Applications for graduation at the end of the junior year must be filed by February 1^st of the junior year.

Applications for graduation at the end of the first semester of the senior year must be filed by September 15^th of the senior year.

Applications not filed with the high school principal by the above-stated deadlines will not be considered for that semester unless unusual circumstances are involved. Any exceptions must have the approval of the high school principal.

The procedures below will be followed for the early graduation process:

1. Student completes and submits an early graduation application to the high school principal (Refer to Policy 605.31-E).
2. A list of early graduation applicants is given to the high school staff for review. Staff members have seven calendar days to communicate any information regarding the applicants.
3. A conference between parents/guardians/legal custodians and designated school personnel will be held to discuss the student’s early graduation request. If the student is 18 years of age or older, the parents/guardians/legal custodians are not required to attend.
4. Parent/guardian/legal custodian written approval is received after the conference.
5. Parent/guardian-approved applications are reviewed by an evaluation committee.

Adopted: 12/71
Reviewed: 6/11; 9/12; 2/15; 4/18; 6/21; 2/24
Revised: 10/13
Related Policy: 605.3; 605.31; 605.31-E1-E2; 605.32

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FORM

I, ________________________________, apply for early graduation from Linn-Mar High School at the end of the ________________ semester of the __________________________ school year.

My reasons for wishing to graduate before _______________________________ are listed below (attach additional sheet if needed):

_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________

I understand that in addition to having met the prescribed requirements for graduation by the time noted in the application, the following procedures will be followed before a diploma is granted:

1. On September 15^th, or as soon as possible thereafter, and on February 1^st, or as soon as possible thereafter, all high school licensed personnel will be notified of my application. Any staff member who has information or knowledge bearing upon my application request will have seven calendar days to communicate the information to the principal. These deadlines may be waived by the principal when unusual circumstances arise.

2. A conference between my parents, guardians or legal custodians, and designated school personnel will be held to discuss the ramifications of my early graduation.  If I am 18 years of age or older my parents, guardians, or legal custodians are not required to attend.

3. My parents, guardians, or legal custodians must sign their approval after the conference before any further proceedings. This phase is to be completed by November 1^st for a winter application and February 20^th for a spring application.  If I am 18 years of age my signature is sufficient for completion of Step 3.

4. An evaluation committee consisting of one guidance counselor and one principal will accept or reject my application. Results of the committee’s decision will be communicated to me by November 15^th for winter applicants and by March 7^th for spring applicants.

5. Final approval for my early graduation request must be given by the Board of Education.

6. Formal commencement exercises will be held only in the spring of each year. I must communication with school officials if I wish to participate.

Right of Appeal: If the evaluation committee rejects my application I may appeal the decision to the superintendent.

Student's Printed Name: _____________________________________________________
Student's Signature: _________________________________________________________
Date: _____________________________________________________________________

Reviewed: 2/15; 4/18; 6/21; 2/24
Revised: 10/13
Related Policy: 605.3; 605.31; 605.31-R; 605.31-E2; 605.32

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FORM

Having conferred with school personnel regarding early graduation for my student, __________________________________, I agree to let the school proceed with the evaluation process.

Student's Signature: _________________________________________ Date: _________________________

Parent/Guardian/Legal Custodian's Signature: ____________________________ Date: ____________________

Evaluation Committee Report

After due consideration, the early graduation application of _____________________________________________ is hereby:

______ Accepted

______ Rejected

Guidance Counselor's Signature: _________________________________________ Date: _________________

Principal's Signature: _________________________________________________ Date: ________________

Reviewed: 2/15; 4/18; 6/21; 2/24
Related Policy: 605.3; 605.31; 605.31-R; 605.31-E1; 605.32