Department of Education
Dr. Tim Webb, Commissioner

Graduating with Honors

Tennessee graduates who score at or above the readiness benchmarks on the ACT or SAT will graduate with honors. The readiness scores are:

Graduating with Distinction

Tennessee graduates who maintain a B average and complete an additional approved credential will graduate with distinction. Approved credentials include:

• Nationally recognized industry certification
• Tennessee Governor's School
• All State musical organization
• National Merit finalist or semi-finalist
• A composite score of 31 or higher on the ACT
• A core of 3 or higher on two AP exams
• International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
• 12 or more hours of transcripted post-secondary credit

Work-focused Students

Students who do not intend to enroll in a college or university upon graduation may substitute the two foreign language credits and one fine arts credit with three credits in their elective focus area.

The Tennessee Diploma Project is an affiliate of Achieve Inc.'s American Diploma Project and adheres to its goals and mission. Read about Achieve and the ADP at www.achieve.org.