Graduation Requirements

NSBSD Graduation Requirements

As per the North Slope Borough School District 2015-2018 Student / Parent Handbook (p. 25), students shall receive diplomas of graduation from high school only after participating in a College and Career Readiness Assessment meeting the following graduation requirements:

Valedictorian and Salutatorian [NSBSD Board Policy]

BP 5126 AWARDS FOR ACHIEVEMENT

The School Board encourages excellence as a goal for all students and wishes to publicly recognize students for unique or exemplary achievement in academic, extracurricular or community service activities.

Student awards may include verbal recognition, a letter, certificate or Board resolution, a public ceremony, or a sum of money. The Board shall budget funds for an awards recognition program at each school site, to be administered by the site administrator in accordance with established site procedures.

Valedictorian and Salutatorian

Valedictorian is the highest academic award for a graduating senior. This award is bestowed upon the student(s) with the highest grade point average during high school. Salutatorian is awarded to the student(s) with the next highest grade point average. To be eligible, students must have completed their junior and senior year in a district school, must be enrolled in at least six classes each semester during their senior year, and must have passed all sections of the state competency exam, as required by law. All courses must be for credit and no classes can be a study hall.

Tips for achieving academic success:

  1. Know what to expect — A little preparation goes a long way!
  2. Become and remain organized — Pay attention to your schedule; set priorities; maintain a study routine; use an organizer; manage your time wisely; be prepared for class.
  3. Set goals — Think about short-, medium- and long-term goals and take steps to reach those goals.
  4. Studying and taking tests — Understand your study style; organize assignments, prepare for quizzes and tests; join study groups. 
  5. Connect socially — Look into extracurricular activities; become a leader; avoid peer pressure. 
  6. Solve "issues" and get support when needed - Reach out to available supports; learn and utilize coping skills; meet with your counselor. 
  7. Attend school! — Put your education and high school diploma as a priority; attend school DAILY; get to every class on time; engage in class activities; complete all homework and classwork. 
  8. Use your imagination — imagine yourself walking across the stage during our graduation ceremony to receive your diploma; think about the pride your family and friends will have for you (and the pride you will feel)!
  9. Remember this — Your education forms the foundation for your future! All things are possible, including earning your high school diploma!   

Alaska Correspondence School Program Directory

Click here to view a list of correspondence school programs in Alaska. (.pdf document*) Some programs are local and some are statewide. Each program listed has contact information for additional information.

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