Graduation Requirements FAQ

Students may demonstrate readiness in several ways. First, students may demonstrate readiness via an approved assessment (see the College and Career-Ready Measures web page) by receiving a score that meets or exceeds the criteria in both mathematics and English. Alternatively, a student could demonstrate college or career-readiness via an industry certificate, capstone project, or college course experience, such as concurrent enrollment.

For assessment options, students may use accommodations allowed within their IEP. Adapted capstone options are available as well.

While there is no criteria on what grade capstone projects may occur, a capstone project is a multifaceted assignment that serves as a culminating academic and intellectual experience for students, typically at the end of an academic program or learning-pathway experience, which often occur during the junior or senior year.

This is a site-based decision. Some sites require all students to complete a capstone as part of their high school experience.

 Yes, if the referenced internships/apprenticeships meet the PSD capstone project guidelines. This is a determined on an individual basis.

PSD accepts all industry-recognized certificates and counts them toward this requirement.

PSD currently offers industry-recognized credentials in Solidworks and ServSafe. Local colleges such as Front Range Community College and AIMS College also offer numerous industry certificates.

Concurrent Enrollment courses are college level courses that allow high school students to earn both high school and college credit. Students can take CE courses at most PSD high schools, as well as at Front Range Community College, AIMS college, and Colorado State University.