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Indiana Diploma

Beginning with the Class of 2029, all Indiana students will graduate under the Indiana Diploma. At Columbus East, every Olympian earns the 42-credit base diploma — and we encourage every student to go further by pursuing an Honors Seal in Enrollment, Employment, or Enlistment & Service. These seals highlight a student’s readiness for college, career, or service and open important opportunities after graduation.

Overview

Starting with the Class of 2029 (students entering 9th grade in Fall 2025), Indiana students will graduate under the Indiana Diploma.

  • Every student must earn the base 42-credit diploma.

  • Students may also earn Honors Seals in three readiness areas:

    • Enrollment (college readiness)

    • Employment (career/workforce readiness)

    • Enlistment & Service (military/public service readiness)

  • Seals are optional, but if earned, they replace Graduation Pathways requirements and give recognition of readiness.

At Columbus East, our hope is that every Olympian graduates ready for college, career, or service.

Base Diploma: 42 Credits Required

Subject Credits Details
English 8 English 9 (2), Communications-focused course (1), additional English (5)
Math 7 Algebra I (2), Personal Finance (1), additional Math (4)
Science, Tech & Eng. 7 Biology (2), Computer Science (1), additional Science (2), STEM-focused (2)
Social Studies 5 U.S. History (2), U.S. Government (1), World Perspectives (2)
PE & Health 2 PE (1), Health & Wellness (1)
Preparing for College & Careers      1 Preparing for College & Careers (1)
Personalized Electives 12 Career & Technical Education, Fine Arts, World Languages, or courses tied to a seal        
Total 42 Credits required to graduate

 

Honors Seals – Choose Your Path

Enrollment Honors Seal — College Readiness

  • The Enrollment Seal recognizes strong academic performance in advanced coursework. However, it does not automatically guarantee admission to Indiana public colleges and universities.

  • Requirements include:

    • World Language: 4 credits

    • Social Studies: 6 credits
    • Math: 8 credits (Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II, Pre-Calc or higher)
    • Science: 6 credits (Biology, Chemistry, Physics or advanced lab sciences)
    • Grade of C or higher in all courses and at least a B average GPA

  • Must also complete one of the following:

    • 4 AP credits (with exams)

    • 6 dual college credits

    • 3 dual + 2 AP credits

    • SAT ≥ 1250 or ACT ≥ 26

Employment Honors Seal — Career/Workforce Readiness

  • Recognizes students who are career-ready upon graduation.

  • Requirements include:

    • Earn a state-approved industry credential OR complete 3 CTE pathway courses OR an approved local career pathway

    • 150+ hours of Work-Based Learning (internship, apprenticeship, part-time job, job shadowing, or school enterprise)

    • Verified communication, collaboration, and work ethic skills

    • Attendance goal met: no more than 3 unexcused absences in a school year or during WBL experience

Enlistment & Service Honors Seal — Military/Public Service Readiness

  • Recognizes students preparing for military, ROTC, or public safety service.

  • Requirements include:

    • Public Service course or 1 year of JROTC

    • ASVAB score ≥ 31 plus additional career exploration activities

    • Verified employability skills

    • Attendance goal met

    • Mentorship with military personnel, veterans, or public safety professionals

  • Note: Columbus East and BCSC do not currently offer a JROTC program. Students interested in this seal can still qualify through Public Service coursework, ASVAB scores, and mentorship opportunities.

Plus Seals – Advanced Distinction

Seal Additional Requirements
Enrollment Plus Earn the Enrollment Seal + Indiana College Core or AP Scholar with Distinction + 75 hours of Work-Based Learning. Students who earn the Enrollment Plus Seal are guaranteed automatic admission into all Indiana public colleges and universities. 
Employment Plus      Earn the Employment Seal + Advanced Industry Certificate or College Core + 650 hours of Work-Based Learning (e.g., apprenticeship)
Enlistment Plus Earn the Enlistment Seal + ASVAB ≥ 50, ROTC enrollment, or Service Academy acceptance + verified leadership/service experience

 

Compare the Honors Seals

   Enrollment Seal  Employment Seal  Enlistment & Service Seal
Main Focus College & university readiness Workforce and career readiness Military, ROTC, or public service readiness
Key Outcome Demonstrates academic readiness for college; may qualify for automatic admission to certain Indiana schools when combined with the Enrollment Plus Seal Recognized career credential + 150+ hours of work-based learning Verified preparation for enlistment, ROTC, or public service
Coursework Advanced credits in Math, Science, Social Studies, World Language 3 CTE pathway courses OR state credential OR approved local pathway JROTC course (not currently offered at BCSC) OR Public Service course
Performance “C” or higher in all courses, B average GPA Completion of pathway/credential ASVAB ≥ 31 + career exploration
Extra Requirements One of: 4 AP credits (with exams), 6 dual credits, 3 dual + 2 AP, SAT ≥ 1250, ACT ≥ 26 Verified soft skills: communication, collaboration, work ethic Verified soft skills, mentorship with veterans/service professionals
Attendance Goal Required Required Required
Plus Seal Option Add College Core or AP Scholar + 75 WBL hours Add Advanced Industry Certificate/College Core + 650 WBL hours Add ASVAB ≥ 50, ROTC or Service Academy, + leadership/service

 

 

Which Seal is Right for Me?

At Columbus East, our goal is for every Olympian to graduate with a seal. Seals not only open doors but also show colleges, employers, and the community that our students are prepared for what comes next.

Think about your future plans:

  • I’m planning to go to college or university.

→ The Enrollment Plus Seal is for you. It guarantees automatic admission into Indiana’s public colleges and universities (IU, Purdue, Ball State, Ivy Tech, Indiana State, USI, and Vincennes) and shows you’re academically ready.

→ The Enrollment Seal also recognizes strong academic preparation in advanced coursework and a solid GPA, but it does not include automatic admission.

  • I want to go straight into the workforce, trades, or an apprenticeship after high school.

→ The Employment Seal is a great fit. It proves you’ve earned career-ready credentials, completed 150+ hours of real work experience, and developed the skills employers value most.

  • I’m interested in serving in the military, ROTC, or a public safety career. 

→ The Enlistment & Service Seal is designed for you. Even without JROTC at BCSC, you can pursue this seal through Public Service coursework, ASVAB achievement, and mentorship opportunities.

Why Pursue a Seal?

  • Seals replace Graduation Pathways requirements—a simpler, streamlined way to graduate.

  • Seals recognize your hard work with a special distinction on your diploma.

  • Seals give you an edge for college admission, jobs, and scholarships.

  • Seals show the community that Olympians are college-ready, career-ready, and service-ready.

Why This Matters for East Families

  • Clarity – A consistent statewide structure for graduation

  • Flexibility – Electives and seals aligned to each student’s goals

  • Recognition – Seals highlight readiness for college, workforce, or service

  • Local Alignment – Columbus East’s robust CTE programs, dual credit options, and service opportunities map directly onto seal requirements

At Columbus East, we believe in preparing students for life beyond high school — making East THE CHOICE to learn, work, and play.