A Virginia high school diploma tells admission officers at colleges, universities, and career and technical schools that the bearer is ready for the rigors of post-secondary education. It also tells potential employers that the graduate possesses the reading, writing, and computational skills required for success in the workplace. The resources available here explain Virginia’s graduation requirements in effect when a student enters the ninth grade for the first time. They also provide information on the many options now available to students for earning a high school diploma. You also will find information on how students can get even more out of their high school experience by accepting the challenge of advanced cources. The Standards of Accreditation (SOA) – Regulations authorized by the Standards of Quality and have the force of law, and provide graduation information including the types of diplomas available to students as well as the course requirements for earning each of the diplomas. Current SOA Revisions to the Regulations Establishing Standards for Accrediting Public Schools in Virginia were adopted by the Board of Education on February 19, 2009, and became effective July 31, 2009. As a result of legislative action taken during the 2010 General Assembly, a number of provisions in these regulations will not become effective until the 2011-2012 school year.

Graduation Requirements – For Students Entering the Ninth Grade Prior to 2010-2011 Courses to Satisfy Graduation Requirements    Also see the Office of School Counseling & Guidance    Diplomas Standard Diploma - Beginning with the ninth-grade class of 1997-98, the Spotsylvania School Board requires four years of social studies for both the 22-credit and advanced studies 24-credit diplomas.  The fourth social studies credit may be substituted for one of the elective credits required. Advanced Studies Diploma  Modified Standard Diploma   Other Diplomas  Information for transfer students    Resources Frequently Asked Questions about Earning a Virginia High School Diploma Project Graduation Tutorials, Academies & Other Resources

Graduation Requirements – For Students Entering the Ninth Grade Beginning 2010-2011 The Board of Education adopted new graduation requirements for students who enter the ninth grade for the first time in the 2010-2011 school year and beyond. Current SOA: Presented to the Board of Education, Febrary 19, 2009, Graduation Requirements for Virginia Public Schools. Effective date July 22, 2009. Courses to Satisfy Graduation Requirements(PDF) June 12, 2009, Superintendent’s Memo #170-09 - Courses to Satisfy Graduation Requirements in Virginia Public Schools for Students Entering the Ninth Grade in 2010-2011