Award of Merit: RHS (College Prep.)


The State Board of Education confers the "Award of Merit" upon students who have completed the academic courses included in the basic studies curriculum. The minimum criteria for successfully qualifying for the award are as follows: 
  • English - 4 credits including 1 credit of fundamentals of speech 
  • Mathematics - 3 credits which must include 1 credit of algebra and 1 credit of geometry 
  • Science - 3 credits which must include 2 credits from biology, chemistry, or physics 
  • Social Studies - 3 credits which must include 2 units of history 
  • Foreign Language - 3 credits - either 3 credits of one language or 2 credits each of two languages 
  • Complete 2 units from one or more of the following, or 2 additional units from one or more of the areas listed above. 
        • Business 
        • Computer Science 
        • Visual or Performing Arts 
Eighth grade courses recognized as high school level work or courses that are a part of the post secondary option, apply to the criteria for the "Award of Merit." All such courses must be posted on the student's transcript. However, at least 18 credits must be earned in grades 9 - 12 for graduation. 

Diploma with Merit: Vocational School

  • Complete a vocational occupational preparation program 
  • Complete the following curriculum requirements 
      • English 4 credits 
      • Mathematics 3 credits 
      • Science 2 credits 
      • Social Studies 3 credits 
Applied academic credits earned via vocational education shall apply to the criteria for the "Award of Merit." 
 
  • Complete two units from one or more of the following, or two additional units from one or more of the areas above 
      • Business 
      • Computer Science 
      • Foreign Language 
      • Visual or Performing Arts 
Performance Criteria (applies to both curricula) 
  • Maintain above average attendance for grades nine through twelve (compared to a rolling four year state average) 
  • Demonstrate outstanding achievement in the curriculum as evidenced by one of the following: earning the equivalent of an overall grade point average of 3.25 on a four point scale for grades nine through twelve; earning the equivalent of an overall grade point average of 3.5 on a four point scale for grades eleven and twelve; or ranking in the top 25 percent of the class, whichever is more inclusive 
  • Participate in co-curricular, extracurricular or community activities in accordance with procedures established by the district board of education. The student should demonstrate outstanding citizenship/character traits.