Beech Grove City Schools recently announced it elected to implement Indiana’s new high school diploma beginning next school year, as it expands a partnership with Indiana University that could allow students to graduate with a full year of college credit tuition-free (Photo Credit: Beech Grove City Schools).
“Beginning next school year, whether it’s through work-based learning, advanced coursework, or hands-on career preparation, students will be able to build a high school experience that reflects who they are and where they’re headed,” said Dr. Laura Hammack, superintendent of Beech Grove City Schools. “We are proud to lead in this moment of statewide innovation. Our commitment remains clear: to prepare each Beech Grove student for a future full of promise and possibility.”
The changes, which will fully take effect with the Class of 2029, are part of a statewide overhaul meant to provide students with more flexibility, clearer pathways to college or careers and fewer financial barriers to higher education.
“Students in the class of 2029 will be the first class of students to get the diploma,” said Danielle Zink, a counselor at Beech Grove High School. “There will be an opportunity for students to ‘opt-in’ to the new diploma if they meet the requirements.”
At the heart of the new diploma structure are “readiness seals,” which are credentials students can earn to demonstrate they are prepared for enrollment, employment or enlistment. The seals are part of a broader move away from one-size-fits-all graduation requirements toward a system that encourages students to tailor their education to future goals.
Free pathway to college credit for Beech Grove students
Starting next year, eligible students will also have the opportunity to complete the Indiana College Core – a 30-credit certificate that fulfills a full year of general education requirements at all Indiana public colleges and some private institutions.
The program is offered through Indiana University’s Advance College Project and allows high school students to take college-level courses without tuition.
Students can fulfill Indiana College Core requirements across six categories:
- Written communication
- Quantitative reasoning
- Scientific ways of knowing
- Social and behavioral ways of knowing
- Humanistic and artistic ways of knowing.
Available courses range from microeconomics to creative writing and calculus.
Universities automatic accepting students with new diploma seal
Indiana University, Purdue University and other public universities around the state also recently announced they will automatically accept students who complete the new diploma with an honors plus enrollment seal.
“The new diploma ensures every Hoosier student has equal access to higher education, regardless of whether they come from a large, urban school, or a small, rural one,” said State Sen. Jeff Raatz (R-Richmond), who chairs the Senate Education and Career Development Committee.
Parents and students interested in learning more about the Indiana College Core are encouraged to contact Danielle Zink at dz***@*********in.us or read the latest Hornet Blast newsletter.