In 2010, the Arizona Legislature established the Grand Canyon High School Diploma as an option to the state's traditional high school diploma. It allows Arizona students who perform at a higher academic level than currently required to graduate to pursue one of several options, and – in some cases – to graduate early, if students and their families agree.
Earning the Grand Canyon High School Diploma will signify that a student has the English and mathematics skills and knowledge needed to succeed in college-level courses that count toward a degree or certificate without taking remedial (non-credit, high school-level) courses.
This new, optional diploma is designed to increase student academic achievement to national and international levels, preparing students for college and careers. It is not about setting low expectations and fast-tracking students to high school graduation.
Because students will move on when ready, students will be eligible to receive a Grand Canyon Diploma at different times. Some will meet the requirements as soon as the end of 10th grade. Others will do so during, or at the completion of, 11th or 12th grade.
Students who qualify for a Grand Canyon Diploma and early graduation can remain in high school through the end of 12th grade, if they wish to do so. For them, qualifying for the optional diploma is a benchmark that signals they have achieved a minimum level of college-readiness.
Arizona school districts and charter schools may choose to offer a Grand Canyon Diploma beginning with the 2012-2013 school year.
Student Options
To earn a Grand Canyon High School Diploma, students must pass the exams that are part of their school's board examination system. The earliest they will be able to do so is at the end of 10th grade. Those who don't pass at that time have two options. They can retake the board examination courses and exams during their junior or senior year, or they can choose to stay in school and work toward a traditional diploma.
Students who pass their school's approved board examination system and qualify for a Grand Canyon Diploma at the end of 10th grade will have several options.
| • | Students may remain in high school and enroll in a series of courses designed to prepare juniors and seniors for entry into colleges and universities that grant bachelor's degrees. These courses will be part of an approved board examination system (Cambridge International Examinations, ACT QualityCore, International Baccalaureate or College Board Advanced Placement). |
| • | Students may remain in high school and enroll full-time in a career or technical (CTE) program leading to a technical certificate. They will receive a high school diploma upon graduation from their CTE program. |
| • | If students and their families agree, students may request a Grand Canyon High School Diploma and graduate high school at the end of 10th grade. This will allow students to finish high school and move on to full-time community college as early as age 16. Upon completing community college, students may transfer to a college or university to pursue a bachelor's degree, if they so choose. |
| • | Students may take advantage of any existing academic programs already available through their school or district, such as dual enrollment or specialized study programs. |
Graduation Requirements
To qualify for a Grand Canyon High School Diploma, students must pass all of the exams for the courses listed below, and successfully complete all of the following subject-area requirements within that board examination system's curriculum:
Two credits of BES* English
Two credits of BES mathematics
Two credits of BES science, including lab-based science, engineering or information technologies
One credit of BES American history
One credit of BES world history
One credit of BES fine arts or career and technical education and vocational education
One-half credit of economics
Students that satisfy all the criteria for a Grand Canyon Diploma are exempt from the minimum course of study requirements for a traditional high school diploma outlined under Arizona statute R7-2-315.01.
*BES stands for Board Examination System
Additional Resources
Arizona State Board of Education MOWR Rules - Adopted January 2011