Parent Guide for Student Success
Guide to Graduation
Introduction to High School Graduation
High school graduation marks the successful completion of a student’s secondary education, signifying that they’ve met the necessary academic requirements to earn a diploma. In simple terms, it involves accumulating a set number of credits by passing courses in core subjects, such as English, math, science, and history, along with electives that align with their interests and plans.
At Acellus Academy, this process is flexible and self-paced. An Acellus Academy diploma opens doors to college, careers, or further training. With proper planning, your student can earn a standard diploma or even graduate with honors, earning added recognition.
STEP 1
Understand the Graduation Requirements
Review the credit and enrollment criteria needed for a diploma to set clear goals.
- Check Age and Enrollment Rules: Your student must be at least 16 years old, enrolled in Acellus Academy for at least one year, and complete their entire 12th grade (minimum 6 credits) through Acellus. (Graduation Requirements)
- Choose a Diploma Pathway (Graduation Pathways)
- Standard Diploma: Ideal for community college or workforce entry.
- Graduation with Honors: More rigorous course of study. Suited for competitive four-year colleges.
- Understand Policy for Transferring Credits: Must have a grade C- or higher from an accredited school. As part of the Graduation Plan, our team will use the official transcript you provide to add eligible credits for transfer ($50 processing fee) (Transfer Credit Requirements)
Action
If Applicable: Ensure the remaining graduation requirements can be accomplished in your required timeframe (college application deadlines, etc.)
STEP 2
Set Up Your Parent Account
Access the Acellus platform to manage your student’s education plan and track progress.
- Download the Acellus App: Get the app.
- Log In: Sign in to your parent account. If you need help, follow the Signing in as a Parent tutorial.
- Retrieve Login Details (If Needed): Refer to the “Finding Student ID and Password” tutorial to locate your student ID and password.
Action
Log in and verify you can access your student’s account details.
STEP 3
Create a Graduation Plan
Use the Graduation Plan tool to map out your student’s courses and graduation path.
- Access the Tool: In the parent account, navigate to “Manage Account” under your student’s information and click “Create a Plan” (available for students 13 years old or older or those enrolled).
- Log In: Sign in to your parent account. If you need help, follow the “Signing in as a Parent” tutorial.
- Retrieve Login Details (If Needed): Refer to the “Finding Student ID and Password” tutorial to locate your student ID and password.
Action
Complete the Graduation Plan setup and explore the final page, Progress Towards Graduation.
STEP 4
Transfer High School Credits (Optional)
If your student would like to use credits earned at another high school toward their Acellus Academy graduation, start by acquiring an official transcript from that school (not a report card or progress report).
- Submit Request to Verify Credits: Click ‘Import Credits from Other Schools’ and submit the request with the information requested and an official transcript.
- There is a $50 processing fee and a processing time of 1-2 weeks for this task.
- Encourage Your Student to Get Started: While your request is pending, encourage your student to start on their coursework. Since they will need at least a year of material to graduate, their work will not be wasted.
- Review Completed Plan: Once the credits have been reviewed, you will receive an email with the updated Graduation Plan. The transferred credits will also be included on your student’s official Acellus Academy transcript.
STEP 5
Monitor and Adjust Progress
Track your student’s coursework and make adjustments to stay on track.
- Check Progress Regularly: Use the parent interface’s live class monitor and progress reports to ensure your student is meeting their weekly goals. Learn more with the Monitoring Student Progress tutorial.
- Set Weekly Goals: Establish achievable goals to maintain a steady pace and complete coursework within the desired timeframe, guided by the Setting Goals tutorial.
- Add Additional Users (Optional): If other family members need access to monitor your student’s progress, add them as additional monitors to help track student’s progress. If needed, follow the Register an Additional Parent tutorial.
- Adjust Courses: As your student completes classes, add new ones from “Progress Towards Graduation,” a page that displays the selections you made when creating the student’s Graduation Plan.
Action
Review your student’s progress daily and adjust the plan as needed if your student’s interests or desired courses change.
STEP 6
Apply for Graduation
Submit the graduation application for final review.
- Apply for Graduation: Once your student has completed the requirements on the plan, submit the application and pay the one-time $100 fee. Follow the Apply for Graduation tutorial.
STEP 7
Celebrate!
Congratulations to your student for their accomplishment and you for guiding them through this process! From here, the celebrations are up to you.
- Reserve Tickets for Commencement: To reserve a seat, please purchase a ticket to participate in a commencement ceremony as an Acellus Academy graduate. Guest tickets are available for family and friends to attend the ceremony.
