Units of Credit
Graduation from high school in the Boulder Valley School District is achieved through the earning of credits as specified in this policy (IKF - Graduation Requirements). Credits for all high school courses (grades 9-12) and for graduation requirements will be awarded on a "unit of credit" basis. One "unit of credit" will be equal to a minimum of 12 clock hours of scheduled instruction time.
General Requirements for Graduation
Minimum requirements for graduation from high school in the Boulder Valley School District include the following:
- 220 units of credits in grades 9-12, including completion of specific subject area requirements;
- 8 semesters of attendance beyond the eighth grade, unless the student qualifies for early graduation. A minimum of 25 credits (five classes) per semester must be taken from grades 9-12. A maximum of 40 credits per semester will be allowed. Extenuating circumstances as determined by the building principal or designated administrator will permit exemptions to these course load requirements and limitations.
Early Graduation
Early graduation is allowed at the end of the seventh semester, provided all requirements for graduation have been met. Early graduation before the end of the seventh semester must be reviewed and approved by the principal and by the Assistant Superintendent of School Leadership. Students who complete their work at midyear and are eligible to graduate shall receive their diploma at the end of the school year and may return to take part in the graduation exercises at that time.
Failure to Meet Graduation Requirements
Students who fail to meet graduation requirements at the end of eight semesters of attendance will be encouraged to continue in school until they meet graduation requirements or through the semester that they turn 21, as permitted by state law. Such students will be subject to the graduation requiremets which were in effect for their class when they entered or would have entered the 9th grade in Boulder Valley.
Transfer Students
Transfer students will be held responsible for District requirements as Boulder Valley students. Course work ccompleted outside the District will be evaluated and approved for credit and for fulfillment of graduation requirements of by the principal or designee. In addition, Boulder Valley requires enrollment during the two semesters immediately prior to graduation and earning at least 50 credits in Boulder Valley School District to meet district graduation requirements unless an exemption is granted by the building principal.
Graduation Requirements As Applied to Students With Disabilities
To be eligible for a high school diploma, identified students with disabilities must meet objectives, appropriate for them, as determined by the Staffing/Individual Education Program (IEP) Committee. The IEP goals and objectives will reflect modifications of the regular curriculum.
Requirements for English as a Second Language (ESL)
English as a Second Language classes are an alternative English program for students who are limited English proficient according to District Criteria. Language Arts graduation requirements may be fulfilled through ESL courses as deemed appropriate.
Non-Immigrant Foreign Students (F-1)
A non-immigrant foreign student on a valid F-1 visa may be granted a diploma from the Boulder Valley School District if all graduation requirements and transfer student expectations of the District have been fulfilled.
Non-Immigrant Foreign Exchange Students (J-1)
The non-immigrant foreign exhange program student (J-1) will not graduate from a Boulder Valley Schoold District high school and will not participate in graduation ceremonies.
Other Policies of Interest
IGADB - Post-secondary Occupational Program
IGBA - Programs for Handicapped Students (Special Education)
IKE - Promotion, Nonpromotion, and Acceleration of Students
JECBA - Admission of F-1 Visa, J-1 Foreign Exchange Students, Immigrant Students and Dependent of
Non-Immigrant Visa Holders
JECD - Assignment of Transfer Students to Classes and Grade Levels