Advanced Studies

  • Students must complete 24 units of academic work as outlined in the DOE regulations plus 9 verified credits if entered 9th grade before 2011-12
  • Students must complete 26 units of academic work as outlined in the DOE regulations plus 9 verified credits if entered 9th grade from 2011-12 onward
  • Students entering 9th grade from 2013-14 onward must also complete a virtual course

Standard

  • Students must complete 22 units of academic work as outlined in the DOE regulations plus 6 verified credits
  • Students entering 9th grade from 2013-14 onward must also earn a board-approved career/tech credential and complete a virtual course
  • Beginning with students entering 9th grade in 2013-14 this will also include those previously receiving Modified Standard diplomas and may include modified requirements for students with disabilities on IEPs

Modified Standard

Not available for students entering 9th grade from 2013 onward

  • Students with a disability, as identified on their IEP, who are unlikely to complete the requirements for a standard diploma
  • Students must complete 20 units of academic work as outlined in the DOE regulations and demonstrate numeracy and literacy (pass 8th grade math and English)

General Achievement Diploma GAAHSD (formerly GAD)

  • Students must be 18 years of age and not currently enrolled in high school and not subject to the compulsory attendance requirements
  • Requirements for earning the GAAHSD include prescribed standard units of credit; a passing score on a high school equivalency examination approved by the Virginia Board of Education; and the attainment of a Board-approved career and technical education credential.
  • Standard credits required for the GAAHSD may be earned in a variety of educational settings, including public school; community college, adult high school program; or approved distance education courses.

General Education Development Certificates (GED)

  • High School Equivalency (HSE) test by ACE
  • The newer DOE-approved HiSET and TASC are also accepted as high school equivalency

Non-Qualifying Awards

The below awards DO NOT constitute high school graduation. Therefore, students applying to VCCS colleges must complete an ability to benefit (ATB) test for admissions.

Applied Studies Diploma (formerly Special Diploma)

  • Students with disabilities who complete the requirements of their IEP but don't meet the requirements for named diplomas.

Certificate of Program Completion

  • Students who complete a prescribed program of studies as defined by the local board but do not qualify for a diploma. These students may or may not have an IEP.

NOTE: This document does NOT apply to Home School, Out of State, Online School, or Private School Diplomas.

*In accordance with the Virginia Department of Education's website: http://www.doe.virginia.gov/instruction/graduation