As you enroll your high school student, you’ll select a learning track that helps tailor their experience to their goals: the State-Certified Diploma track or the OpenEd Diploma track. This decision ensures your student’s program aligns with their academic plans and post-high school path.
All students who complete 12th grade with OpenEd will receive the OpenEd Diploma, a certificate of completion that recognizes their full participation in the program.
Students on the State-Certified Diploma track will also work toward earning a traditional high school diploma through their School of Enrollment.
The OpenEd Diploma was formerly associated with the “non-diploma-seeking” track and is now a meaningful way to celebrate every graduate’s journey.
Learn more about the OpenEd Diploma here.
Q: What is the difference between State-certified diploma track and the OpenEd Diploma?
A: State-certified diploma-seeking students are working toward earning a high school diploma issued by their School of Enrollment. This path requires completing 24 credits over four years, selecting approved courses, and meeting additional requirements like passing the Civics Test. The OpenEd diploma track (formerly non-diploma track) allows for students have more flexibility and complete the high school experience through OpenEd.
Q: What’s the difference between the OpenEd Diploma and the non-diploma-seeking path my student was on last year?
A: There’s no change to the learning path itself. The OpenEd Diploma is simply a new way to recognize and celebrate high school students who complete the OpenEd program. It’s a meaningful way to honor their effort and achievement.
Q: When do I need to declare State-certified diploma-seeking status?
A: Students must declare their status before creating their schedule and ideally at the start of 9th grade. This ensures the student can meet the credit and course requirements for graduation through the state-certified diploma-seeking path.
Q: Can my student change their diploma-seeking status later?
A: Yes. Students can move from state-certified diploma-seeking to OpenEd diploma-seeking at any time by contacting the Diploma-seeking Specialist. However, moving from OpenEd diploma-seeking to state-certified diploma-seeking can only happen between school years and requires counselor approval, along with proof the student is on track for graduation.
Q: What are the graduation requirements for State-certified diploma-seeking students?
A: Students must earn 24 credits across four years of high school (typically 6 credits per year) and pass the Civics Test with a score of at least 70%. To meet this requirement, students may need to enroll in an optional 7th-period class.
Q: What course options are available for OpenEd diploma-seeking students?
A: Credit can be earned through:
Accelerated Spark Online courses
BYU Independent Study courses (note: some use Technology Allowance funds)
Up to two on-site Split Enrollment courses at a local district high school per semester
(Note: Split Enrollment is not available with charter schools.)
Q: Who manages my student’s transcripts and graduation progress?
A: Every State-certified diploma-seeking student is assigned a counselor through their School of Enrollment. This counselor oversees official credit records, maintains transcripts, and issues the diploma. Students in grades 11 and 12 are encouraged to meet with their counselor each semester.
Q: What if my student is entering 10th, 11th, or 12th grade and wants to pursue a State-certified diploma?
A: They must:
Provide transcripts showing they’ve earned 6 credits per year of high school.
Receive approval from both the OpenEd Diploma-seeking Specialist and their School of Enrollment counselor.
Submit a consultation request form.
Note: OpenEd is not a credit recovery program and cannot replace failed or incomplete credits. Recovery plans must be handled through the School of Enrollment.
Have more questions? Please see Article 4.5 Grades 9-12 FAQs (Utah) or request a consultation with the OpenEd Diploma-seeking Specialist here.