• Calendar
• Requirements
  • Graduation
  • ISATS
  • Senior Project
• Adv. Programs
  • AP
  • Concurrent Credit
• Procedures
  • Schedule Change
  • Teacher Change
• Transcripts
• FAQs
• New Students

Frequently Asked Questions

How does a senior know they are on track to graduate?

Counselors meet individually with their seniors in the fall to do a Senior Conference. At this time counselors evaluate transcripts to make sure all graduation requirements are met. Seniors are surveyed to discuss post high school plans and whether they have taken a college entrance exam (ACT or SAT). Students are supplied the forms to register for ACT and SAT if applicable. Credits are reviewed and schedules are adjusted for missing classes. If there are missing classes, then a plan is implemented so the credits can be taken through correspondence or night school.

Is it possible to graduate early?

Yes, students may decide to graduate a semester or a year early. Students who are interested in graduating early must meet with their counselor to be sure they meet the eligibility criteria and make a graduation plan. Parents are encouraged to attend the meeting so they have a clear picture of what is expected. If the student is graduating a year early, then they must write a letter to the principal for confirmation and get permission to take senior classes.

How do I get a Letter of Recommendation from my counselor for college applications and scholarships?

Students who need letters of recommendation or paperwork completed for college or scholarship purposes need to submit the following information to their counselor at least 2 weeks prior to the deadline.o

• An updated resume
• Provide a manila folder with recommendation form and write your name on the folder.
• Please type the answers to the questions on the Letter of Recommendation Request Form.
• Provide a pre-addressed stamped envelope for each recommendation. Include at least 2 stamps per envelope.
• Include other recommendation forms if provided by college/employer.

How do I know if I can take a release period during my senior year?

Students may be eligible to enroll in up to two periods of release, i.e., late start and/or early release, IF AND ONLY IF they meet the following requirements (Meridian District Policy 603.2).

• Successfully completed 9th-11th grade required credits
• Completed or enrolled in two periods of physical education*
• Completed one credit of speech
• Completed one credit of technology or passed the Meridian Technology Achievement Test
• Completed a reading credit or met ISAT proficiency in reading
• Met proficiency on the ISAT 10 assessments

*If you are planning to earn PE credit(s) by correspondence, they must be completed prior to the beginning of your senior year.

Grades 9-12 may be approved for 1 period of any religious release.

How do parents keep informed of their student’s credits and grades?

Counselors send home a copy of the Credit Check List of grades and credits earned after the student’s junior year with their student’s report card.

Why is it so important for students to get their registration forms in on time?

Because students are required to have certain classes for graduation, it is important for each grade to meet their deadlines. Seniors have the first priority for classes. Juniors have second, and so forth. Teacher counts and sections are based on the number of students that sign up for the classes.

What is Independent Study (correspondence)?

A variety of classes are offered through correspondence that will fulfill required or elective classes. These classes may not exceed a total of 12 credits throughout a student’s high school career, and must be received by school officials prior to graduation. There are several options for correspondence programs, which are listed in the links below. The Meridian School District has approved specific courses to fulfill graduation requirements, so it is important to discuss these options with your counselor before enrolling in a course.

Independent Study/Correspondence Programs

Independent Study: Honors, AP, Dual Credit

Summer School

Required classes are usually offered during Summer School. Typically, students take summer school classes to either make up credits or to get ahead. Registration forms for Summer School are available in the Counseling Office after spring break or online. There are course and registration fees assessed per credit. Scholarships are available for at-risk students.

Night School

The Meridian School District offers Night School which has a variety of required classes for students. Night School classes are held two nights a week for four hours and students are able to obtain credit in nine weeks. Night School offers four nine-week sessions each school year. More information on these courses is available online. If students are interested in Night School courses, they need see their counselor. Applications for Night School courses are available in the Counseling Office or online.