High School Diploma Options and Requirements

Education beyond high school will have admission requirements that may include the type of diploma awarded by your high school.

NOTE: Special education and related services end upon receipt of a standard or advanced diploma. Students receiving a special diploma, modified standard diploma or GED are entitled to a free and appropriate public education through age 22.

Standard Diploma: 22 standard units of credit and six verified credits

Advanced Studies Diploma: 24 standard units of credit and nine verified credits

Modified Standard Diploma: This diploma is intended for certain students at the secondary level who have a disability and are unlikely to meet the credit requirements for a Standard Diploma. The student's Individual Education Program (IEP) team and the student's parents determine eligibility and participation, at any point after the student's 8th grade year. Beginning in school year 2000-2001, students must earn 20 units of credit and pass literacy and numeracy competency assessments.

Special Diploma (Individualized Education Program or IEP Diploma): This diploma is intended for certain students at the secondary level who have a disability and do not meet the requirements of other diplomas. The student's Individual Education Program (IEP) team and the student's parents determine eligibility and participation in this diploma program. For a student to earn a Special Diploma, he/she must complete the requirements of his/her Individualized Education Program.

General Educational Development (GED) Certificate: The Tests of General Educational Development (GED) are developed by the American Council on Education to enable persons who have not graduated from high school to demonstrate the attainment of abilities normally associated with completion of a high school program of study. The Virginia GED program provides an opportunity to recognize the educational development of individuals as a result of their life and/or employment experiences.