Graduation Requirements & Recognition
PROMOTION:
- To be promoted to 10th grade, student needs to earn 5 credits.
- To be promoted to 11th grade, student needs to earn 11 credits.
- To be promoted to 12th grade, student needs to earn 17 credits.
GRADES
School marks represent the individual teacher’s evaluation of the student’s achievement and progress. Information on the teacher’s marking system can be obtained from each teacher. Achievement in terms of academic progress, practical application, and other demonstrated knowledge are usually considered in determining a mark. The A-B-C-D-F achievement scale is generally used at Kaiser. Credit is awarded to a student who earns an A, B, C or D as a final mark. No credit is awarded for “F” marks.
GRADUATION HONORS RECOGNITION & AWARDS
All honor graduate designations below are determined at the end of the third (3rd ) quarter of the student’s graduating year. Hawaii Online Courses’ quarter 3 grades will be added to the student's cumulative grade point average (GPA). All other courses taken outside of Kaiser High (i.e. dual credit college courses) will not be factored into students’ cumulative GPA.
For all graduating students:
- 3.000 to 3.500 cumulative GPA recipients receive a Cum Laude Diploma
- 3.500+ to 3.800 cumulative GPA recipients receive a Magna Cum Laude Diploma
- 3.800+ and above cumulative GPA recipients receive a Summa Cum Laude Diploma
Kaiser High School Valedictorians:
- Complete the Hawaii High School Diploma requirements;
- Earn a cumulative GPA (grade point average) of 4.0000 or above;
- Earn one of the Honor Recognition Certificates (Academic, CTE, or STEM); and
- Enroll in a minimum of six (6) Kaiser High School courses in their senior year.
Kaiser High School Honor Graduates:
- Complete the Hawaii High School Diploma requirements;
- Earn a cumulative GPA of 3.5000+ (example 3.5001 or higher);
- Earn one of the Honor Recognition Certificates (Academic, CTE, or STEM);
- Enroll in a minimum of six (6) Kaiser High School credited courses in their senior year; and
- Wear an HONOR stole at the Kaiser Graduation Ceremony.
[Beginning with the class of 2028, Kaiser Honor Graduates will need to complete an IB MYP Personal Project.]
Note: A weighted point system for Advanced Placement (AP), specified International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IB DP) and Running Start courses will be used in determining the cumulative GPA.
HAWAIʻI SEAL OF BILITERACY FOR THE SENIOR CLASS
The Board of Education established the Seal of Biliteracy. Its purpose is to recognize the importance of: (1) enabling students to be college, career, and community ready in today’s global society; (2) establishing an educational culture that recognizes and values the wealth of linguistic and cultural diversity students bring to the classroom; (3) supporting opportunities for study of and increasing proficiency in 'Ōlelo Hawai'i, an official language of the State of Hawaii; and (4) encouraging partnerships with institutions of higher education and community organizations to increase access to language instruction in a variety of languages.
To receive the Seal of Biliteracy, one must be a graduating senior enrolled in a Hawaii public school; demonstrate proficiency of 'ōlelo Hawai'i or English; and attain the requisite score for one or more of the following world language requirements: Advanced Placement, IB language exam, and Hawaii State Department of Education-approved online language assessment. Linked below are the specific eligibility requirements for each type of assessment. Also below is the list of World Languages offered.
Members of the Class of 2026 may apply for the Hawaii Seal of Biliteracy.
First application window: By 3:00 pm on Monday, November 3, 2025
Second application window: Between 8:00 am to Tuesday, January 6, 2026, and 3:00 pm on Friday, January 23, 2026
Complete the online application at bit.ly/HISoBL2026Apply
Please contact Ms. Yano if you have any questions. Her email address link or phone number is (808) 394-1200 ext. 2338.
Additional references: