In September 2023, the North Carolina General Assembly passed their thirty billion dollar budget for 2024. A notable part of the budget required the State Board of Education to create a three-year graduation option for high school students, rather than the traditional four. This new graduation option will make it possible for high school juniors to graduate next year. 

Students that wish to graduate early must be currently (2023-2024) enrolled in their freshman or sophomore year. Current freshmen will graduate as early as 2026 and current sophomores in 2025. There are several requirements early graduates must meet. Students must be at least sixteen years of age at the time of graduation. The student must also have a parent or guardian’s signed approval. Students and parents/guardians must also meet with a school administrator and counselor to discuss the early graduation requirements, the student’s plans after graduation, and other logistics. Furthermore, the student’s early graduation must be approved by the local school board and superintendent. Additionally, upon graduation, scholarships may be available to graduates for the time that would have been their fourth year of high school. Scholarships are only available to students attending a UNC System university, approved non-profit post-secondary institution (as defined in G.S. 116-280), or community college and are based on financial need.

Early graduates must complete the NC required twenty-two credits in the Future Ready Course of Study in order to graduate. This includes English I, II, III, and IV; NC Math 1, 2, 3, and a fourth math course; three science courses including earth/environmental science, biology, and a physical science (chemistry, physics, or physical science); four social studies courses including World History, Civic Literacy, American History, and Economics and Personal Finance; one Healthful living/Physical Education course; and six electives, at least two of which must be any combination of Arts education, Career and Technical Education (CTE), or World Language. 

Students and parents/guardians that are interested in learning more about this early graduation option should contact their counselor. Early graduate applications are available for pick up at Student Services. 

Sources

EdNC