Bud Carlson Academy Diploma

Spaulding High School requires 26 credits to obtain a high school diploma, with the state standards set at 20 credits. The Class of 2009 will be the first cohort held to the minimum of 20 credits for High School graduation requirement.  According to New Hampshire State Department of Education, schools have the option of offering a two-tiered diploma system.

The Rochester School Board has approved a regular high school diploma set at 20 credits for students attending the Bud Carlson Academy.  Five elective credits and one science credit are the difference between the two tiered diploma requirements.

Students will be attending the Bud Carlson Academy full time. The students will be afforded the opportunity to enroll in Career and Technical Education Programs based on space, availability of courses and successful completion of the application process.

Students who complete the 20 credit graduation requirement will be awarded a Bud Carlson Academy high school diploma during a separate BCA graduation ceremony.
Components of the Bud Carlson Academy program expansion will reduce the dropout rate and increase the graduation rate by offering at risk students and returning dropouts affected by SB 18 alternative pathways to high school graduation. The strategies are consistent with the goals of SB 18 and Follow the Child, because they include strategies for developing personalized learning plans and extended learning activities for students who need individualized educational services. Completion of high school courses will be measured by the mastery of course level competencies. Offering ongoing day and night components at the Academy will allow students to be more flexible with time regarding the completion of courses. Proposed programming will assist the BCA in continued development of intensive, individualized educational services for students most at risk of dropping out. Increased capacity of existing program will provide more students the opportunity to meet state and local diploma requirements.