GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS

GRADING SYSTEM

LaFayette High School operates on a nine (9) week grading system. The grade calculation used by each teacher will be described in the syllabus provided at the beginning of the semester. This calculation is universal within each department.

Final exams will be given at the end of each semester. Final exams will count 15% of a student’s overall final grade. Students who have an A average and no more than 3 absences; who have a B average and no more than 2 absences; who have a C and no more than 1 absence can be exempt from final exams. NO STUDENT CAN BE EXEMPT FROM AN EOCT.

Carnegie units of credit will be awarded for the successful completion of courses with a 70 or better average for the semester and meeting attendance requirements.

Letter grades are determined from numerical averages as follows:

A = 90-100 B = 80-89 C = 75-79 D = 70-74 F = 0-69

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS/PARTICIPATION

Effective since the 2006-2007 school year, students are required to attend high school for a minimum of seven (7) terms. This requirement has been officially adopted by the Walker County Board of Education. Students must earn 26 units that are required for their specific diploma type. Students who earn a Special Education Diploma must meet the requirements of their IEP. In addition to earning the required number of credits, all students must pass the Georgia High School Graduation Tests in English language arts, mathematics, social studies, science, and writing to be eligible to receive a diploma. Certificates are awarded to pupils who earn the required credits but do not meet the GHSGT requirements. ACCEL and Joint Enrollment are offered to seniors interested in attending college or technical institutes and high school during the same semester.

The classes of 2008, 2009, 2010, and 2011 must earn one of the following diploma endorsements:

CP College Preparatory Endorsement

CP+ College Preparatory with Distinction

TC Technology/Career Preparatory Endorsement

TC+ Technology/Career Preparatory with Distinction

Students may earn a College Preparatory Diploma with Distinction by completing 2 additional units or a Technology/Career Preparatory with Distinction by completing 1 additional unit from these areas: English, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, Fine Arts, and/or Foreign Language and maintaining an 80 overall average. Students who meet the requirements for a College Prep Diploma, in addition to 4 career technical classes (with three in the same area) may earn a Dual Seal.

Walker County board policy requires all seniors to complete all prerequisites for graduation in order to participate in commencement exercises. In order to earn a College Preparatory or Technology/Career Diploma, a student must earn 26 Carnegie Units. The 26 units must meet the requirements for a diploma before a student can participate in commencement or graduation exercises. A student may only officially graduate after all attendance requirements and applicable fees and fines are reconciled. All students must complete seven (7) semesters of high school in order to participate in the graduation ceremony.

Should you have any questions regarding advisement or graduation requirements, please contact the Guidance Office at (706) 639-3405.