I.    PURPOSE

The purpose of this policy is to set forth requirements for graduation from the Minnetonka School District.

II.    GENERAL STATEMENT OF POLICY

The policy of the Minnetonka School District is that all students, in order to earn a high school diploma, must demonstrate their satisfactory completion of the credit requirements and their understanding of academic standards.

The Minnetonka School District will provide a comprehensive academic program, which addresses knowledge, skills, concepts and processes as determined by local standards and curriculum and state academic standards.

Special Education students who properly complete the programs specified in their IEP (Individual Education Plan) and have received the recommendation of their IEP Team shall be awarded a diploma.

III.    AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY

1. Authorization to certify pupils for graduation from high school shall be vested in the Principal of Minnetonka High School, in accordance with District Policy.
    
2. Administrators and guidance counselors have the responsibility to communicate to parents and students the full range of course and program options.
    
3. Credits may be transferred to Minnetonka High School from other accredited secondary schools upon evaluation by the high school administration and/or counselors.

IV.    CREDIT REQUIREMENTS

1. To receive a Minnetonka High School Diploma, a student who began grade nine in the 2023-2024 school year or earlier must have accumulated 22.5 credits. Students must be enrolled for a minimum of six (6) credits at grades nine and ten, and must enroll for an adequate number of credits in grades eleven and twelve to accumulate the number of credits required for graduation.
   
   Students who began grade nine in the 2023-2024 school year or earlier, must meet all the following graduation requirements:
    
   1. Four credits of language arts sufficient to satisfy all academic standards in English language arts;
       
   2. Three credits of mathematics, including an algebra II credit or its equivalent, sufficient to satisfy all of the academic standards in mathematics;
       
   3. An algebra I credit by the end of 8th grade sufficient to satisfy all of the 8th grade standards in mathematics;
       
   4. Three credits of science, including at least: (a) one credit of biology, (b) one credit of chemistry or physics; and (c) one elective credit of science. The combination of credits must be sufficient to satisfy (i) all of the academic standards in either chemistry or physics and (ii) all other academic standards in science;
       
   5. Three and one-half credits of social studies, encompassing at least United States history, geography, government and citizenship, world history, and economics sufficient to satisfy all of the academic standards in social studies;
       
   6. One credit in the arts sufficient to satisfy all of the state or local academic standards in the arts;
       
   7. One credit of physical education;
       
   8. One-half credit of health; and
       
   9. A minimum of six and one-half elective credits.
       
2. To receive a Minnetonka High School Diploma, a student who begins grade nine in the 2024-25 school year or later must have accumulated 23.5 credits and must meet all graduation requirements outlined below. Students must be enrolled for a minimum of six (6) credits at grades nine and ten, and must enroll for an adequate number of credits in grades eleven and twelve to accumulate the number of credits required for graduation.
   
   Students who begin grade nine in the 2024-25 school year or later, must meet all the following graduation requirements:
    
   1. Four credits of language arts sufficient to satisfy all academic standards in English language arts;
       
   2. Three credits of mathematics, including an algebra II credit or its equivalent, sufficient to satisfy all of the academic standards in mathematics;
       
   3. Three credits of science, including: (a) one credit to satisfy all earth and space science standards; (b) one credit to satisfy all biology standards; (c) one credit to satisfy all the chemistry or physics standards;
       
   4. Three and one-half credits of social studies, including credit for a course in government and citizenship in either grade 11 or 12 or an advanced placement, international baccalaureate, or other rigorous course on government and citizenship and a combination of other credits encompassing at least United States history, geography, government and citizenship, world history, and economics sufficient to satisfy all of the academic standards in social studies;
       
   5. One credit in the arts sufficient to satisfy all of the academic standards in the arts;
       
   6. One credit of physical education;
       
   7. One-half credit of personal finance in grade 10, 11 or 12;
       
   8. One-half credit of health; and
       
   9. A minimum of seven elective credits.

V.    PARTICIPATION IN THE COMMENCEMENT CEREMONY

Participation in the Minnetonka High School graduation ceremony is a privilege afforded to students who meet eligibility requirements. These requirements include:

1. Being a member of the current year graduating class.
    
2. Having completed all course and credit requirements.
    
3. Being in good disciplinary standing.
    
4. In the event of medical emergencies or other extenuating circumstances, an “opportunity for administrative review” will be afforded to those students that do not meet the requirements set forth in this policy.

VI.    SUMMER COMMENCEMENT

A summer commencement will be held for those students completing their graduation requirements after the close of the regular school year.

VII.    INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

International students shall be permitted to participate in the graduation ceremony and shall be awarded an honorary diploma unless they meet the criteria for a regular diploma.

VIII.    EARLY GRADUATION

Students may be considered for early graduation, as provided for within Minnesota Statutes section 120B.07, upon meeting the following conditions:

1. All course or standards and credit requirements must be met;
    
2. The principal or designee shall conduct an interview with the student and parent or guardian, familiarize the parties with opportunities available in post-secondary education, and arrive at a timely decision; and
    
3. The principal’s decision shall be in writing and may be subject to review by the superintendent and school board.