Academic Endorsements

One academic decision that entering ninth graders will face is the state’s new graduation endorsement options.

Students must choose either to take the traditional diploma route, which carries the usual and established requirements for graduation, or they may opt to add value to their diploma by declaring one of three specialized endorsements: academic, career and technical, or distinguished academic.

An academic endorsement requires 26 credits and at least a 2.5 GPA, as well as an ACT score of at least 17 on the English section and 19 on the math. Students must also successfully complete an AP class and exam (earning at least a C) or one dual credit course.

A career and technical endorsement requires students to earn 26 credits, including four from the same program, such as automotive or information technology. Students must achieve a 2.5 GPA and score at a silver level on ACT WorkKeys. They must also complete at least one dual credit course, work-based learning experience, or earn a national credential. 

And finally, a distinguished academic endorsement requires 28 credits with a 3.0 GPA or above, as well as an ACT score of at least 18 on the English section and 22 on the math. Students must also successfully complete an AP class and exam (earning at least a B) or complete one dual credit course.

One advantage of opting for a specialized endorsement is that entering ninth grade students who earn their academic or distinguished academic diploma will be accepted to any of the state’s public universities.