Pathway to Graduation

Group of graduating students in black gowns smiling and tossing their caps into the air

Your Path to Graduation Starts Here

Graduation is a milestone worth celebrating. As seniors prepare for this special day, we've gathered the key information you'll need to get ready—dates, times, and everything in between.

Pathway to Graduation: Steps for Graduating

1. Choose an ALA Diploma Track

At the start of high school, students are placed on a diploma track. The track shows which classes to take, GPA goals to aim for, and testing or credit requirements to finish before graduation. If plans change later on, students can sit down with a Student Services Advisor and update their track so it fits better.

Please refer to our Course Catalogs for the specific requirements for these diplomas:

Standard diploma
Honors diploma
STEM diploma

2. Standardized Testing (ACT/ PSAT/SAT)

2. Post-Graduate Pathway

Choose a pathway for post-graduation that works best for you. Here are some options to consider:

College/University

College or University

Enroll in a 2-year (community college/associate degree) or 4-year (university/bacheor’s degree) program.

Pros

Greater career flexibility
Campus resources
Internship opportunities

Considerations

Higher Costs
Longer timeline

Learn more about preparing for college →

Trade School or Certification

Hands-on training or industry certificate (Cosmetology, Culinary, IT certs, electrician, welder, HVAC).

Pros

Faster entry to workforce
Often higher demanded jobs
Lower tuition costs

Considerations

Career mobility can be narrower than a degree
Upfront fees for exams/equipment

Learn more about preparing for trade school →

Military Service

Enlistment in Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, or Space Force

Pros

Tuition Assistance
Healthcare Benefits
Career Training

Considerations

Commitment Requirements
Physical/Eligibility standards

Learn more about Military →

Career Path

Start working immediately in entry-level roles, apprenticeships, or internships

Pros

Earning income immediately
Building experience & Networking

Considerations

Limited advancement without further training
Some jobs require specific training or certifications
Starting salaries may be lower in comparison

Learn more about Career Readiness→

4. Apply for Scholarships/ Financial Aid

Money for college doesn’t just come from one place. Scholarships and financial aid are out there, but you have to look for them. Students should start as early as 10th grade, then keep searching and applying through junior and senior year. Most applications open later, so keeping track of deadlines and staying organized gives students a better shot at getting help with costs.

Learn more Scholarships and Financial aid →

5. Apply for Colleges/Universities

By junior and senior year, it’s time to apply. Students should pick the schools they’re most interested in and get applications submitted before the deadlines. Don’t forget to request transcripts and double-check that everything is turned in. Choosing a school is a big decision, so it’s worth looking closely at programs, costs, and opportunities.

Learn more about preparing for college →

6. Buy Cap & Gown

In the first semester of senior year, students order their cap and gown. ALA Coastal works with Jostens, and ALA Johnston works with Herff Jones, and each campus will send out instructions on how to purchase their graduation cap and gown. Seniors can also order other graduation gear or a class ring, either online or at events on campus. Talk to your school's academic advisor for help or more information.

7. Pay all Your Fees

Graduation Requirements

American Leadership Academy offers three different diploma tracks for students to choose from. Please see below for the graduation requirements of each diploma track.

ALA Graduation Diploma

ALA requires 24 credits for graduation. Minimum requirements in the various content areas are as follows:

Subject	Diploma
English English I, English II, English III, English IV	4 credits
Math Math 1, Math 2, Math 3, one additional math course	4 credits
Science Earth Science, Biology, and a Physical Science	3 credits
History & Social Sciences World History, Founding Principles of the US & NC: Civic Literacy, American History, Economics & Personal Finance	4 credits
Physical Education	1 credit
CTE/Fine Arts /Language 2.0 Foreign Language credits are required for university entrance	2 credits
Leadership & Entrepreneurship	1 credit
Computer Science (students entering 9th grade 2024-2025)	1 credits
Electives	4 credits
Total Credits:	24 credits

ALA Honors Diploma

Students who wish to graduate with an Honors Diploma must:

Graduate with a 3.8 cumulative weighted GPA
Complete 8 core classes at an Honors, CCP, or AP level

Subject	Diploma
English English I, English II, English III, English IV	4 credits
Math Math 1, Math 2, Math 3, one additional math course	4 credits
Science Earth Science, Biology, a Physical Science, and one more science	4 credits
History & Social Sciences World History, Founding Principles of the US & NC: Civic Literacy, American History, Economics & Personal Finance	4 credits
Physical Education	1 credit
CTE/Fine Arts	1 credit
Financial Literacy/ Entrepreneurship	1 credit
Foreign Language	2 credits
Computer Science (students entering the 9th grade 2024-2025)	1 credits
Electives	3 credits
Total Credits:	24 credits

ALA Stem Diploma

Students who wish to graduate with a STEM Diploma must:

Graduate with a 3.8 cumulative weighted GPA
Complete 8 core classes at an Honors, CCP, or AP level

Subject	Diploma
English English I, English II, English III, AP Lit, AP Lang, DE English	4 credits
Math Math 1, Math 2, Math 3, two additional math courses (One must be from the math department and can be from Appendix A in the course catalog)*	5 credits
Science Earth Science, Biology, and a Physical Science, two additional science courses*	5 credits
History & Social Sciences World History, Founding Principles of the US & NC: Civic Literacy, American History, Economics & Personal Finance	4 credits
Physical Education	1 credit
CTE/Fine Arts	1 credit
Financial Literacy/ Entrepreneurship	1 credit
Foreign Language	2 credits
Computer Science (students entering the 9th grade 2024-2025)	1 credits
Electives	1 credits
Total Credits:	25 credits

Graduation Recognitions

Valedictorian

The Valedictorian is an honor granted to the member of the graduating class who has the highest weighted GPA*.

In order to be eligible for Valedictorian, the student must have attended a minimum of three full semesters at the campus from which the student will graduate as well as be in good standing at the time of selection and at the time of graduation.

Salutatorian

The Salutatorian is an honor granted to the member of the graduating class with the second-highest weighted GPA*.

To be eligible for Salutatorian, the student must have attended a minimum of three full semesters at the campus from which the student will graduate as well as be in good standing at the time of selection and at the time of graduation.

Academic Awards

Summa Cum Laude (Top 5%)

Magna Cum Laude (Top 10%)

Cum Laude (Top 25%)

*The GPA will be calculated in the student information system (SIS) at the time of the closing of the seventh semester (A semester is defined by the two halves of a school year. The seventh semester begins with the first day of the 12th grade year, and typically ends at the start of winter break). All students who have met the graduation requirements and will be graduating with their cohort at an ALA school will be eligible for this award.

Graduation Pathway FAQ

How do students choose a diploma track?

What post-graduation options are available?

Which tests are required for graduation?

When should students apply for scholarships and financial aid?

When should students apply to colleges or universities?

How do students prepare for graduation ceremonies?

Mandatory graduation practices and other requirements are directed by each campus. Seniors order their cap and gown in the first semester of 12th grade. ALA Coastal works with Jostens, and ALA Johnston works with Herff Jones, and each campus will send out instructions on how to purchase their graduation cap and gown. Seniors can also order other graduation gear or a class ring, either online or at events on campus. Talk to your school's academic advisor for help or more information.

Are there graduation requirements all students must meet?

What academic honors are awarded at graduation?

Valedictorian: Highest weighted GPA in the graduating class (with eligibility requirements).
Salutatorian: Second-highest weighted GPA in the graduating class (with eligibility requirements).
Summa Cum Laude: Top 5% of graduates with at least a 4.0 GPA.
Magna Cum Laude: Top 10% of graduates with at least a 3.8 GPA.
Cum Laude: Top 25% of graduates with at least a 3.5 GPA.

What else do students need to do before graduation?

Where can I find more details about my school's graduation ceremony?

Have questions? Ask your Advisor!

From academic support and course planning to navigating resources and connecting with the right people, we are here to assist you! For quick assistance, check out our FAQ section for commonly asked questions. To explore becoming a student, visit our Enrollment page. For additional questions about courses and testing, contact your student services academic advisor. Find your school's student services team below!

ALA Coastal

ALA Johnston

For questions about enrollment & registration please contact your school's Enrollment Specialist:

ALA Coastal
District Registrar
districtregistrar@alacoastal.org

ALA Johnston
District Registrar
districtregistrar@alajohnston.org