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Other Diploma Options

While most students earn the standard diploma, other options, such as a modified or extended diploma are available for students unable to meet the full set of academic requirements due to significant learning barriers.

All CSD students are provided with the appropriate resources to earn a high school diploma. Additional options are available with the consent of a parent or guardian and in consultation with the school team.

Modified Diploma

For students who have demonstrated an inability to meet the full set of academic standards, even with reasonable modifications and accommodations. To be eligible, a student must have a documented history of being unable to maintain grade level achievement due to significant learning and instructional barriers, or a documented history of a medical condition that creates a barrier to achievement.

School staff and the student’s parent(s) or guardian(s) should make the decision together about whether to pursue a modified diploma. A decision will be made no earlier than the end of sixth grade and not later than two years before the student’s exit from high school. The decision is reviewed annually after eighth grade and may be changed if appropriate. Students also must still demonstrate proficiency in essential learning skills and meet all personalized learning requirements as with the standard diploma.

Students must complete a total of 24 credits: English (3); Math (2); Science (2); Social Studies (2); Physical Education (1); Health (1); Second Language, Arts, Career & Technical (1); Career Education (½); and Electives (11½)

Extended Diploma

For qualifying students who have an individualized education plan (IEP). The student is eligible only if he or she has a documented history of being unable to maintain grade level achievement due to significant learning and instructional barriers, or a documented history of a medical condition that creates a barrier to achievement.

The student must participate in extended assessments no later than sixth grade, or have a serious illness or injury that occurs after eighth grade that requires them to participate in extended assessments. They are exempt from demonstrating essential learning skills and the personalized learning requirements.

Students are required to complete a total of 12 credits, with no more than six credits earned in a self-contained special education classroom:  English (2); Math (2); Science (2); Social Studies (3); Physical Education (1); Health (1); Second Language or Arts (1).

Alternative Certificate

Only available for students who have shown an inability to satisfy the requirements for a standard, modified or extended diploma. Students who earn an alternative certificate must demonstrate they have worked according to their potential on an individual plan of achievement and attendance. A decision to pursue an alternative certificate must be made at least one year prior to graduation, unless a serious illness or injury occurs after one’s junior year to change the student’s goals. Students receiving this certificate are exempt from the essential skills and personalized learning requirements.  An alternative certificate may be awarded to a regular education student, a student on an IEP, or a student on a 504 plan who meets these requirements.

All students meeting the requirements for an alternative certificate or modified, extended, or standard diploma have the option of participating in graduation exercises.