The state of Florida establishes graduation requirements for both standard and alternate high school diploma options. More specific information about diploma options and the course/ testing requirements for each is spelled out in the district’s Student Progression Plan, which is available on the district’s website at www.sbac.edu/progressionplan.

Diploma Options

1. Standard Diploma Option: Requires 24 credits, including 4 credits in English/language arts, 4 in math, 3 in science, 3 in social science, 1 in fine arts, 1 in physical education (PE) and 8 in elective courses.  Beginning with students who entered ninth grade during the 2023/24 school year, a half credit in financial literacy will also be required for high school graduation.
2. ACCEL Option: Requires 18 credits. Includes the same credits as Standard Diploma Option, except that it does not require the PE credit or online course credit and only 3 elective credits are required.
3. Scholar Designation Option: In addition to the Standard Diploma requirements, a student must pass additional state assessments, earn 2 credits in a world language and earn at least one credit in an advanced course such as Advanced Placement or International Baccalaureate. Some of the student’s required math and science courses must be in more advanced subjects, such as statistics or chemistry.
4. Merit Designation Option: In addition to the Standard Diploma requirements, a student must earn one or more industry certifications from a state-approved list.

A student may earn both a Scholar and a Merit designation along with their standard diploma. 

Testing Requirements

The state of Florida requires that students pass the following statewide assessments:

• Grade 10 F.A.S.T. English Language Arts (or earn a concordant score on an approved assessment)
• Algebra 1 end-of-course exam (EOC) or a comparative score on an approved assessment

Students must participate in the EOC assessments and the results constitute 30% of the final course grade. These assessments are in Algebra I, Biology I, Geometry, and U.S. History.                            

The state offers a credit acceleration program (CAP). This program allows a student to earn high school credit if the student passes a statewide course assessment without enrollment in the course. The courses include Algebra I, Geometry, U.S. History and Biology I.

Understanding the graduation requirements can be difficult, especially with frequent changes and differences between grade levels. It’s important to keep in touch with your child’s school counselor to ensure that your child remains on track towards graduation.