File: IKF - Graduation Requirements

In pursuit of its mission to ensure that all students reach their learning potential and are prepared for postsecondary and career opportunities, the Board of Education has established the following graduation requirements for students entering the ninth grade.

To receive a high school diploma from the district, students must meet or exceed the district's academic standards and measures required by this policy. Students with disabilities and students involved in the criminal justice system must be provided access to all graduation pathways provided by this policy and must have the opportunity to earn a high school diploma from the district.

College and Career Readiness

The Colorado State Board of Education has adopted state graduation guidelines that identify college and career readiness measures in English (Reading, Writing, and Communicating) and Math (Mathematics). The Board has selected its own measures from these state graduation guidelines.

Students must complete at least one English measure and one Math measure and meet or exceed the measure's corresponding cut score or criteria to demonstrate college and career readiness in English and Math. The Board's approved measures and cut scores are outlined in this policy's accompanying exhibit.

Exceptions to the Board's Required Measures and Cut Scores/Criteria

If a student has demonstrated college and career readiness by completing an assessment or other measure that is not included in this policy's accompanying exhibit but is included in the state graduation guidelines, the principal or principal's designee may determine that such assessment or other measure is acceptable and meets the district's graduation requirements.

Courses Required for Graduation

English - English 1, English 2, English 3, English 4, or English Composition.

Mathematics - Algebra 1, Geometry, Algebra 2, Advanced Algebra or Accounting.

Science - Biology, Earth and Space Science, Upper-Level Science.

Social Studies - World History, Geography, U.S. History, U.S Government.

Physical Education - Physical Education, Nutrition.

Practical Arts (includes business, technology, and industrial arts courses) - Computer Applications 1, Computer Applications 2, Personal Finance.

Electives.

Units of Credit Required for Graduation

English - 4.0

Mathematics - 4.0

Science - 3.0

Social Studies - 3.5

Physical Education - 0.5

Practical Arts - 1.5

Electives - 9.5

Total - 26.0

Credit from Other Institutions and Home-Based Programs

Students entering from outside the district must meet the district's course requirements. The principal or principal's designee must determine whether credit toward course requirements will be granted for courses taken outside the district.

In accordance with applicable state law, college courses completed pursuant to the student's participation in a "dropout recovery program" must count as credit toward completion of the district's credit requirements.

Early Graduation

The Board of Education believes that most students benefit from four years of high school experience and are encouraged not to graduate early. However, in some cases, students are ready for postsecondary education or other opportunities prior to completing four years of high school. Therefore, the superintendent or designee may grant permission to students wishing to graduate early, provided the student has met all district graduation requirements in accordance with this policy and its accompanying exhibit.

Adopted:  August 9, 2016

Revised:  June 20, 2017

Revised:  January 14, 2020

Revised:  November 3, 2020 Repealed IKF-2, recoded as IKF

Revised:  August 21, 2023

Revised:  April 18, 2024

Revised:  October 21, 2024

LEGAL REFS.:  C.R.S. 22-1-104 (teaching history, culture, and civil government)

C.R.S. 22-1-104.7 (2)(a) (requirement to incorporate Holocaust and Genocide studies standards into existing course required for graduation)

C.R.S. 22-32-109 (1)(kk) (Board to establish graduation requirements that "meet or exceed" state graduation guidelines)

C.R.S. 22-32-132 (discretion to award diploma to honorably discharged veterans)

C.R.S. 22-33-104.5 (home-based education law)

C.R.S. 22-35-101 et seq. (Concurrent Enrollment Programs Act)

C.R.S. 22-108-103 et seq. (justice-engaged student's bill of rights)

CROSS REFS.: AE, Accountability/Commitment to Accomplishment

AEA, Standards Based Education

IHBG, Home Schooling

IHBK*, Preparation for Postsecondary and Workforce Success

IHCDA, Concurrent Enrollment

IK, Academic Achievement

IKA, Grading/Assessment Systems