Prepare Your Child for Graduation

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Dear School District of Philadelphia Parents and Families,

Graduating from high school ready for success in college, career and life is an important milestone for your child. No matter your child’s age, it is never too early to start supporting their path toward graduation success.

The School District of Philadelphia’s graduation information, including the general requirements and Pathway to Graduation details, can be found on the graduation website – www.philasd.org/gradreq. You are encouraged to visit that website early and often during your child’s educational journey as it contains the critical details needed to earn that diploma. This letter is intended to provide you with the general information you need to get started.

What are the School District of Philadelphia’s high school graduation requirements?

In order to be eligible to graduate, students must meet these three requirements:

1. Earn 23.5 credits in key subject areas. Find details about key subject areas here.
2. Complete a service learning project – a short-term project, under guidance of a school district educator, that addresses real-world community or school needs. Learn more about service learning projects here.
3. Meet the criteria for one of five Pathways to Graduation outlined by the Pennsylvania Department of Education. Find details on all of the pathways here.

• Pathway 1: Keystone Proficiency
• Pathway 2: Keystone Composite
• Pathway 3: Career & Technical Education Concentrator
• Pathway 4: Alternative Assessment
• Pathway 5: Evidence-Based Pathways

If your child is in a Dual Enrollment Program, they must also complete all dual enrollment courses with a C or higher.

If your child is in a Career & Technical Education Program, they must also attain 8 or 9 credits in their programs of study.

What can I do to support my child’s graduation success?

1. Know and understand the graduation requirements. Use the requirements to create a graduation plan in partnership with your child.
2. Support your child’s regular attendance in school. Students who attend school consistently are more likely to read on grade level and graduate on time.
3. Sign up for Parent Portal and check your account often. Parent Portal is the best way to monitor your child’s progress, grades, attendance and more. It’s also the best way to receive updates from the District. Don’t have a Parent Portal account yet? Sign up here.
4. Attend report card conferences. Take advantage of conferences and other opportunities to engage with your child’s teachers and have deeper conversations about your child’s progress. The next conferences are February 1-3, 2023. Check with your child’s school for more details.
5. Explore academic and enrichment opportunities available at or through your child’s school or throughout the District. Then, talk with your child about opportunities to enhance their learning and find activities aligned to their areas of interest and need, including: tutoring options, credit recovery programs, extra-curricular programs, summer programs, and other resources. Remember to consider resources and opportunities for English Language Learners and students with Individualized Education Plans.
6. Ask your questions! If you have questions about your child’s progress, reach out to the school’s main office directly and request a conference.

Remember, we are your partners in your child’s success! If you have general questions, please contact the Pathways to Graduation Team at gradreq@philasd.org or 215-400-6108. Additional information, resources and engagement opportunities are located on the District’s graduation website – www.philasd.org/gradreq.

Thank you for your partnership!

The School District of Philadelphia
Division of Academic Services