When you meet the graduation criteria set by your state, you will graduate. In California, students who are unable to meet the criteria such as gaining enough credits in the required classes and passing the California High School Exit Exam do not graduate. Instead, they get to walk with their class at the graduation ceremony, dress up in cap and gown, and get a "certificate of completion," which is not the same as a high school diploma. In our district, those students who have an IEP and are not able to earn a diploma are eligible to go to "young adult transition" program paid for by the school district after high school until the age of 22. Some of them receive job training and/or go to some college classes with staff support.
