IKF-R - HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION PROCEDURE

Kearsarge Regional School District offers three diploma options:

• Kearsarge Regional High School Diploma
• Kearsarge Regional High School Alternative Diploma
• New Hampshire State Diploma

To receive a Kearsarge Regional High School Diploma, a graduating student must earn a minimum of 22 credits. Commencing with the class of 2022, the minimum number of credits for graduation will be 23, adding a third credit of science.

To receive a Kearsarge Regional High School Alternative Diploma, a graduating student must complete a minimum of 20 credits as articulated by their Individualized Education Plan (IEP) and be in alignment with the State of New Hampshire Diploma (See process below).

To receive a State of New Hampshire diploma, a potential graduate must meet the criteria and application process as defined by NH Ed. 306.27-29

The required subjects and credits for high school graduation are:

*     If a student has not met the K-8 Digital Literacy requirements, the digital portfolio will be completed in grade 9, or a second course in digital literacy will be required.
**   Including Algebra credit that can be earned through a sequential, integrated, or applied program, and a fourth year of math-related course.
*** Beginning with the class of 2022, Kearsarge will require a third credit of science to graduate.

Additional Requirements

The Board reserves the right to require additional academic requirements necessary to graduate from high school. Students are also required to fulfill the requirements below:

1. Senior Project
2. Community Service (20 hours)
3. Completion of the digital portfolio (completed in 8th grade)
4. Competency in Advanced ICT Standards
5. Participation in a math-related course during each year enrolled at KRHS.

Awarding of Credit

Credit will be awarded in accordance with Policy IK, Earning of Credit. Additionally, a unit of credit or fraction thereof shall be given upon satisfactory completion of a course or learning experience in compliance with the district-specified curriculum and assessment standards. In some cases, course credit may also be awarded based on demonstrated mastery of the required competencies for the course. Assessment of mastery will be the responsibility of the Principal, and will be in accordance with Policy ILBAA, High School Graduation Competencies. Credit will be awarded only once for a specific required course with the same content during the secondary school experience.

 Alternative Credit Options

The Superintendent may approve the granting of credit earned through alternative methods outside of regular classroom-based instruction. Such alternative methods of instruction may include extended learning opportunities, distance education, alternative learning plans, or others approved by the Superintendent or designee. Awarding of credits to be applied toward high school graduation requirements will be determined by the high school Principal on a case-by-case basis. Such credit will be granted pursuant to the provisions of Policy IMBC, Alternative Credit Options and other applicable Board policies. Students seeking enrollment in the High School and the accumulation of district approved credit toward graduation will maintain a minimum of 51% of credit attainment / year from Kearsarge High School classess - either in remote format or in in-person learning.  

Alternative Learning Plans

As an alternative to satisfying the provisions of this policy and related State requirements, students may also graduate from high school and obtain either a high school diploma or its equivalent by participating in an alternative learning plan or program. The provisions of Policy IHBI, Alternative Learning Plans, shall apply in such an event.

Kearsarge Regional High School Alternative Diploma Application Process

Students seeking a Kearsarge Regional High School Alternative Diploma will be considered within the IEP process.  Formal consideration for this diploma by the IEP team will begin no earlier than the students enrollment in the Kearsarge Regional High School. Exceptions to this application process may be considered and approved by the Building Principal in conjunction with the recommendation of the IEP team.

State of New Hampshire Diploma

Potential graduates seeking a State of New Hampshire Diploma must contact the Building Principal by no later than October 1st of their intended year of graduation. Any exception to this requirement will be made by the Building Principal.