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Gilbert Christian High School Diploma

The diploma is awarded at commencement to qualified students upon the recommendation of the faculty and approval of the principal. To qualify for a diploma, a student must satisfy the requirements set forth in the current course catalog.

Goals

We want to help students plan well so they may:

• Become a well-rounded Christian, exploring new areas of study;
• Develop their gifts and strengths;
• Balance their course load over their years at GCS;
• Prepare for post high school interests, such as college, university, service, mission, or work; and
• Prepare for tests required for college admissions (e.g., SAT and ACT).

General Requirements

All GCHS 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 eight of your last year's credits at GCHS (senior year). Student transfers may graduate from GCS as long as their last eight credits are from GCHS and they have been enrolled full time for the previous three years of high school. Approval from the principal 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 principal for a student who fails a class during their 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.

The principal must approve all exceptions to the stated graduation requirements. Note:  The State of Arizona minimum course requirement for graduation cannot be waived under any circumstance.

No student may graduate without earning a minimum of 32 credits. The required class load is eight 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 principal.

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

Credit Requirements

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

*Algebra 1 and above or SAT math score 540
**2 years of the same language

Graduation Honor for Excellence in Volunteering

Excellence in Volunteering is an honor program for high school students who contribute significantly to the improvement of the school or the greater community through volunteering.  All GCHS students may choose to earn the Honor for Excellence in Volunteering.  Students who earn this honor will receive:

• A purple cord at graduation,
• A special seal on their graduation diploma, and
• A notation of the honor on their 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 needs to be earned in more than one category.  All students must fill out an Honor for Excellence in Volunteering Application in order for their volunteer hours to count.

Class Rank

Gilbert Christian High School does not report class rank. Class ranking is used only to determine the valedictorian and salutatorian at graduation. Ranking points are determined by the students’ quarter grades beginning in the fall of the current school year.  An A+ grade is earned by the student for exceptional performance. Students are encouraged to enroll in classes that will prepare them for the major and college of their choice.

Grade            Ranking Points
A+                  4.333
A                    4.000
A-                  3.667
B+                  3.333
B                    3.000
B-                  2.667
C+                 2.333
C                   2.000
C-                  1.667

Qualifications for Valedictorian and Salutatorian

1. To earn the distinction of either Valedictorian or Salutatorian, a student must be a member of the senior class and have attended Gilbert Christian High School for seven consecutive semesters.
2. Final averages for all awards will be based on grades earned through the third quarter of the senior year.
3. The student with the highest cumulative ranking points will be named Valedictorian.  The student with the second highest cumulative ranking points will be named Salutatorian.

Graduation Recognition

Qualifications for Honors Recognition at Graduation

1. To earn the distinction of Honors recognition, a student must be a member of the senior class and have attended Gilbert Christian High School for seven consecutive semesters.
2. Final averages for all awards will be based on grades earned through the third quarter of the senior year.

Graduation Awards

Valedictorian and Salutatorian will wear pendants and speak at graduation.

Seniors with a cumulative GPA of 4.0 will wear a gold stole at graduation.

Seniors with a cumulative GPA of at least 3.5 will wear a gold cord at graduation.

Seniors who receive the Honor for Excellence in Volunteering Award will wear a purple cord at graduation.

College Counseling

College applications are filed in the fall and early winter of the senior year.  Our college counselor is available to help each student with the details of the applications and with general guidance and essay advice.

Students should consult the school's web site or meet with the school's counselor directly for more details.