General School Information - Diplomas

Diplomas

NPS issues one standard diploma format and four types of diploma seals. In 2007-08, all diploma seals, except for the Special and Modified Diploma Seals, will require both standard units of credit and verified credits. For more specifics, please read below:

Advanced Studies Seal:

An Advanced Studies Seal will be attached to the diploma of any student who successfully completes 24 standard units of credit along with 9 verified credits. The standard units of credit will be from the following: 4 credits in English, including 1 credit from a 12th-grade English course; 4 credits from mathematics, including courses at or above the level of Algebra I and from at least three different course selections from among Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II and other mathematics courses above the level of Algebra II; 4 credits from at least three different science disciplines (Earth Science, Biology, Chemistry, Physics) or completion of the sequence of science courses required for the International Baccalaureate Diploma; 4 credits from history/social science (1 from US/VA History, 1 from US/VA Government and 2 from World Studies); 2 credits from health and physical education; 3 credits from one foreign language; and 3 credits from electives with 1 credit from Fine Arts or Practical Arts.

Standard Diploma with Tech Prep Seal:

A Tech Prep Seal will be attached to the diploma of any student who successfully completes 22 standard units of credit along with 6 verified credits. The standard units of credit will be from the following: 4 credits from English, including 1 credit from a 12th-grade English course; 3 credits from mathematics at or above the level of Algebra and at least two course selections from among Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II or other mathematics courses above the level of Algebra I and Geometry; 3 credits from science disciplines (Earth Science, Biology, Chemistry or Physics); 3 credits from history/social science (1 from US/VA History, US/VA Government and World Studies); 2 credits from health and physical education; and 7 elective credits with one coherent sequence of career and technical courses and 1 Fine Arts or Practical Arts credit.

Standard Diploma:

A Standard diploma will be awarded to any student who successfully completes 22 standard units of credit along with 6 verified credits. The standard units of credit will be from the following: 4 credits from English, including 1 credit from a 12th-grade English course; 3 credits from mathematics including courses at or above the level of Algebra I and at least two course selections from among Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II or other mathematics courses above the level of Algebra I and Geometry; 3 credits from science which include at least two different science disciplines (Earth Science, Biology, Chemistry or Physics); 3 credits from history/social science (1 from US/VA History, US/VA Government and World Studies); 2 credits from health and physical education; and 7 elective credits of which at least two are sequential electives and one is from Fine Arts or Practical Arts.

Modified Standard Diploma Seal:

The Modified Standard Diploma is intended for certain students who have been identified as eligible for this diploma by their IEP and who are unlikely to meet the credit requirements for a Standard Diploma. Informed written consent from the parent/guardian and the student is required. In addition, the successful completion of 20 credits from the following courses are required: 4 credits from English, including 1 credit from a 12th-grade English course; 3 credits from mathematics content from among applications of Algebra, Geometry, Personal Finance, and Statistics in courses that have been approved by the Board; 2 credits from science content from at least two courses including applications of Earth Science, Biology, Chemistry or Physics in courses approved by the Board; 2 credits from history/social science including 1 from US/VA History and 1 from US/VA Government in courses approved by the Board; 2 credits from health and physical education; and seven electives of with two are sequential electives and one is a Fine Arts or Practical Arts elective. Students pursuing the Modified Standard Diploma shall be required to pass the 8th-grade Standards of Learning (SOL) tests in english and mathematics.

Special Diploma:

A special diploma shall be awarded to each student with a disability who successfully completes the requirements in his/her IEP (Individualized Educational Program), but does not meet the requirements for other diploma seals.

Certificate of Program Completion:

A certificate is awarded to a student who completes a prescribed program of studies defined by the local school board but does not qualify for any diploma.

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