Pennsylvania’s high school graduation requirements are designed to give students multiple ways to demonstrate that they are prepared for college, career, and life after high school.
Beginning with the
Class of 2023, students attending Pennsylvania public schools must meet both their
local school district’s graduation requirements and Pennsylvania’s
statewide graduation requirements.
Pennsylvania’s Pathways to Graduation
Under Pennsylvania’s current graduation requirements, students may demonstrate readiness through one of five pathways:
1. Keystone Proficiency Pathway
Students demonstrate proficiency by earning a Proficient or Advanced score on the Algebra I, Literature, and Biology Keystone Exams.
2. Keystone Composite Pathway
Students may satisfy the requirement through a qualifying composite score across the Keystone Exams when the established scoring requirements are met.
3. Career and Technical Education (CTE) Pathway
Students enrolled in an approved career and technical education program may demonstrate readiness through successful progress in their CTE program and other required evidence.
4. Alternative Assessment Pathway
Students may demonstrate readiness through approved alternative assessments or other qualifying measures, which may include certain college entrance, advanced coursework, military readiness, or postsecondary education criteria.
5. Evidence-Based Pathway
Students may satisfy the statewide requirement by successfully completing locally established coursework requirements and providing approved evidence demonstrating readiness for college, career, or postsecondary success.
What About the Keystone Exams?
The Keystone Exams remain an important part of Pennsylvania’s assessment system. They are end-of-course assessments in
Algebra I, Literature, and Biology.
Students in Pennsylvania public schools are still required to participate in the Keystone Exams for federal accountability purposes. However, a student does
not necessarily have to score Proficient on all three Keystone Exams to graduate. Pennsylvania’s multiple graduation pathways provide other ways for students to demonstrate readiness.
Additional Graduation Options
Pennsylvania also provides additional options for certain students who are unable to complete one of the five primary pathways.
These may include a waiver approved by the school’s chief administrator under qualifying circumstances and graduation provisions for students with disabilities who successfully complete their approved special education program.
Additional protections and graduation options may also be available for students experiencing educational instability.
Because individual school districts may establish graduation requirements beyond Pennsylvania’s statewide requirements, families should also review the graduation policies of their local school district and speak with their student’s school counselor when planning for graduation.
Learn More
The Pennsylvania Department of Education provides current information, resources, and guidance regarding statewide high school graduation requirements and the Pathways to Graduation.
Pennsylvania Department of Education – Statewide High School Graduation Requirements
Questions regarding Pennsylvania’s Pathways to Graduation may also be directed to:
Email: ra-edgradrequirement@pa.gov
Phone: 717-783-3958
