High School Completion
Finishing high school is an important step for young people to create a positive future for themselves, their families and their communities. Alberta's future prosperity rests on our ability to generate a well-educated workforce that is responsive to change. Among the key priorities of our province's education system is to ensure all of our students are successful – both in school and in life.
There are three pathways to complete High School: Alberta High School Diploma, Certificate of High School Achievement or Certificate of High School Completion.
High School Diploma
A student in the high school diploma pathway will enroll in -1, -2 or -3 classes and must earn 100 credits in order to graduate from high school in Alberta. Parents and students should discuss high school requirements with a a member of the schools learning team. The Diploma Credit Checklist is an easy way to determine how many credits a student has and how many they still need for a High School Diploma.
Certificate of High School Achievement
The Certificate of High School Achievement is awarded to students who complete the -4 (Knowledge and Employability courses) pathway earning 80 credits. Knowledge and Employability courses are for students in Grades 7 to 12 who demonstrate reading, writing, mathematical and/or other levels of achievement two to three grade levels below their age-appropriate grade. Students may combine -4 courses with other senior high school courses or transition in and out of -4 courses throughout their high school years.
Certificate of High School Completion
The Certificate of High School Completion in special education can be awarded to a student with significant cognitive delays who meet the qualification criteria. To receive the certificate, a student must be nominated by the principal/assistant principal of his or her school. Please visit our WIN Programming Page for more information.
Qualification criteria
- The student, due to a significant cognitive disability, is not able to achieve any of the following certificates or diplomas:
- Alberta High School Diploma
- Certificate of High School Achievement (Knowledge and Employability)
- The student has worked toward goals and objectives in their individualized program plan.
- By the end of the nomination school year, the nominee has been a student for at least 12 years (and is 17 years of age or older by March 1 of the nomination year).
- The school year in which the nomination is being submitted is the student’s last year of school programming.