1. Graduation with State Honors – Students who score at or above all of the subject area readiness benchmarks on the ACT or equivalent score on the SAT will graduate with “state honors” (Superscoring is permitted.). ACT readiness benchmarks are identified by ACT and will be provided annually by the District department responsible for the administration of the ACT.
2. Graduation with State Distinction – Students will be recognized as graduating with “state distinction” by attaining a B or better average and completing at least one of the following:
- Earn a national and/or state recognized industry certification
- Participate in at least one of the Governor’s Schools;
- Participate in one of the state’s All-State musical organizations;
- Earn statewide recognition or award at a skill- or knowledge-based state tournament, convention, or competition hosted by a statewide student organization, and/or qualify for national recognition by a national student organization;
- Be selected as a National Merit Finalist of Semi-Finalist;
- Attain a score of 31 or higher composite score on the ACT or SAT equivalent (e.g., 1360);
- Attain a score of 3 or higher on at least two advanced placement exams;
- Successfully complete the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme; or
- Earn 12 or more semester hours of postsecondary credit.
3. Graduation with Shelby County Schools Honors – The District may design student recognition programs that allow students to graduate with honors if they have met the graduation requirements and have attain an overall grade point average of at least a 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale. The District may set a higher GPA at its discretion. The District may specify additional requirements, such as requiring students to demonstrate performance of distinction in one (1) or more areas.
4. Shelby County Schools Designation of Exemplary Recognition – In order to best prepare students for college and an ever more competitive global job market, Shelby County Schools supports, encourages and motivates students to challenge themselves by taking the most rigorous course of study. Students eligible for the Designation of Exemplary Recognition must have earned twelve (12) Honors or Advanced Placement credits (any combination) in Grades 9-12 or a combination of such credits totaling twelve (12), with each Advanced Placement credit equal to 1.5 honors credits. A minimum of two (2) Honors or Advanced Placement courses is required during the senior year. A qualified graduate will receive a Diploma that indicates the exemplar status and Designation of Exemplary Recognition will be printed on the graduate's final high school transcript.
5. Tennessee Tri-Star Recognition – A student who earns a composite score of nineteen (19) or higher on the ACT, or an equivalent score on the SAT, and earns a capstone industry certification as promoted by the Department of Education, shall be recognized as a Tennessee Tri-Star Scholar upon graduation from high school. The public high school shall recognize the student's achievement at the graduation ceremony by noting the recognition in the school’s graduation program and by placing an appropriate designation on the student's diploma or other credential. In addition, a ribbon or cord to be worn with the graduation regalia may be provided.
6. Industry Certification Recognition: District Distinction – Students shall be recognized as graduating with district distinction if they have met the graduation requirements, have obtained an overall grade point average of at least a 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale, and have earned an industry certification in his or her career interest category or a regionally-recognized industry certification.
