DSUSD Diploma Pathways

Desert Sands Unified School District offers several paths to earn a high school diploma. Each pathway is tailored to meet students' unique academic goals, abilities, and circumstances while ensuring compliance with state requirements.

DSUSD Standard High School Diploma (220 Credits)

The standard high school diploma track prepares students for post-secondary education, career pathways, military service, or entering the workforce by satisfying all DSUSD Board-adopted coursework and state graduation requirements.

To earn a standard diploma, students must earn a minimum of 220 total credits passing each required course with a grade of "D" or better:

• English: 40 Credits
• Math: 30 Credits
• Social Studies: 30 Credits
• Science: 20 Credits
• Physical Education: 20 Credits
• Fine Art, CTE, or World Language (LOTE): 10 Credits
• Electives: 70 Credits

DSUSD Continuation High School Diploma (200 Credits)

DSUSD proudly offers two continuation high schools - Amistad High School and Summit High School.  Designed for students attending DSUSD continuation programs, this diploma pathway provides a flexible route to complete high school graduation requirements.

To earn a continuation school diploma, students must earn a minimum of 200 total credits passing each required course with a grade of "D" or better:

• English: 40 Credits
• Math: 30 Credits
• Social Studies: 30 Credits
• Science: 20 Credits
• Physical Education: 20 Credits
• Fine Art, CTE, World Language (LOTE): 10 Credits
• Electives: 50 Credits

Learn more about Alternative Education Options in California (CDE)

AB 167/216/2700 (130 Credits)

Highly mobile students - including students experiencing homelessness (McKinney-Vento), foster youth, juvenile court students, military families, and migrant students - who transfer high schools after their sophomore year may qualify to graduate under state minimum credit standards.

To earn an AB 167/216/2700 diploma, eligible students must earn a minimum of 130 total credits in state-mandated core subjects with a grade of "D" or better:

• English: 30 Credits
• Math: 20 Credits (must include Math I or equivalent)
• Social Studies: 30 Credits
• Science: 20 Credits 
• Physical Education: 20 Credits
• Fine Art, CTE, or World Language (LOTE): 10 Credits
• Electives: 0 Credits

Learn more about AB 167/216 Graduation Rights for Mobile Students (CDE)

Alternate Pathway to a Diploma

DSUSD also provides an alternate diploma pathway specifically for students with significant cognitive disabilities who take the California Alternate Assessment (CAA).

• Eligibility and participation on this pathway are determined exclusively by the student's Individualized Education Program (IEP) team.

• Students complete state-standards-aligned coursework tailored to their alternate achievement standards without being required to satisfy additional local district requirements. Earning an Alternate Diploma does not terminate a student's right to receive Special Education services (FAPE) through age 22.

Learn more about the Alternate Pathway to a Diploma (CAHELP) or CA Special Education Technical Assistance Network

Important Note for College-Bound Students

State minimum pathways (such as AB 167/216 or the Alternate Pathway Diploma) fulfill California state high school diploma requirements, but they may not satisfy four-year university entrance requirements (such as UC/CSU A-G course requirements). Students and families are encouraged to consult with their school counselor to review college admission goals and options.