Early graduation is an amazing opportunity for students to have. It allows students the option to work as much as possible, travel, or even move away and start their lives earlier. There are some things a student has to do to qualify for early graduation. For example, they must earn 28 credits by the end of the first semester of their senior year, have a viable reason for leaving, and prove that they’re either going to be working or starting college classes/apprenticeship/training. In addition to this, a student must get approval from their parents/guardians and then have an interview by the administration. Finally, the senior has to write an essay about what their plans are after high school, and prove they’re either working or in school. Then they just need to pass all their classes in the first semester!
Personally, I am graduating early to be able to work full time at Flat Creek as well as McDonalds and save money throughout the year to move out next August. I will be moving to Eau Claire to join the cosmetology program at Chippewa Valley Technical College (CVTC). My ultimate goal is to become a hair stylist as well as an esthetician.
Ruby Britton is also planning to graduate early this year. She wants to graduate early to work full time as a CNA at the hospital as well as the nursing home. She stated, “I mainly want freedom and to save up for moving out later in life.” Her plan is to live at home and commute to Northwood Tech in Rice Lake. “My end goal is to become a nurse and work in the trauma unit. I would also like to travel and live out west later in life.”
If you are interested in this opportunity for when you’re a senior, be sure to really be thoughtful about the classes you take when you’re scheduling this Spring. You’ll want to make sure all of your classes required for graduation are scheduled for the first semester of your senior year. Then just be sure to let guidance know that this is your plan so you can have all the pieces in place for success.