BOARD POLICY - 5127

High School Graduation Ceremonies

High school graduation ceremonies shall be held to recognize those students who have earned a diploma by successfully completing the required course of study, satisfying district standards, and passing any required assessments. Students with Individualized Education Programs who have completed 4 years of high school are eligible to participate in graduation ceremonies regardless of their graduation status. The Board of Education believes that these students deserve the privilege of a public celebration that recognizes the significance of their achievement and encourages them to continue the pursuit of learning throughout their lives.

Student participation at graduation ceremonies shall be voluntary for students who qualify to graduate. Diplomas for students who do not participate in graduation ceremonies may be distributed the first workday following the ceremony. Students who complete graduation requirements mid-year, and are in good standing, may participate in the graduation ceremony at the end of the school year.

High school students who have passed a high school equivalency test or the California High School Proficiency Examination must also meet district graduation requirements in order to participate in graduation ceremonies.

Each school shall provide notification to the students and their parents/guardians who are ineligible to participate in the graduation ceremony.

To ensure the neutrality of the public educational institution with respect to religion, invocations, prayers, or benedictions shall not be included in graduation ceremonies. The school or district shall not sponsor other ceremonies or programs for graduates that include prayer.

Graduation Attire

The Superintendent or designee may require graduating students to wear ceremonial attire, such as cap and gown, at the ceremony.

Any graduating student who has completed basic training and is an active member of any branch of the United States Armed Forces may, at the student's option, wear a military dress uniform at the ceremony in place of the traditional cap and gown. (Education Code 35183.3)

Students shall be permitted to wear tribal regalia or recognized objects of religious or cultural significance as an adornment to the customary ceremonial attire, as long as the adornment does not cause a substantial disruption of, or material interference with, the graduation ceremony and it has been approved by the site principal. (Education Code 35183.1)

Students who desire to wear such adornments shall seek permission from the school principal at least 20 school days before the graduation ceremony as defined in the process outlined in Administrative Regulation 5127.

Middle and Elementary School Promotion Ceremonies

Middle school and elementary school promotion ceremonies shall be held to recognize students who meet the educational and citizenship requirements established by the Board of Education. The Board believes that students deserve a public celebration that recognizes the significance of achievement and encourages continued pursuit of learning. Student participation in promotion ceremonies shall be voluntary for students who qualify to be promoted.

Each school shall provide notification to the 8th or 6th grade students and their parents/guardians who are ineligible to participate in the promotion ceremony.

Legal Reference:
Education Code 35183.1: Graduation ceremonies; tribal regalia or recognized object of religious/cultural significance
Education Code 35183.3: Graduation ceremonies; military dress uniforms
Education Code 38119: Lease of personal property; caps and gowns
Education Code 48904: Liability of parent or guardian; withholding of grades, diplomas, transcripts
Education Code 51410-51413: Diplomas

Administrative Regulation 5127: Graduation Promotion Ceremonies and Activities

Policy Adopted: January 23, 2024