemistry SL Mathematics
SL Theatre
SL Spanish ab initio HL English: Literature HL German B
HL
Geography SL Biology
SL Mathematics
IB diploma candidates must demonstrate their mastery of coursework by passing a battery of comprehensive written, and in some cases oral, examinations in the six subject groups. Taking the IB exams is a program requirement. IB students are exempt from payment of any fees for administration of the IB examinations regardless of whether or not a passing score is achieved, however schools will impose a fee of the cost of the IB examination, plus 5%, when students who are registered for the examination do not participate. In addition, if a candidate does not participate in the exam for other than approved exceptional reasons, they default to the standard diploma requirements.
The course of study is delineated in the State Course Code Directory and supersedes the requirements of other programs. The State Board of Education has established rules that specify the cutoff scores on IB examinations that will be used to grant postsecondary credit at Florida College Systems and universities. IB students can earn up to 30 credits toward a college degree by successfully passing exams. For additional information, see www.ibo.org.
IB students enrolled in high school are exempt from the following courses:
- HOPE,
- economics,
- performing/practical arts
Note: If a student exits the IB program, these courses will be required for a standard diploma.
Advanced International Certificate of Education (AICE) and International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE/Pre-AICE) Programs 1007.27(9) F.S.
AICE and IGCSE programs are rigorous pre-university courses of study, leading to internationally standardized examinations under the auspices of Cambridge International Examinations. AICE diploma candidates must demonstrate their knowledge of the coursework by passing a battery of comprehensive written, and in the case of foreign language, oral examinations, which are sent to Cambridge University for grading. AICE students are required to select seven tests, at least one test from each of three major subject groups: Math and Science, Languages, and Arts and Humanities, one course from the Core (AICE Global Perspectives), and the remaining three examinations from any of the four subject areas the student chooses.
AICE, AP, and IB courses are designed to earn college credit as well as meet high school graduation requirements. As such, materials and discussions for these courses may reflect topics not typically included in MCSD courses. Due to the dual credit nature of these courses, content and materials may not be modified.
This is not a definitive list of subjects. For more information, see www.cie.org.uk.
The course of study is delineated in the State Course Conde Directory and supersedes the requirements of other programs. AICE students must complete the AICE curriculum, including a minimum of seven AICE courses to satisfy Florida’s high school diploma requirements. Students who earn the AICE Diploma Award from Cambridge, by passing at least seven AICE examinations, and complete 100 hours of community service, will qualify for the Florida Bright Futures Academic Scholar Award, the higher level of that scholarship. AICE students are exempt from the payment of any fees for administration of the AICE examinations regardless of whether or not a passing score is achieved. Schools will impose a fee of the cost of the AICE examination, plus 5%, when students who are registered for the examination do not participate.
AICE students may earn up to 30 credits toward a college degree by successfully passing exams. The specific course for which a student receives credit shall be determined by the postsecondary institution that accepts the student for admission. The State Board of Education has established rules that specify the cutoff scores on AICE examinations that will be used to grant postsecondary credit at Florida College Systems and universities.
Students who complete the Cambridge AICE program are exempt from the following courses:
- HOPE,
- economics and government,
- performing/practical arts
Note: If a student exits the AICE program, these courses will be required for a standard diploma.
18-Credit ACCEL Program 1003.4282 F.S., 1002.3105 F.S.
The requirements of this program are identical to the 24-credit standard diploma program option except:
- 1 credit in PE is not required
- 3 electives are required instead of 8
- 18 total credits (student may earn additional credits)
This diploma program may be completed in three years, but students may take longer to complete it. All other graduation requirements for a 24-credit standard diploma must be met. See graduation requirements in the appendix or at: http://www.stjohns.k12.fl.us/cs/.
18-credit ACCEL Graduation Program Guidelines 1002.3105 F.S.
Students selecting the 18-credit program shall be treated equally with students graduating via the minimum 24- credit general high school graduation program in all ways, including eligibility for valedictorian, salutatorian, Talented 20, and Bright Futures. Schools wishing to recognize a valedictorian and a salutatorian from each graduation program must first present a request to the St. Johns County High School Task Force who will forward their recommendation to the Deputy Superintendent for Curriculum and Learning. Students enrolled in the 18- credit graduation program shall not be excluded from activities traditionally provided for graduating students during their anticipated graduation year. These activities include but are not limited to the following: Star Banquet, Character Counts! Awards, Baccalaureate, senior trip, prom, and inclusion in the high school yearbook.
Schools shall not establish requirements for the 18-credit high school graduation program in excess of the requirements in statute 1003.4282F.S.
A student choosing the 18-credit graduation program must attend high school as a full-time student for three full school years, which may include virtual school.
Students who choose the 18-credit graduation program may still qualify for acceleration programs (e.g., Advanced Placement, dual enrollment, International Baccalaureate and AICE) and for a Florida Bright Futures Scholarship if they meet the eligibility and/or admissions requirements for those programs and scholarships. They can participate in the National Merit Scholarship Program if they take the PSAT/NMSQT in either the next-to-last year or the last year they are enrolled in high school. Those who take the PSAT/NMSWT in their last year of high school will be entering competition for awards to be offered as they are completing their first year of college. Students who plan to apply to an out-of-state or private in-state college or university and who are interested in the 18- credit graduation program should contact those institutions as early as possible for specific admissions requirements.
Selection of an accelerated high school graduation program may be completed by a student at any time and is entirely up to the student and parent/legal guardian. Students who fail to select the 18-credit graduation program shall be considered to have selected the 24-credit graduation program.
Prior to selecting the 18-credit graduation program, designated school personnel shall meet with each student and the student’s parent/legal guardian to provide an explanation of the relative requirements, advantages, and disadvantages of this graduation option. Students and parents may opt for the 18- credit option at any point in high school and will sign a form with the school counselor indicating selection of this choice. Students may revert to the 24-credit option at any time. Students with a signed 18-credit contract on file will be promoted to 12th grade at the beginning of their last year of high school on the 18-credit option so they are included in all senior activities. Students who do not graduate will be returned to 11th grade before the end of the school year and then promoted to 12th grade for their fourth year of high school.
18-Credit Career and Technical Education Graduation Pathway S.1003.4282
Beginning with the 2019-2020 school year, a student is eligible to complete an alternative pathway to earning a standard high school diploma through the Career and Technical Education (CTE) pathway option. To earn a standard high school diploma through this pathway option, a student must:
- Successfully complete a minimum of 18 credits.
- Have a minimum, cumulative GPA of at least a 2.0 on a 4.0 scale.
- Meet the requirements of
- 4 English credits (including the statewide grade 10 Reading assessment or the grade 10 ELA assessment, or earn a concordant score)
- 4 Math credits (including the statewide Algebra I EOC assessment, or earn a comparative score)
- 3 Science credits
- 3 Social studies credits (to include Financial Literacy requirement)
- Complete two credits in career and technical education. The courses must result in a program completion and an industry certification.
- Complete two credits in work-based learning programs. A student may substitute up to two credits of electives, including one-half credit in financial literacy, for work-based learning program courses to fulfill this requirement.
Additional Diploma Options
The State Board of Education authorizes three additional diploma options:
- the Florida High School Performance-Based Diploma
- the General Education Development Diploma
- the Adult High School Diploma
State of Florida High School Performance-Based Diploma
The Department of Education shall award a State of Florida High School Performance-Based Diploma pursuant to 1003.435 F.S., to a candidate who meets all of the requirements of the Performance- Based Exit Option Model, as prescribed herein.
Eligibility and Admission Components
- The Performance-Based Exit Option Model is not to be a preferred or accelerated means of completing high school. Thus, this model is not a vehicle for the early exit of students and may only be exercised for students who are off track to graduate with their kindergarten cohort due to being overage for grade, behind in credits or having a low Grade Point Average (GPA).
- Students participating in the Performance-Based Exit Option Model may not graduate prior to their kindergarten cohort.
- Participation in this model is voluntary and requires parental notification and consent. Entry and exit policies must conform to state compulsory attendance requirements, as well as district daily attendance policies.
- Students interested in pursuing the Performance Based Exit Option should meet with their school counselor to request this option. Following this request, the district Guidance & Programs of Choice department works with the school counselor, students, and their family on steps to complete this option.
To be eligible to participate in the Performance-Based Exit Option Model, a student must, at a minimum, be:
- At least sixteen (16) years old and currently enrolled in a PK-12 program.
- Enrolled in and attending high school courses that meet high school graduation requirements as specified in Section 428 F.S. or 1003.43 F.S., whichever is applicable;
- In jeopardy of not graduating with their kindergarten cohort because they are overage for grade, behind in credits, or have a low GPA;
- Assessed at a seventh grade reading level or higher at the time of selection (ninth grade or higher at the time of GED testing), as documented by the Test of Adult Basic Education (TABE) reading component or other assessment to determine grade level proficiency.
General Educational Development (GED) Diploma 1003.435 F.S.
Any student who is at least 18 years old and who has not earned a standard diploma may earn a State of Florida Diploma by passing the Tests of General Educational Development (GED). The GED consists of separate tests in English, social studies, science, literature, and mathematics.
Any candidate who has filed a formal declaration of intent to terminate school enrollment pursuant to s. 1003.21(1)(c), F.S., may take the high school equivalency examination after reaching the age of 16. To be issued an underage waiver, the student must provide proof of withdrawal from their K-12 school. Applicants may obtain an underage waiver from the Adult Education Department at First Coast Technical College by calling 904- 547-3434 or by emailing [email protected].
Adult Student High School Diploma 1003.4286 F.S.
Pursuant to rules adopted by the State Board of Education in consultation with the Department of Military Affairs, the Commissioner of Education may award a standard high school diploma to an honorably discharged veteran who has not completed high school graduation requirements.
Information on Adult Education is available at http://fctc.edu/programs/.
Standard High School Diploma Designations 1003.4285 F.S., 1003.432 F.S.
Each standard high school diploma shall include, as applicable:
- Industry Scholar designation – In addition to the requirements of s. 4282, in order to earn the Industry Scholar designation, a student must attain one or more industry certifications from the list established under s. 1003.492
- Scholar Designation for 9th grade cohorts 2014-2015 and forward – in addition to meeting the 24-credit standard high school diploma requirements, a student must:
- earn 1 credit in Algebra 2 or an equally rigorous math course 4285, F.S)
- pass the Geometry EOC
- earn 1 credit in Statistics or an equally rigorous math course 4285, F.S)
- pass the Biology EOC*
- earn 1 credit in Chemistry or Physics
- earn 1 credit in a course equally rigorous to Chemistry or Physics
- pass the U.S. History EOC*
- earn 2 credits in the same world language
- earn at least 1 credit in AP, IB, AICE or dual enrollment course
*For the Scholar Designation, a student is exempt from the Biology I or U.S. History assessment if the student is enrolled in an AP, IB, or AICE Biology I or U.S. History course and (1) takes the respective AP, IB, or AICE assessment and (2) earns the minimum score to earn college credit.
Florida Seal of Biliteracy (1003.432 F.S.)
Beginning in the 2016-2017 and forward – denoting attainment of a high level of competency in listening, speaking, reading, and writing in one or more foreign languages in addition to English, which is signified on the high school diploma and transcript as either a Gold Seal of Biliteracy or a Silver Seal of Biliteracy. A student must satisfy the following criteria:
- Silver Seal of Biliteracy
- earn four foreign language course credits in the same foreign language with a cumulative 3.0 GPA
- achieve a score of 600 or higher on the Scholastic Achievement Test (SAT) II foreign language exam
- pass a foreign language Advanced Placement exam (including American Sign Language) with a score of 3 or higher
- Gold Seal of Biliteracy
- earn four foreign language course credits in the same foreign language with a cumulative 3.0 GPA, and Level 4 or higher on the Grade 10 English Language Arts (ELA) Florida Assessment of Student Thinking (FAST)
- achieve a score of 700 or higher on the Scholastic Achievement Test (SAT) II foreign language exam
- pass a foreign language Advanced Placement exam (including American Sign Language) with a score of 4 or higher.
Additional exam options and performance levels are designated in State Board Rule 6A-1.09951.
Florida Seal of Fine Arts
Florida Statute 1003.4321, beginning with the 2024-2025 school year, the Florida Seal of Fine Arts shall be awarded to a high school student who has earned a standard high school diploma; successfully completed at least three year-long courses in dance, music, theatre, or the visual arts with a grade of “A” or higher in each course or earned three sequential course credits in such courses with a grade of “A” or higher in each course; and meets a minimum of two of the following requirements:
- Successfully completes a fine arts International Baccalaureate, advanced placement, dual enrollment, or honors course in the subjects listed in the paragraph above with a grade of “B” or higher.
- Participates in a district or statewide organization’s juried event as a selected student participant for 2 or more years.
- Records at least 25 volunteer hours of arts-related community service in his or her community and presents a comprehensive presentation on his or her experiences.
- Meets the requirements of a portfolio-based program identifying the student as an exemplary practitioner of the fine arts.
- Receives district, state or national recognition for the creation and submission of an original work of art. The term “work of art” means a musical or theatrical composition, visual artwork, or choreographed routine or performance.
Graduation Requirements for Transfer Students 1003.433(1) F.S., 1003.4282(8) F.S.
Grade 11 and grade 12 students who enter a district high school from out-of-state or from a foreign country shall not be required to spend additional time in a district high school in order to meet the high school course requirements of the school district, if the student has met all the requirements of the district, state, or country from which they transferred. Such students who are not proficient in English shall receive immediate and intensive instruction in English language acquisition. Transfer students, however, must earn a 2.0 cumulative GPA and pass the grade 10 FAST/alternative assessment in reading or achieve scores on the SAT or ACT concordant with FAST levels to receive a standard diploma. They must also meet the requirement to pass the state Algebra 1 End-of-Course assessment. If the transcript shows an Algebra I credit, then the student must pass the assessment unless:
- the student earned a comparative score, or
- passed an out-of-state Algebra 1 standardized assessment. (list:
https://nces.ed.gov/programs/statereform/tab2_3.asp
https://nces.ed.gov/programs/statereform/tab2_24.asp)
High School Awards and Honors
If a school chooses to delineate honor graduates, the following criteria shall be used based on weighted grade point average (GPA) calculated at the end of the seventh semester with no rounding up:
- Summa Cum Laude: students with a weighted GPA of 4.5000 or above,
- Magna Cum Laude: students with a weighted GPA of 4.0000 to 4.4999,
- Cum Laude: students with a weighted GPA of 3.5000 to 3.9999.
Valedictorian and Salutatorian Awards
If a school decides to award Valedictorian and Salutatorian status, the following criteria must be met:
- Senior class rank (Valedictorian & Salutatorian inclusive) shall be based on a 5.0 weighted grade point average on all courses taken for high school credit. Calculations of GPAs for valedictorian and salutatorian shall be made at the conclusion of the seventh semester.
- A high school transfer student shall be given quality point weighting for any course acceptable for transfer if that course is deemed comparable to a course in St. Johns County that receives a quality point weighting. All courses that carry weight on the grade point average should be labeled on the transfer student record as honors, dual enrollment, advanced, advanced placement, accelerated, or some other description that denotes an honors level class. The principal or designee shall make the determination as to which transfer courses qualify for quality points.
- Students graduating from a three-year 18-Credit Graduation Program are eligible for valedictorian and salutatorian status. The conclusion of the seventh semester is the deadline for an 18-credit graduation program student to select to graduate and compete for valedictorian or salutatorian status or continue to complete the 24-credit diploma.
- A student who transfers to St. Johns County during the last two years prior to graduation is not eligible to be named sole Valedictorian or Salutatorian. However, that student is eligible to be Co- Valedictorian or Co-Salutatorian based on the following criteria:
- If ranked first in the senior class based on the cumulative weighted GPA, the transfer student would be named Co-Valedictorian along with the second ranked student. The third-ranked student would be named Salutatorian.
- If ranked second in the senior class, the transfer student would be named Co- Salutatorian along with the third-ranked student.
- A student must complete their LAST four full semesters in St. Johns County consecutively to be eligible to be named sole Valedictorian or Salutatorian. A new student who registers before school starts for his/her junior year is eligible for sole Valedictorian/Salutatorian. However, if a student transfers to St. Johns County during his/her junior or senior year, he/she falls under the above criteria for Co-Valedictorian or Co-Salutatorian.
Scholar Diploma Designation
In addition to the requirements of s. 1003.4282, F.S., a student must satisfy the following requirements:
- Earn 1 credit in Algebra 2 or an equally rigorous course
- Pass the Geometry EOC
- Earn 1 credit in Statistics or an equally rigorous mathematics course
- Pass the Biology 1 EOC++
- Earn 1 credit in Chemistry or Physics
- Earn 1 credit in a course equally rigorous to Chemistry or Physics
- Pass the U.S. History EOC++
- Earn 2 credits in the same World Language
- Earn at least 1 credit in an AP, IB, AICE or a dual enrollment course
++Special note: A student is exempt from the Biology 1 or U.S. History EOC assessment if the student is enrolled in an AP, IB, or AICE Biology 1 or U.S. History course; takes the respective AP, IB or AICE assessment; and earns the minimum college credit.
Industry Scholar Diploma Designation
- Meet standard high school diploma requirements
- Attain one or more industry certifications from the list established (per s. 1003.492, F.S.)
Florida Bright Futures Scholarship Program
Voluntary Public Service 1009.531 F.S.
Voluntary Public Service (VPS) hours are required for all Bright Futures Scholarship Awards – Florida Academic Scholars, Florida Medallion Scholars, and Gold Seal Vocational Scholars: 100, 75 and 30 hours, respectively.
Students may begin logging community service hours in the summer before the student enters ninth grade. Community service hours should be documented by logging the hours on the SJCSD Community Service Verification Form and attaching verification letters that are on letterhead of the place where the hours were served. A SJCSD Voluntary Public Service Verification Form and verification letters should be submitted to the guidance office at the end of each school year for grades 9-11 and at the end of each semester for grade 12.
Below are some examples of Voluntary Public Service:
- Service to a government agency
- Service to a not–for–profit local, national, or international organization
- When training meetings are required prior to the actual service, a student can receive credit for up to 2 hours of training in addition to the hours for the service.
- Service to a school or school organization – in which credit is not being awarded
- Service to a religious organization
- Participation in not – for – profit Fine Arts performances or exhibitions
- When hours are being earned in which rehearsal time is required, a student can receive credit for up to 3 hours of rehearsal time for every hour of performance time.
- VPS hours are not earning high school credit
- Non–paid internships at a not–for–profit organization with prior school official approval
- Career Academy non–paid internships
Below are some examples of hours that are not considered eligible for Voluntary Public Service:
- Family related activities
- Hours in which students are compensated either monetarily or materially
- School related activities that have required attendance and/or are a part of the course requirement to earn credit
- Attendance at meetings which are required as part of membership in a club or organization
- Activities that cannot be documented on business letterhead
- Volunteer services for a for-profit business
Students are encouraged to choose a variety of opportunities or services when selecting and completing their voluntary public service hours.
1009.531 F.S. requires students to identify a civic issue or professional area of interest as part of their volunteer service plans and expands volunteer work to include an internship with a business, government or nonprofit organization, or activity on behalf of a candidate for public office. For additional information, contact the high school guidance office.
Certificate of Completion 1002.3105(5) F.S.
Students who are unable to meet graduation requirements for a 24-credit will receive a Certificate of Completion. A Certificate of Completion is not a diploma. It certifies that a student attended high school but fails to:
- Pass the assessments required under 1008.22(3) F.S., the FAST/FCAT in reading grade 10 and the Algebra 1 EOC assessment, or
- Achieve a 2.0 GPA
A student who is otherwise entitled to a Certificate of Completion may elect to remain in high school as a full-time or part-time student for up to one additional year and receive instruction to remedy the deficiency(ies). A student who has received a standard Certificate of Completion, who subsequently meets the requirements for a standard diploma, shall be awarded a standard diploma whenever the requirements are completed.
Participation in the Graduation Ceremony
To be eligible to participate in the graduation ceremony, a student must meet one of the following requirements:
- completion of all graduation requirements (student will receive diploma),
- completion of all graduation requirements except passing the Grade 10 ELA FAST or Algebra 1 EOC assessment (student will receive a Certificate of Completion).
