Graduation Requirements

Participation in the graduation ceremony is a privilege reserved for students who are within four credits of graduation by the date of commencement. Seniors who are not meeting the requirements will be informed they will not be allowed to participate in the ceremony. However, even though a student’s name may appear in the commencement program, a senior may be denied commencement participation because of a violation. 

These violations could be, but are not limited to:

• A violation of school policy

• A violation of school district policy

• An outstanding detention

• Delinquent parking fines

• Delinquent activity or athletic fees, failure to return school property such as, but not limited to, books, tools, supplies, instruments, and/or athletic equipment

• Failure to pay for lost school property or school property not returned.

All decisions are subject to administrative review and oversight.

Seniors fulfilling graduation requirements receive a diploma at the end of first or second semester. Seniors graduating after first semester may participate in the graduation ceremony, but must notify the Principal of their intention to attend the ceremony no later than May 1. Regardless, a first semester graduate is considered off roll and is no longer eligible to participate in any other high school functions. A senior opting to remain in school all year must be enrolled in six or more courses each semester. A student ceases attending high school once he/she receives a diploma.

A student who has completed graduation requirements may opt to graduate at the end of the first semester. A senior opting for early graduation must first meet with their counselor and then submit a letter to the principal requesting to graduate early and signed by their parent/guardian.

The honorees must be enrolled at Burnsville High School and are recognized at commencement. Graduates with distinction have an accumulated a grade-point average of greater than or equal to 3.6, but less than 3.9, through seven semesters. A student must have received 42 or more senior high semester credits through seven semesters. Graduates with high distinction have an accumulated 3.900 or higher grade-point average through seven semesters. A student must have received 42 or more semester credits through seven semesters.

The honorees must be enrolled at Burnsville Senior High School and are recognized at commencement. Valedictorian and Salutatorian are determined by calculating all senior high credits through eight semesters. A student must have received 48 or more semester credits in grades 9-12. Forty-four (44) of the credits must be earned while enrolled at BHS. (All final grades must be posted by the last day of school in order to be recognized at graduation.)