Last week at the Selma City Schools Board of Education meeting, our board approved an Early Graduation policy that allows seniors to graduate in December rather than wait until May.  Currently, the state of Alabama requires 24 credits for high school graduation and our district requires 28.  With dual enrollment, dual credit, virtual options and our block schedule, some of our scholars finish ahead of their May graduation.

Should they have to wait to graduate, even if they are done?

No!

Well, as long as they meet some general criteria.

In order to graduate early, juniors should notify their counselor this spring of their intent.  An application process is being established and scholars will have until the start of their senior year to apply.  Additionally, I will establish an Early Graduation Review Board to help oversee and provide guidance for this process.

So, what else is needed to qualify for early graduation?  Scholars must earn a score at the Silver Level or higher on the fall administration of the ACT WorkKeys assessments. The assessments are used by some employers to determine job eligibility. They include applied math and graphic literacy and measure foundational skills required for success in the workplace. Successful completion can lead to earning an ACT WorkKeys National Career Readiness Certificate.

Early graduates must attend school regularly. Students who are chronically absent during their junior year may not be eligible for early graduation. Remember, attendance counts!

To ensure that our scholars are college and/or career ready, applicants must also submit evidence of employment and/or college acceptance.

While early graduation is a great option for some students, it’s not for every scholar.  Early graduates are no longer enrolled at Selma City Schools and therefore may not participate in sports or other school activities.  Dual enrollment students are not eligible to apply for early graduation as being a student in good standing is a dual enrollment requirement.  Because we know that graduation is a time for celebration, early graduates may return in May and participate in the graduation ceremony with their class.

As superintendent, it excites me that our scholars have this option. I encourage high school students and parents to discuss this option with your school guidance counselor. Plan ahead to ensure that all criteria is met.

Early graduation creates a new option for our scholars. Team Selma is on the move and we are preparing our young people for a successful future!

For more information, email me at avis.williams@selmacityschools.org.