A Georgia law enacted in 2015 eliminated the graduation tests as a requirement to earn a high school diploma.

Who is Eligible?

Any student who first enrolled in the ninth grade on or after July 1, 1981 and completed all course requirements except passing the graduation tests may apply to receive a high school diploma. Eligibility is defined in O.C.G.A. § 20-2-281.1.

A person who is no longer enrolled in a Georgia public school and who previously failed to receive a high school diploma in this state or was denied graduation solely for failing to achieve a passing score on one or more portions of the Georgia High School Graduation Test or its predecessor or the Georgia High School Writing Test or its predecessor may petition the local board of education in which he or she was last enrolled to determine the student’s eligibility to receive a high school diploma pursuant to this Code section based on the graduation requirements in effect when the student first entered ninth grade. Once the local board of education confers a diploma upon a student meeting such requirements, the local board shall transmit to the Georgia Department of Education in accordance with department procedures the number of diplomas awarded.

Diploma Request Process

Requests should be submitted to the school from which a student would have graduated. Complete a Diploma Request Form and submit it to the high school guidance office. A diploma can be issued after school officials confirm the petitioning student meets all remaining graduation requirements. For further assistance, contact Amy Parker in the Whitfield County Schools Office of Assessment and Accountability at (706) 217–6734.

Requests are accepted year round, though students should note the best time to submit requests is between September and April during the regular school year. Expect longer response times when school is not in session.