Graduation Requirements

Graduation Pathway

All students are automatically on the TOPS pathway for graduation AT LEAST until the end of their Sophomore year.

You will remain on TOPS unless a parent/guardian meets with Ms. Connor & signs you off of the TOPS Pathway and onto the JumpStart Pathway.

If a parent/guardian does not sign you off of the TOPS pathway, you will be scheduled for TOPS classes.

Email debbie.connor@jpsbschools.us to set up a meeting or for more information.

FAFSA Completion Events

Every Thursday with Mrs. Whitney House
Thursday, October 14^th 5:30-6:30 pm in lab 103

Graduation Course Requirements

Standardized Testing Requirements

TOPS University and Jump Start students (who entered the 9^th grade in 2017-2018 or later) must pass the following EOC/LEAP 2025 standardized tests:

• English 1 or English 2
• Algebra 1 or Geometry
• Biology or US History

TOPS Tech Jump Start Pathway Credentials

Students pursuing the pathway of:

• Certified Nursing Assistant
  • must earn the Certified Nurse Aide credential issued by the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals*
• Manufacturing, Construction Crafts, and Logistics
  • must earn the Safety and Pollution Prevention S/P2 credential*

*Or other LDOE approved credentials for that particular pathway

More information about Jump Start: What is Jump Start? (animated video)  |  What is Jump Start? (video for students)  |  Jump Start Brochure

FAFSA Requirements

All students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) before graduating***.  The FAFSA application becomes available October 1 of each year.

***If students do not complete the FAFSA, they must complete a non-participation waiver before graduation.

Jackson Parish Diploma of Excellence

As an incentive for students to purse a sound academic program ensuring adequate college preparation, an additional diploma will be awarded to graduating seniors in each of the high schools in Jackson Parish who complete the additional requirements which are described in this program. The diploma will be named the Jackson Parish Schools Diploma of Excellence. The diploma will bear the seal of the Jackson Parish School Board. Each high school will add the design of the Diploma of Excellence by using local school colors, emblem, letter, mascot, etc. Special recognition should be given at graduation exercise to those students who receive the Diploma of Excellence.

Requirements for 2016-2017 Freshman Class and Classes to Follow:

• Core 4 Classes-TOPS University Diploma Path
• 24 Credits
• (Core) Dual Enrollment Class, AP, or CLEP
• 3.5 GPA or better
• ACT Composite Score of 23 or Better

Military Selective Service Act

Reminder: Registration Requirements under the Military Selective Service Act
The Department, U.S. Selective Service System, and U.S. Department of Education would like school systems to remind students of the registration requirements under the Military Selective Service Act, 50U.S.C. §§ 3801-3820.

Males are required to register beginning 30 days prior to their 18th birthday and extending 30 days thereafter. Late registration is accepted up to the 26th birthday. Failure to register prior to reaching age 26 may result in unfortunate life consequences, including:

• Ineligibility for employment by the federal government, U.S. Postal Service, and many state and
• local governments;
• Ineligibility to receive federal and, in some cases, state student financial aid;
• Ineligibility to receive job training under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act;
• Ineligibility for security clearances; and
• Delay in citizenship proceedings.

Registration can be completed online, or by completing a hard copy of the Selective Service System registration form available at any U.S. Post Office, or available for downloading from the Selective Service System website. Additional registration details and resources are available. Please contact dmcsupport@sss.gov with questions.