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Diplomas of Distinction

High School Academics

What is a Diploma of Distinction?

VCS will start awarding a diploma of distinction in four different tracks starting the school year of 2026/27. Students must complete all track requirements before graduation to be recognized for this accomplishment and have it noted on the official transcript. Below are the descriptions and list of requirements for each Diploma of Distinction track.

For students to be eligible for a diploma of distinction, a minimum GPA of 3.25 must be achieved by graduation. Students must obtain at least a grade of B- (80%) or higher in all Advanced Placement coursework and a grade of B+ (87%) for all other coursework. Additionally, students may not receive any marks of N (Needs Improvement) or U (Unsatisfactory) during any grading period throughout high school.

Advanced Placement/Dual Enrollment Diploma of Distinction

Any graduating senior who has successfully completed at least six of the minimum combination of classes below, would be eligible to be recognized at the graduation ceremony for achieving this diploma of distinction.

 

  1. Minimum of 2 Advanced Placement Classes completed, with at least one class being in Humanities and at least one class being in Math or Science.
  2. Minimum of 2 Dual Enrollment Classes completed.

Christian Artistry Diploma of Distinction

Any graduating senior who has successfully completed at least the minimum combination of classes below, would be eligible to be recognized at the graduation ceremony for achieving this diploma of distinction.

 

  1. Complete 2 years of combined participation in either the Chorale or Ministry Development classes
  2. Complete 3 total credits from the Fine Arts course offerings
  3. Participate in at least 2 ENGAGE USA or ENGAGE Global experiences, receiving a letter of commendation from the lead chaperone
  4. Complete a semester of Bible Literature or a similar online course

STEM Diploma of Distinction

Any graduating senior who has successfully completed at least six credits of the minimum combination of classes below, would be eligible to be recognized at the graduation ceremony for achieving this diploma of distinction.

 

  1. Complete at least 2 additional science classes, beyond Chemistry, including, but not limited to:
    • AP Biology
    • Forensics
    • Anatomy/Physiology
    • Physics
    • Online courses as approved by campus leadership
  2. Complete 3 CTE classes which are part of the computer science course offerings, including, but not limited to:
    • Computer Programming
    • Cyber Security
    • AP Computer Science
    • Aerospace
    • Online courses as approved by campus leadership

CTE Diploma of Distinction

Any graduating senior who has successfully completed four credits from a combination of classes below, along with completing one of the two subsequent requirements listed below, would be eligible to be recognized at the graduation ceremony for achieving this diploma of distinction.

 

  1. Complete 4 credits from the following classes:
    • Entrepreneurship
    • Personal Finance
    • Digital MarCom (maximum of 1 full credit to be applied to the 4 minimum)
    • Student Council (maximum of 1 full credit to be applied to the 4 minimum)
    • Cybersecurity
    • Computer Programming
    • Accounting
    • AP Economics
    • Online courses as approved by campus leadership
  1. Complete either an approved apprenticeship or internship through something related to a desired career path
  2. Complete a Capstone project related to a desired career path
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