Early Graduation Program

​​​​​​​​​​KRS 158.142 establishes the Early Graduation Program (EGP), an optional program in which a student may receive a high school diploma, Early Graduation Certificate and scholarship award from the Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority (KHEAA) upon successful completion of all program requirements provided in 704 KAR 3:305, Section 5 in three (3) academic years or less.

​The scholarship award may be used at a Kentucky public two (2) year community and technical college or a Kentucky four (4) year public or non-profit independent institution accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

​Early Graduation Program (EGP) versus “graduating early” 

There is a difference between a student who is a graduate of the EGP and a student who “graduates early.” Although the wording is similar, there are important distinctions between these two options.  

Early Graduation Program 

704 KAR 3:305, Section 1 defines the EGP as follows:

“A​​​​​n optional, criteria-based program in which a student may receive a diploma from the school district, an Early Graduation Certificate, and a scholarship award upon successful completion of all program requirements provided in Section 5 of this administrative regulation in three (3) academic years or less.” 

The EGP requires the interested student to formally submit an intent form to participate in the program. Upon completion of all EGP requirements in place for the academic year in which the student intends to graduate, the student is awarded a high school diploma, Early Graduation Certificate and scholarship award from KHEAA.  

While a student in the EGP is not required to meet the minimum 22 credits for high school graduation provided under 704 KAR 3:305, participants must complete all of the unique requirements of the EGP in three years or less.  

For further information, access the Early Graduation Program and G​raduating Early FAQ​​ addressing questions specifically related to the EGP.  

“Graduating early”  

704 KAR 3:305, Section 1 defines “graduating early” as follows:

A student who is “awarded a diploma from the district, in under four (4) academic years from the start of grade 9, based upon meeting the minimum credit requirements of this administrative regulation and additional requirements as may be imposed by a local board of education.” 

Should the local district offer the option to “graduate early,” the student must still meet all state and local minimum high school graduation requirements as expected of any traditional four-year high school student, but the student does so on an accelerated timeline. 

A student who chooses to “graduate early,” is not a participant of the EGP and is not eligible for the EGP Certificate and scholarship from KHEAA. The option to “graduate early” is based on local board policies.  

For further information, access the Early Graduation Program and G​​raduating Early FAQ ​addressing questions specifically related to “graduating early.”  

General EGP Requirements and Expectations of Schools and Districts  

Eligibility and access to participation  ​

• English ACT Benchmark: 18 
  
• ​Reading ACT Benchmark: 20
  
• Math ACT Benchmark:19​
  

Enrollment and declaration of intent 

​​The intent form must be received by the principal within thirty (30) days of the academic year in which the student intends to graduate.

• Schools and districts cannot deny students an opportunity to declare intent to participate in the EGP.
  
• A student interested in participating must notify the school principal by submitting the intent form at the beginning of grade 9, or as soon as the intent is known. Students are not required to submit the intent form in grade 9 but may do so. 
  
• There is no specific grade-level required in KRS 158.142 in which a student must declare intent to participate in the EGP so long as it is within the student’s first three academic years of high school and the form is received by the principal no later than within the first thirty (30) days of the academic year in which the student intends to graduate. 
  
  

District Requirements ​

​704 KAR 3:305, Section 5(3) requires the local district to provide schools with a policy, established by the local board of education, for students wishing to participate in the EGP. The policy must include guidance for schools on effective implementation so that students receive the ongoing support needed to successfully complete all program requirements. The district policy must address the student's unique needs by integrating the specific requirements in the student’s Individual Learning Plan (ILP).

​The district’s EGP policy must include the following components:

• Support for local school personnel in the development and monitoring of an ILP specifically designed to meet the unique needs of EGP students. 
  
• Expectations for goal planning related to the attainment of the established district essential workplace ethics program provided in KRS 158.1413. 
  
• Expectations for the completion of a professional resume based on the ILP High School Playbook.
  
• Requirements associated with the completion of one postsecondary admissions application that may be used at a Kentucky public two (2) year community and technical college, or a Kentucky four (4) year public or non-profit independent institution accredited by SACS in which the student is interested in applying. 
  

School Requirements  ​

Students participating in the EGP must be flagged in Infinite Campus (IC) by October 15 of the academic year in which the student intends to graduate.

Student Requirements 

To successfully complete the EGP and earn an Early Graduation Certificate and scholarship, the student must meet the following requirements: 

Declaring intent and obtaining enrollment in the program 

• Consult with the school counselor to discuss the program requirements, postsecondary goals and career aspirations. 
  
• Collaborate with the school counselor to create a strategy/action plan within the ILP for meeting program requirements within the academic year in which the student wishes to graduate. 
  
• Submit the intent form to the principal within the first thirty (30) days of the academic year in which the student intends to graduate.
  
• Complete an entrance interview with the principal, or designee, focused on how the EGP will positively impact postsecondary goals and career aspirations. 
  

EGP Performance-Based Requirement 

Required Capstone Design Elements

For EGP students to have adequate opportunities to practice, grow and demonstrate attainment of critical skills required for postsecondary and career success, 704 KAR 3:305(5)(6) requires schools to integrate, at minimum, the following four design elements in the required project, portfolio, or capstone:​

1. Attainment of essential workplace ethics characteristics as established by the board of education pursuant to KRS 158.1413;
   
2. Demonstration of an ability to apply the Kentucky Academic Standards, established in 704 KAR 3:303 and 704 KAR Chapter 8, as a life-long learner and contributing member of society;
   
3. Demonstration of written and verbal communication skills needed for postsecondary success; and
   
4. Demonstration of an ability to think critically, synthesize information and draw conclusions.
   

Questions

For support in implementing or participating in the EGP, contact comprehensive school counseling coordinator, Dr. Michelle Sircy, at michelle.sircy@education.ky.gov. 


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