Louisiana high school students may graduate with a standard diploma and have the option of earning an Academic Endorsement and/or a Career/Technical Endorsement.  During the first two years of high school, students should focus on building on the knowledge and skills they gained in previous grades. Every 9th and 10th grade student (beginning 2014-2015 and thereafter) will take core academic classes to work towards a diploma. Following the student’s 10th grade year, a student may choose to work toward a Jump Start TOPS Tech Pathway or pursue the TOPS University Pathway. Students may choose both pathways. Decisions are made with counseling and guidance, based on the student’s interests, capabilities, and ambitions. 

• TOPS University Graduation Requirements
• Jump Start TOPS Tech Graduation Requirements

Louisiana’s Board of Elementary and Secondary Education approved a new graduation prerequisite that goes into effect with the graduating class of 2018. Students are required to complete and submit the 2018-2019 Free Application for Federal Student Aid, also known as the FAFSA, or sign a waiver approved by the state department in order to receive a high school diploma.  Filling out the FAFSA is highly recommended, as it is the only way to guarantee financial aid from all sources, including TOPS, Pell grants, work-study programs, federal student loans and possibly scholarships from institutions and outside organizations.

Please refer to the FAFSA on the Web Worksheet for information and directions.  If you choose not to fill out the FAFSA, please complete the Parental Nonparticipation Form.  A student will not be eligible for graduation if he/she does not complete one or the other.

• FAFSA on the Web Worksheet
• Parental Nonparticipation Form