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High School Graduation

GCHS Diploma

A GCHS diploma is awarded at commencement to qualified students upon the recommendation of the faculty and approval of the Administrator. To qualify for a diploma, a student must satisfy the requirements set forth in the current course catalog and meet all state standards (some international students may be exempt).

Goals

We want to help students plan well so they may:

• become well-rounded Christians, exploring new areas of study
• develop their gifts and strengths
• balance their course load over their years at GCHS
• prepare for post high school interests, such as college, university, service, mission, or work
• prepare for tests required for college admissions (e.g., SAT, ACT)

General Requirements

All Gilbert Christian High School students are encouraged to develop their talents within the widest possible scope of academic disciplines. Our minimum requirements for graduation are higher than those required by Arizona state law.

To graduate with a Gilbert Christian High School diploma, you must earn at least seven of your last year credits at GCHS (senior year). Student transfers may graduate from GCHS as long as their last seven credits are from GCHS and they have been enrolled full-time for the previous three years of high school. Approval from the Administrator is required for exceptions.

To participate in graduation exercises, the diploma recipients must successfully complete all graduation requirements by the last day seniors meet for classes. An exception may be granted by the Administrator for a student who fails a class during the senior year, has demonstrated a positive attitude toward the course, and is willing to contract for make-up work during the summer. All work must be completed within 31 days of receiving the failing grade.

Note: The State of Arizona minimum course requirement for graduation cannot be waived under any circumstances.

Due to a change in the number of daily classes (from 8 classes to 7), the graduation requirements vary based upon the graduating class. The required class load is seven classes per semester. Credits are awarded by semester with two semester credits equaling one full credit. Transfer students' credits will be assessed on an individual basis by the Administrator.

Electives are for the purpose of allowing students to develop their specific interests. Electives are required credits toward earning a diploma.

Credit Requirements

Listed below are the annual credits and credit requirements to receive a high school diploma from Gilbert Christian High School for current freshmen, the minimum requirements to receive a high school diploma in Arizona, and the minimum requirements for admission to an Arizona state university.

Subject	GCHS Req.	Arizona Req.	AZ. University Req.
Bible	4	0	0
English	4	4	4
Math	4	3	4
Lab Science	3	3	3
Social Studies	3	3	2
Foreign Language	2	2	2
Fine Arts	1	1	1
Physical Education	1	1	0
Electives	6	5	4

Credits required for graduating seniors:

Graduating Class	Credits Required
2012	30
2013	29
2014 and Beyond	28

Class Rank

Gilbert Christian Schools reports class rank only when required by colleges for admission and to determine the valedictorian and salutatorian at graduation. Students are encouraged to enroll in classes that will prepare them for the major and college of their choice.

Valedictorian and Salutatorian The Valedictorian and Salutatorian of each graduating class are determined by the following criteria:

• Attend Gilbert Christian High School all four years
• All core classes (Math, Science, Languages, Social Studies, English and Bible) are taken at Gilbert Christian High School
• GPA is calculated through the second semester of the senior year and based on semester grades
• Highest GPA is Valedictorian, second place is Salutatorian

Graduation Honor for Excellence in Volunteering

This is an honor for high school students who contribute significantly to the improvement of their school or the greater community through volunteering. All GCS high school students may choose to earn the Honor for Excellence in Volunteering.

Students who earn this honor will receive:

• A purple cord of recognition at graduation
• notation of recognition on their official transcript

The Honor for Excellence in Volunteering will be awarded to students for their completion of 150 hours of unpaid service throughout their four years of high school. At least 30 hours need to be earned in more than one category. Hours are subject to approval. Any activity that is not on the approved list of categories must be preapproved before it is counted.