Graduation Requirements
The Alabama State Department of Education established pathways to earning an Alabama High School Diploma.
In April 2024, the Workforce Pathway Act was approved which prompted the Alabama State Department of Education to amend the Alabama Administrative Code regarding possible diploma pathways to earning a high school diploma.
Public school students in Alabama have two diploma pathways to choose from in order to earn their high school diploma. The two options are the Traditional Pathway (Option A) and the Workforce Pathway (Option B).
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REQUIRED STATE ASSESSMENTS
All students are required to participate in the Alabama State Assessments regardless of diploma option. The following assessments are required:
- 10th Grade - PreACT
- 11th Grade – ACT with Writing
- 12th Grade – ACT WorkKeys
- WIDA/ACCESS – yearly for all EL students
WHEN TO DECIDE ON A DIPLOMA OPTION
The diploma option for students will default to Diploma Option A unless a request is made for Diploma Option B the Spring of their Sophomore or Junior year. Students will be allowed to revert back to Diploma Option A at the end of a semester if there is time and room in their schedule to complete the graduation requirements.
PROCESS TO CHOOSING OPTION B
- In the Spring of their Sophomore or Junior year, the student should complete the FPCA Diploma Option B Request Form located below and in the Guidance Office.
- The student and parent/guardian will need to schedule an appointment to meet with the school guidance counselor.
- This documentation will then be filed in the student’s cumulative folder and notated in PowerSchool.
FPCA Option B Diploma Request Form
IMPORTANT CONSIDERATIONS TO OPTION B
- Students on the Workforce Pathway may be eligible for admission to postsecondary institutions or public universities in the state, but it will be the responsibility of the student and parent to seek information concerning postsecondary admissions.
- NCAA Requirements: It is the responsibility of the student and parent to seek information on the 16 core-course credit requirements.
- Students planning to attend four-year universities should be aware that entrance requirements often include higher-level math and science courses such as Algebra II, Calculus, Chemistry, and Physics.
-
REQUIRED STATE ASSESSMENTS
All students are required to participate in the Alabama State Assessments regardless of diploma option. The following assessments are required:
- 10th Grade - PreACT
- 11th Grade – ACT with Writing
- 12th Grade – ACT WorkKeys
- WIDA/ACCESS – yearly for all EL students
WHEN TO DECIDE ON A DIPLOMA OPTION
The diploma option for students will default to Diploma Option A unless a request is made for Diploma Option B the Spring of their Sophomore or Junior year. Students will be allowed to revert back to Diploma Option A at the end of a semester if there is time and room in their schedule to complete the graduation requirements.
PROCESS TO CHOOSING OPTION B
- In the Spring of their Sophomore or Junior year, the student should complete the FPCA Diploma Option B Request Form located below and in the Guidance Office.
- The student and parent/guardian will need to schedule an appointment to meet with the school guidance counselor.
- This documentation will then be filed in the student’s cumulative folder and notated in PowerSchool.
FPCA Option B Diploma Request Form
IMPORTANT CONSIDERATIONS TO OPTION B
- Students on the Workforce Pathway may be eligible for admission to postsecondary institutions or public universities in the state, but it will be the responsibility of the student and parent to seek information concerning postsecondary admissions.
- NCAA Requirements: It is the responsibility of the student and parent to seek information on the 16 core-course credit requirements.
- Students planning to attend four-year universities should be aware that entrance requirements often include higher-level math and science courses such as Algebra II, Calculus, Chemistry, and Physics.