BP 6146.1 — HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS
Instruction BP 6146.1(a)
HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS
The Board of Education desires to prepare all students to successfully complete the high
school course of study and obtain a diploma that represents their educational
achievement and increases their opportunities for postsecondary education and
employment.
(cf. 5127 - Graduation Ceremonies and Activities)
(cf. 5147 - Dropout Prevention)
(cf. 6143 - Courses of Study)
(cf. 6146.3 - Reciprocity of Academic Credit)
District students shall complete graduation course requirements as specified in Education
Code 51225.3. Unless exempted as provided in "exemptions from District-adopted
graduation requirements," District students shall also complete other course requirements
adopted by the Board. Students who are exempted from District-adopted graduation
requirements shall be eligible to participate in any graduation ceremony and school
activity related to graduation in which other students are eligible to participate.
Course Requirements
To obtain a high school diploma, students shall complete the following courses in grades
9-12, with each course being one year unless otherwise specified:
1. Four courses in English (Education Code 51225.3)
2. Three courses in mathematics (Education Code 51225.3)
Students shall complete at least one mathematics course that meets the state academic
content standards for Algebra I or Integrated Mathematics I. Students may complete such
coursework prior to grade 9 shall satisfy the Algebra I (Integrated Mathematics I)
requirement provided that they also complete two mathematics courses in grades 9-12.
(Education Code 51224.5)
3. Successful completion of an approved computer science course that is classified
as a "category c" course based on the University of California (UC) and California
State University (CSU) "a-g" admission requirements shall be counted toward the
satisfaction of additional graduation requirements in mathematics. (Education
Code 5122.3, 51225.35)
(cf. 6011 - Academic Standards)
4. Two courses in science, including biological and physical sciences (Education
Code 51225.3)
BP 6146.1(b)
HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS (cont.)
5. Three courses in social studies, including United States (U.S.) history and
geography; world history, culture, and geography; a one-semester course in
American government and civics; and a one-semester course in economics
(Education Code 51225.3)
(cf. 6142.3 - Civic Education)
(cf. 6142.94 - History-Social Science Instruction)
6. One course in visual or performing arts, or world language, or Career Technical
Education (CTE). For purposes of this requirement, a course in American Sign
Language shall be deemed a course in world language (Education Code 51225.3)
To be counted towards meeting graduation requirements, a CTE course shall be aligned
to the CTE model curriculum standards and framework adopted by the State Board
Education. (Education Code 51225.3)
(cf. 6142.2 - World/Foreign Language Instruction)
(cf. 6142.6 - Visual and Performing Arts Education)
(cf. 6178 - Career Technical Education)
7. Two courses in physical education, unless the student has been otherwise
exempted pursuant to other sections of the Education Code (Education Code
51225.3)
(cf. 6142.7 - Physical Education and Activity)
(cf. 6142.1 - Family Life/Sexual Education Sexual Health and HIV/AIDS Prevention Instruction)
(cf. 6142.8 - Comprehensive Health Education)
Because the prescribed course of study may not accommodate the needs of some
students, the Board shall provide alternative means for the completion of prescribed
courses in accordance with law.
BP 6146.1(c)
HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS (cont.)
Effective with the Graduating Class of 2019 and each class thereafter.
All students receiving a high school diploma from the District shall:
1. Achieve a cumulative G.P.A. of 2.0., and
2. Complete the course requirements as follows:
Subject Units per Total Units per
Subject Subject
English/Reading 40 units
Mathematics: 30 units
Algebra I/Integrated Math I (if taken at the high 10 units
school level)
Other higher level math 20 units
Physical Education 20 units
Visual and Performing Arts (VAPA)/World Language 20 units*
*One VAPA course may be replaced with Career
Technical Education
Science: 20 units
Biological Science/Biology and The Living 10 units
Earth
Earth/Physical Science/Other Higher Level Science 10 units
Social Science: 30 units
World History, Culture and Geography European 10 units
History Advanced Placement-Or Human Geography
Advanced Placement
U.S. History and Geography 10 units
Principles of American Democracy 5 units
Economics or Consumer Economics 5 units
Health Education 5 units
Electives 60 units
Total Units of Credit 225 units
Students who complete Algebra 1/Integrated Math I, with a grade of “C” or better in junior
high school, shall be required to successfully complete only two years of mathematics (20
units) at the high school level in order to qualify for a diploma. Students who take
Algebra I/Integrated Math I in junior high school will not receive high school graduation
credit and shall be required to complete 225 total units of credit in grades 9-12.
BP 6146.1(d)
HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS (cont.)
To be counted towards meeting graduation requirements, a course in career technical
education shall be aligned to the career technical model curriculum standards and
framework adopted by the State Board of Education.
(cf. 6142.2 - World/Foreign Language Instruction)
(cf. 6142.6 - Visual and Performing Arts Education)
(cf. 6178 - Career Technical Education)
The Superintendent or designee shall exempt or waive specific course requirements for
foster youth, homeless students, and children of military families in accordance with
Education Code 51225.1 and 49701.
(cf. 6173 - Education for Homeless Children)
(cf. 6173.1 - Education for Foster Youth)
(cf. 6173.2 - Education for Children of Military Families)
Exemptions From District-Adopted Graduation Requirements
A foster youth, student experiencing homelessness, former juvenile court school student,
child of a military family, or migrant student who transfers into the District or between
District schools any time after completing the second year of high school, or newcomer
student who is in the third or fourth year of high school shall be exempted from any
graduation requirements adopted by the Board that are in addition to statewide course
requirements. This exemption shall not apply if the Superintendent or designee makes a
finding that the student is reasonably able to complete the additional requirements in time
to graduate by the end of the fourth year of high school.
Within 30 days of the transfer into a school by a foster youth, homeless student, former
juvenile court school student, child of a military family, migrant student, or a newly arrived
immigrant student, or of the commencement of participation in a newcomer program, as
applicable, the Superintendent or designee shall notify any eligible student, and
others as required by law, of the availability of the exemption from local graduation
requirements and whether the student qualifies for it. (Education Code 51225.1)
The Superintendent or designee shall not require or request the foster youth, student
experiencing homelessness, former juvenile court school student, child of a military
family, migrant student, or newcomer student who is exempted from District-established
graduation requirements and who completes the statewide coursework requirements
before the end of the fourth year of high school, and would otherwise be entitled to remain
in school, to graduate before the end of the student's fourth year of high school. (Education
Code 51225.1)
BP 6146.1(e)
HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS (cont.)
If the foster youth, student experiencing homelessness, former juvenile court school
student, child of a military family, migrant student, or newcomer student was not properly
notified of an exemption, declined the exemption, or was not previously exempted, the
student or the student's educational rights holder may request the exemption and the
Superintendent or designee shall exempt the student within 30 days of the request.
Any such student who at one time qualified for the exemption may request the exemption
even if the student is no longer eligible. (Education Code 51225.1)
Additionally, a student with disabilities shall be eligible for an exemption from all
coursework and other requirements adopted by the Board in addition to the statewide
course requirements for high school graduation, if the student's Individualized Education
Program (IEP) provides for both of the following requirements: (Education Code
51225.31)
1. That the student is eligible to take the alternate assessment as described in
Education Code 60640
2. That the student complete state standards aligned coursework to meet the
statewide coursework specified in Education Code 51225.3
Retroactive Diplomas
Any student who completed grade 12 in the 2003/2004 through 2014/2015 school year
and met all applicable graduation requirements other than the passage of the high school
exit examination shall be granted a high school diploma. (Education Code 51413)
In addition, the District may retroactively grant high school diplomas to former students
who: (Education Code 48204.4, 51430, 51440)
1. Were interned by order of the federal government during World War II or are
honorably discharged veterans of World War II, the Korean War, or the Vietnam
War, provided that they were enrolled in a District high school immediately
preceding the internment or military service and did not receive a diploma
because their education was interrupted due to the internment or military service
in those wars
Deceased former students who satisfy these conditions may be granted a retroactive
diploma to be received by their next of kin. (Education Code 51430)
2. Are veterans who entered the military service of the U.S. while in grade 12 and
who had satisfactorily completed the first half of the work required for grade 12 in
a District school
BP 6146.1(f)
HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS (cont.)
3. Were in their senior year of high school during the 2019/2020 school year, were
in good academic standing and on track to graduate at the end of the 2019/2020
school year as of March 1, 2020, and were unable to complete the statewide
graduation requirements as a result of the COVID-19 crisis
Honorary Diplomas
The Board may grant an honorary high school diploma to a student who is terminally
ill.: (Education Code 51225.5)
The honorary diploma shall be clearly distinguishable from the regular diploma of
graduation awarded by the District. (Education Code 51225.5)
Appeal Process
In order to qualify for a regular high school diploma from the District, each student shall
meet all requirements as set forth by the California State Board of Education and the
Chino Valley Unified School District Board of Education. When awarding a diploma, the
Board certifies that the student has met all state and local requirements. Seniors who are
deemed ineligible to graduate on the basis of their failure to maintain a 2.0 grade point
average or to satisfactorily complete the three (3) year mathematics requirement and their
parents/guardians shall be afforded due process to appeal based on special
circumstances. The procedures for appeal are as follows:
1. Formal appeals shall be presented to the school principal in writing and shall set
forth a statement of the facts and the specific remedy sought.
2. If the appeal is not resolved at the school site level, the parties may appeal to the
Superintendent.
The Superintendent shall hold a hearing with the senior and parents/guardians as soon
as such meeting can be convened, but in no case later than five (5) business days
following receipt of the written appeal. The Superintendent shall notify the senior and
parents/guardians of his/her decision whether to deny or authorize the senior’s graduation
as soon as such decision is firm, but in no case later than 24 hours after the hearing. The
Superintendent may expeditiously provide initial notification in person or via phone.
Written notification shall be provided.
3. If the decision is to deny the senior’s graduation, the notification shall inform the
senior and parents/guardians that they may appeal to the Board of Education.
If the senior and/or parents/guardians decide to appeal to the Board of Education,
they shall inform the Superintendent. The Superintendent shall notify Governing
Board members.
BP 6146.1(g)
HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS (cont.)
4. The Board of Education appeals panel, which shall consist of two Board members
and the Superintendent, will hear the appeal as soon as possible, but in no case
later than 48 hours from notification by the Superintendent. The decision of that
panel is final.
5. If the student and/or parents/guardians fail to meet any of the guidelines set forth
above, the student waives his/her right to further appeal.
Legal Reference:
EDUCATION CODE
220 Prohibition of discrimination
47612 Enrollment in charter school
48200 Compulsory attendance
48204.4 Parents/guardians departing California against their will
48412 Certificate of proficiency
48430 Continuation education schools and classes
48645.5 Former juvenile court school students, enrollment
48980 Parent/Guardian notifications
49701 Provisions of the interstate compact on educational opportunities for military children
51224 Skills and knowledge required for adult life
51224.5 Algebra in course of study for grades 7-12
51225.1 Exemption from district graduation requirements
51225.2 Course credits
51225.3 High school graduation
51225.31 Graduation exemption for students with disabilities
51225.35 Mathematics course requirements; computer science
51225.36 Instruction in sexual harassment and violence; districts that require health education for
graduation
51225.5 Honorary diplomas; foreign exchange students
51225.6 Instruction in cardiopulmonary resuscitation
51225.9 Courses of study, grades 7 to 12; career technical education
51228 Graduation requirements
51230 Credit for community emergency response training
51240-51246 Exemptions from requirements
51250-51251 Assistance to military dependents
51410-51413 Diplomas
51420-51427 High school equivalency certificates
51430 Retroactive high school diplomas
51440 Retroactive high school diplomas
51450-51455 Golden State Seal Merit Diploma
51744-51749.6 Independent study
56390-56392 Recognition for educational achievement, special education
60640 California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress
66204 Certification of high school courses as meeting university admissions criteria
67386 Student safety; affirmative consent standard
CODE OF REGULATIONS, TITLE 5
1600-1651 Graduation of students from grade 12 and credit toward graduation
4600-4670 Uniform complaint procedures
BP 6146.1(h)
HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS (cont.)
COURT DECISIONS
O'Connell v. Superior Court (Valenzuela), (2006) 141 Cal.App.4th 1452
Management Resources:
WEBSITES
California School Boards Association: www.csba.org
California Department of Education, High School: www.cde.ca.gov/ci/gs/hs
University of California, List of Approved a-g Courses:
www.universityofcalifornia.edu/admissions/freshman/requirements
Chino Valley Unified School District
Policy adopted: August 21, 1997
Revised: August 10, 2000
Revised: February 1, 2001
Revised: June 5, 2003
Revised: June 2, 2005
Revised: February 2, 2006
Revised: January 24, 2008
Revised: May 1, 2008
Revised: July 16, 2009
Revised: May 6, 2010
Revised: February 16, 2012
Revised: March 17, 2016
Revised: September 6, 2018
Revised: October 20, 2022
Revised: January 19, 2023
Revised: March 21, 2024