How to Graduate Early From High School in Pine Bluff, Arkansas

You can take steps to graduate early from Pine Bluff High School in Pine Bluff, Arkansas.

Some Arkansas students require four years to complete all of the requirements for high school graduation. However, others who are ready to go to college early may graduate from high school early. Graduation requirements for Arkansas high schools, including Pine Bluff High School, state that a student must have four credits of English, math and social sciences, as well as .5 credits of health, physical education and fine arts. For Pine Bluff students seeking early graduation, these credits can be condensed into three years of study.

Instructions

1. Speak to your school guidance counselor about early graduation options as soon as you know you want to finish high school in less than four years. She can help you set up an appropriate course of study.

2. Look into correspondence classes. As of 2011, you can only earn two credit units through correspondence, and will receive one elective credit if two courses are taken at the same time. Therefore, you may wish to do accelerated correspondence courses during the summer in order to earn English, math or social science credits.

3. Enroll in a community college class for which you can earn dual high school and college credit. The University of Arkansas Community College at Hope offers high school students the opportunity to take college classes provided they score 19 or higher on the ACT and have a 2.75 GPA at the time of enrollment.

4. Take a heavier course load during the year. Arkansas seniors may find themselves sticking around just to meet a final core requirement, taking electives like study hall the rest of the day. Doubling up on courses whenever possible during your sophomore and junior years can eliminate the need to attend high school your senior year.

5. Take the test to acquire a General Equivalency Diploma. This is the equivalent of a high school diploma and can be earned when you are 16 years old. However, you must not be enrolled in high school at the time you take the test, which can make the choice to take the GED a difficult one. Your counselor will be able to advise you on making the right move.

References

• Next Step U: Graduate High School a Year Early
• University of Arkansas Community College at Hope: Concurrent Credit
• Diploma Guide: Earning Your High School Diploma -- Arkansas

Resources

• Pine Bluff High School: Home
• ACE: FAQ: GED Testing