High school students can gain state recognition for exceeding Ohio’s graduation requirements through an Academic Honors Diploma. High-level coursework, college and career readiness tests and real-world experiences challenge students.
Students must meet all but one of the following criteria. Students must meet general graduation requirements and complete the requirements outlined below to qualify for honors diplomas. Students may replace one requirement of either 4, 5 or 6 with a “Student Strength Demonstration.”
Academic Honors Diploma
| Requirements | State Minimum |
|---|
| 1 Math | Fourth math must be > Algebra 2 |
| 2 Science | One additional unit Advanced Science |
| 3 Social Studies | One additional unit Social Studies |
| 4 World Languages | Three sequential units of one world language, or no less than 2 sequential units of two world languages studied |
| 5 GPA | 3.5 on a 4.0 scale |
| 6 ACT/SAT | ACT: Score of 27 or higher, SAT: Score of 1280 or higher |
| 7 Seal Requirement | Earn two additional diploma seals, not including Honors Diploma Seal |
| 8 Experiential Learning | Field Experience & Portfolio, Ohio Means Jobs Readiness Seal*, or Work-Based Learning |