In keeping with guidelines of the Tennessee Department of Education and AdvancED, Jackson Christian offers two academic diplomas in the university track which meet or exceed state requirements.

Requirements for earning these diplomas are as follows:

Liberal Arts Diploma – denotes the university track course of study with no GPA requirements.

4  units of English
3  units of Social Studies (World Geography or History; American History; Economics/Government)
4  units of Mathematics
4  units of Science
2  units of Foreign Language (same language)
1  unit of Fine Arts (visual or performing)
4  units of Bible  Note: all students must pass Bible each semester enrolled at JCS.
1/2 unit of “Wellness” (PE/Health/Wellness)(Note: Beginning with the class of 2022, 1 unit of Wellness will be required.)
1/2 unit of an elective

Honors Diploma (designated by a special seal on the diploma) denotes the university track course of study with a GPA requirement of 90%.  To qualify for this diploma, students must have successfully completed seven(7) Honors courses. A student completing the Honors Diploma requirements with at least a 94% GPA will generally qualify for the National Honor Society.  That seal, indicative of graduating with high honors, will be affixed to the diploma.

4  units of English
3  units of Social Studies
4  units of Mathematics
4  units of Science
2  units of Foreign Language (same language)
1  unit of Fine Arts (visual or performing)
4  units of Bible (same as for regular diploma)
1/2 unit of “Wellness” (PE/Health/Wellness)
1/2 unit of an elective

All students will be required to take the ACT or SAT and file their scores with the school counselors office at JCS prior to being awarded either diploma.

Commencement Participation
Generally certain guidelines will be in effect for participation in the year-end graduation ceremony and receipt of the Jackson Christian diploma. A student must meet the criteria for total credits and specific course credits as set forth in this handbook. Exceptions to this policy will be considered on an individual basis as follows: A senior with failed courses or credit deficiencies from the prior three years of high school that were not made up in an approved program and are required for graduation will generally not be allowed to participate in the commencement exercise. A student who is “on track” for graduation at the start of the senior year and failed course(s) during the senior year that can only be made up in summer school, may be allowed to participate in the graduation ceremony. Other requirements established for seniors must be satisfactorily completed before participation in commencement or issuance of diploma will be granted. These might include, but are not necessarily limited to having senior pictures made for the yearbook and senior composite in a timely manner at the studio designated by Jackson Christian (no purchase necessary; sitting fee is applicable), completion of the Senior Checklist, following the appropriate dress code for all ceremonies and senior activities, avoiding serious behavior infractions during the last weeks of the school year, fulfilling all financial obligations owed to Jackson Christian or any of its organizations, etc.

Valedictorian and Salutatorian
Valedictorian and Salutatorian awards will be determined using a numerical (100%) scale encompassing all credit grades from the beginning of their 9th through 12th grade years all the way through the 3rd quarter. In the event of a tie, co-winners will be named. Numerical averages will be carried out to four decimal places. To be eligible for selection as Valedictorian or Salutatorian, a student must have been enrolled and attending Jackson Christian for at least the last four consecutive full high school semesters (junior and senior years); however, students transferring to Jackson Christian during the first semester junior year may have their status subject to administrative review. Students transferring to Jackson Christian after the completion of the junior year would be eligible for selection as honor graduates but NOT as Valedictorian or Salutatorian. An Honors Diploma is required for consideration as Valedictorian or Salutatorian.