Diplomas and Graduation Requirements
Diplomas and Graduation Requirements
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Diplomas and graduation requirements can be quite overwhelming and confusing. Luckily, this page is here to help you navigate through it all! Scroll down to find the graduation requirements that match your graduation year, the various types of diplomas that North Central has to offer, and some additional resources with all the information you could want! |
Diploma Options
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Core 40 Diploma The Core 40 Diploma is the most common diploma currently earned by Indiana students and serves as the starting point for both Academic Honors and Technical Honors diploma pathways. It provides a strong academic foundation while allowing flexibility to explore college and career interests through elective and pathway courses. (This diploma is being discontinued after the Class of 2028.)
For Students Who: - Want a balanced high school experience
- Plan to attend college, trade school, military service, or enter the workforce
- Want flexibility to explore different career interests
Diploma Highlights: - 46 total credits required
- Includes Graduation Pathways requirements
- Serves as the foundation for Academic Honors and Technical Honors diplomas
Students Eligible: - Class of 2027
- Class of 2028
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Indiana Diploma with Honors Seal Beginning with the Class of 2029, Indiana is introducing a new diploma structure. North Central students will work toward the Indiana Diploma with an Enrollment Honors Seal, which emphasizes college readiness through advanced coursework and academic achievement. Students graduating in 2027 and 2028 can switch over to this diploma as well!
For Students Who: - Plan to attend a two- or four-year college
- Enjoy challenging academic courses
- Want to earn college credit while in high school
Diploma Highlights: - Indiana’s New diploma designed to evolve with the needs of today’s students and tomorrow’s opportunities
- Includes advanced academic expectations
- Supports college and career readiness
- Earned through specific Honors Seal requirements
Students Eligible: - Class of 2027 and 2028 are eligible to switch over to this diploma before graduation
- Class of 2029
- All future classes after 2029
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Core 40 Diploma with Academic Honors The Academic Honors Diploma is designed for students seeking a rigorous academic experience. Students take advanced coursework and demonstrate strong achievement through college-level classes, exams, or college credit opportunities.
For Students Who: - Plan to attend a four-year college or university
- Enjoy academic challenges and enrichment
- Want to earn college credit while in high school
Diploma Highlights: - Advanced math, world language, and fine arts requirements
- Minimum 3.0 GPA required
- Opportunities to earn AP, IB, or Dual Credit coursework
- Highly recognized by colleges and universities
Students Eligible: - Class of 2027
- Class of 2028
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North Central Academic Honors Diploma The North Central Academic Honors Diploma builds upon Indiana's Academic Honors Diploma and recognizes students who pursue an exceptionally rigorous academic program while at North Central. (This diploma is being discontinued after the Class of 2028).
For Students Who: - Want the most challenging academic pathway available at North Central
- Plan to attend a competitive college or university
- Enjoy advanced coursework across multiple subjects
Diploma Highlights: - Includes all of the Indiana Academic Honors Diploma requirements
- Requires advanced math and science coursework
- Requires significant participation in AP, IB, Dual Credit, or Honors (X) level courses
- Recognizes exceptional academic achievement
Students Eligible: - Class of 2027
- Class of 2028
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Core 40 Diploma with Technical Honors The Technical Honors Diploma combines strong academics with career and technical education. Students complete a career pathway while earning industry certifications, college credit, or workforce credentials. (This diploma is being discontinued after the Class of 2028.)
For Students Who: - Have a clear career interest or pathway
- Want hands-on learning experiences
- Plan to enter the workforce, apprenticeship programs, technical training, or college after graduation
Diploma Highlights: - Requires completion of a Next Level Program of Study
- Earn industry-recognized certifications or college credit
- Minimum 3.0 GPA required
- Combines career readiness with academic achievement
Students Eligible: - Class of 2027
- Class of 2028
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International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma The IB Diploma Programme is a globally recognized, academically rigorous program that prepares students for success in college and beyond. Students engage in challenging coursework, research, service experiences, and critical thinking across multiple subject areas.
For Students Who: - Enjoy academic challenge and intellectual curiosity
- Are interested in attending a competitive college or university
- Want to explore global perspectives, cultures, and world issues
- Enjoy critical thinking, discussion, research, and making connections across subjects
- Want to develop leadership, service, and communication skills alongside academics
Diploma Highlights: - Internationally recognized by colleges and universities
- Includes Theory of Knowledge (TOK), Extended Essay, and Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS)
- Emphasizes service, leadership, personal growth, and community engagement
- Provides opportunities to earn college credit and advanced standing at many universities
- Prepares students to be globally minded learners and responsible citizens
Students Eligible: - Any students who complete the full IB Diploma Programme
Additional Resources
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Indiana Department of Education Graduation RequirementsFind information from the Indiana Department of Education's (IDOE) about the Indiana high school diploma options, graduation requirements, Graduation Pathways, Core 40, Honors diplomas, and additional resources for students and families.
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The New Indiana Diploma and Graduation PathwaysExplore Indiana Graduation Pathways, including diploma requirements, employability skill experiences, and college, career, and military readiness options that help students prepare for life after high school.
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North Central Video Presentation: Rigorous Pathways to Excellence: Indiana's New Diploma and Honors SealsWatch a recording of North Central's 2025 Curriculum Night presentation on the new diplomas and what that looks like at our school.
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North Central Video Presentation: Indiana College CoreWatch a recording of North Central's 2025 Curriculum Night presentation on Indiana College Core and how it works at North Central.
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North Central Video Presentation: International Baccalaureate Program and Advanced Placement Program at NCWatch a recording of North Central's 2025 Curriculum Night presentation on the International Baccalaureate (IB) and Advanced Placement (AP) programs offered at North Central and how they connect to graduation requirements for diplomas.
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Indiana DWD's Approved Industry Certifications for Graduation Pathways & Career Readiness CredentialsDiscover the Indiana Department of Workforce Development's approved industry certifications that help students develop career-ready skills, earn recognized credentials, and meet Graduation Pathways requirements.