613 Policy: Graduation Requirements

I.    PURPOSE

The purpose of this policy is to set forth academic and credit requirements necessary for students to graduate from the school district.

II.    GENERAL REQUIREMENTS FOR GRADUATION.

A.    All students must meet Minnesota Graduation Standards in accordance with the timeline established by the School Board and/or the State. Exemptions to this requirement will be granted in accordance with State Rule and Law. 

B.    Students must successfully complete the following high school level or equivalent trimester credits for graduation:  

1.    Twelve (12) credits of English;

2.     Nine (9) credits of mathematics, including non-linear algebra or algebra I, algebra II, geometry, statistics and probability sufficient to satisfy the standards;

3.     Nine (9) credits of science, including earth space science, biology, and chemistry or physics, or Career and Technical Education (CTE).  The CTE credit must meet the standards underlying the chemistry or physics credit.

4.     Ten (10) credits of social studies, including U.S. history, geography, government and citizenship, world history and economics;

                  5.     One (1) credit in physical education, including the life fitness course designated by the district;

                  6.     One (1) credit in health; including the health course designated by the district;

                  7.     Three (3) credits in fine arts, including courses designated by the district in registration materials;

8.     One (1) credit in personal finance between grades 10-12, including courses designated by the district in the registration materials beginning with the class of 2028;

 9.     Eighteen (18) credits in electives.

C.    A student may be excused from a physical education class/credit requirement if:

1.     the student submits written information signed by a physician stating that physical activity will jeopardize the student's health;

2.     the student’s IEP, Section 504 Plan or Individualized Health Plan excuse their participation based upon the student’s unique and individualized needs; or

3.     the student’s parent/guardian requests an exemption on religious grounds.

D.    Notwithstanding the requirements set forth in Paragraph B, upon completion of high school or the equivalent, a student with a disability who satisfactorily attains the objectives in the student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP) will be granted a high school diploma that is identical to the diploma granted to students without a disability, as required by Minn. Stat. § 125A.

III.    EARLY COMPLETION OF GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS

In accordance with state law, students may be considered for early graduation, as provided for within Minn. Stat. § 120B.07.  Early graduation requires approval of the student; the student’s parent/guardian; the high school principal (or their designee); and the student’s counselor.   Students who are candidates for early graduation must, at a minimum, meet all the following conditions:

A.    Complete an application for Early Graduation prior to the completion of their 11th grade

B.    Satisfactorily complete all course and credit requirements of the School District and State;

C.    Complete an interview with the high school principal (or their designee); their parent/guardian; and school counselor to determine if the student is an appropriate candidate for early graduation; and

D.    Receipt of written approval from the high school principal authorizing the student’s Early Graduation.

IV.   REVIEW OF EARLY GRADUATION

Decisions on Early Graduation may be subject to review by the Superintendent or their designee. Students who are granted early graduation pursuant to this section will be granted a standard diploma from the District.

V. GRADUATION CEREMONY

The school district will not prohibit American Indian students from wearing American Indian regalia, tribal regalia, or objects of cultural significance at graduation ceremonies.

Adopted/Revised

Legal References 
Minn. Stat. § 120B.02 (Educational Expectations for Minnesota’s Students)
Minn. Stat. § 120B.018 (Definitions)
Minn. Stat. § 120B.021 (Required Academic Standards)
Minn. Stat. § 120B.023 (Benchmarks)
Minn. Stat. § 120B.024 (Graduation Requirements; Course Credits) 
Minn. Stat. § 120B.07 (Early Graduation).
M.S. 125A.04 – High School Diploma
M.S. 120B.07 – Early Graduation
Minnesota Rules: Chapter 3501