Students must successfully complete the courses required by the school board and the Iowa Department of Education in order to graduate.
It is the responsibility of the superintendent [or designee] to ensure that students complete grades 1 through 12, and that high school students earn a minimum of 250 credit hours to be awarded a Linn-Mar High School diploma.
EARLY GRADUATION
Students meeting all requirements for graduation and electing to graduate early must apply for early graduation at least one month prior to the student’s final quarter. Applications can be picked up in the high school counseling office and submitted to the principal’s office. The principal will meet with each early graduation applicant prior to recommending candidates to the school board for approval.
GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS
Linn-Mar High School students are required to earn 250 credits to graduate. In addition, the following department requirements must be met in order to earn a diploma:
Graduation requirements for students with an Individualized Education Program (IEP) will be in accordance with the prescribed course of study as written in their IEP. This course of study will be in alignment with the Linn-Mar High School graduation requirements. The IEP team will determine strategies to meet the graduation requirements for the student. Beginning with the class of 2022, graduation requirements for students receiving special education services include successful completion of four years of English, three years of math, three years of social studies, and three years of science [4-3-3-3].
COMPASS CREDITS
High school credits are available via the COMPASS Alternative Program. Linn-Mar will accept credit hours for approved courses that can be applied to requirements for the Linn-Mar High School diploma. Students should visit with their assigned school counselor or academic assistance counselor to develop an approved plan for this option.
POST-SECONDARY OPPORTUNITIES (PSEO) & CONCURRENT ENROLLMENT
Credit may be awarded by a college upon successful completion of course requirements. Any college credit determination is made by the individual college.
ADVANCED PLACEMENT
Linn-Mar High School offers Advanced Placement (AP) courses in Environmental Science, Art History, Calculus (AB and BC), Statistics, Biology, Chemistry, Physics (1&2), Computer Science (A), English Literature & Composition, Microeconomics, Music Theory, Comparative Government, World History, Psychology, US Government, and US History. A minimal number of AP courses are available thru the Iowa AP Online Academy. Students who complete these courses can take a standard AP exam. Many colleges and universities accept AP courses for college credit depending upon individual AP exam scores. More information is available through the high school counseling and TAG office.
LEGISLATIVE PAGE PROGRAM
Students who complete a regular session in the Legislative Page Program of the General Assembly at the State Capitol will receive a half (1/2) credit in Social Studies.
JUNIOR ROTC
Students enrolled in the Junior Reserve Officer Training Corp Program will receive a one-eighth (1/8) credit in physical education for each semester they are enrolled in the program.
FEDERAL STUDENT AID
Prior to graduation, the district will advise students on how to successfully complete the free application for federal student aid.
BOARD RECOGNITION
The Linn-Mar Board of Directors will recognize students who earn 300 or more credits at graduation as Linn-Mar Board of Education Scholars for exceeding the graduation requirements at an exemplary level.
Adopted: 12/71
Reviewed: 9/12; 4/18; 6/21
Revised: 6/11; 10/3; 2/15; 11/18; 6/19; 2/21; 9/21; 10/22; 2/24
Related Policy: 605.31; 605.31-R; 605.31-E1-E2; 605.32
Legal Reference (Code of Iowa): §§ 256.7, .11, .41; 279.8; 279.61; 280.3, .14; 281 IAC 12.3(5); 12.5
IASB Reference: 505.05
Mandatory Policy