Academic and performance requirements to obtain a diploma from Hawaiʻi public high schools—from the basics to honors recognition—with information about the Personal Transition Plan that is required of all students.

milestones to graduation

High school graduation requirements in Hawaiʻi public schools set a rigorous standard of learning that enables all students to:

• Realize their individual goals and aspirations.
• Possess the attitudes, knowledge, and skills necessary to contribute positively and compete in a global society.
• Exercise the rights and responsibilities of citizenship.
• Pursue post-secondary education and/or careers without need for remediation.

Students who demonstrate proficiency in academics and General Learner Outcomes​ in the required courses shall receive a high school diploma.

• View Graduation Requirements
• Seal of Biliteracy requirements​

Personal Transition Plan

The Personal Transition Plan (PTP) (PDF) is a graduation requirement for all Hawaiʻi public high school students. It is an individualized plan that helps students identify their goals and prepare for life after high school, whether that includes postsecondary education, career and technical training, military service, or entering the workforce. 

The PTP is developed and updated throughout high school through a collaborative process involving the student, their parent(s)/guardian(s), and school personnel to support a successful transition to adult life.  

Guidelines

The PTP supports the Vision of a Hawaiʻi Public School Graduate by helping students become lifelong learners who are globally competitive and locally committed. Graduates will:

• Apply academic knowledge and an innovative mindset to think critically, communicate effectively, and create impactful contributions in the pursuit of excellence. 
• Be resilient and adaptable to an ever-changing world. Graduates will take initiative in charting their next steps to advance their life journey, such as pursuing postsecondary education, careers, entrepreneurship, service, or exploration. 
• Cultivate well-being and compassion, care for self and others, and build deep roots in Hawaiʻi to fulfill their kuleana and strengthen their community.

The core components of a successful PTP include:

1. Goal-setting and progress monitoring
2. Career and educational exploration
3. Course planning
4. Career portfolio development
5. Student self-evaluation

Grade-Level Benchmarks

Grade 9

• Explore self-awareness and personal development.
• Set initial education/career goals.
• Begin a career portfolio.

Grade 10

• Revisit goals and career options.
• Assess post-secondary plan progress. 
• Update career portfolio.
• Deepen exploration of resources.

Grade 11

• Continue goal refinement.
• Analyze workforce trends.
• Prepare for job interviews.
• Update career portfolio.

Grade 12

• Finalize post-secondary plan.
• Complete personal statement.
• Complete professional resume.

Awarding of Credit

0.50 credit shall be issued at the end of the first semester of the terminal year and noted on the student’s official transcript as either credit or no credit for meeting the elements of the PTP.

​Subject Matter Standards

A list of the standards that the Department uses to ensure students are being exposed to rigorous and age-appropriate benchmarks of learning. Standards are not curriculum, but expectations of what students should know and be able to do at each grade level.