The changes better align high school courses students choose with their future goals. The changes: 

• reflect our commitment to preparing students for a rapidly evolving world, and
• are statewide, as required by the Kansas State Department of Education.

The changes take effect with the Class of 2028.

The overall credit requirement at Central and South high schools will not change, it remains 24 credits. The changes include:

• A computer credit requirement is eliminated for the class of 2028. A STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) reqirement is added for the class of 2028. 
• Students will be required to pass financial literacy.
• 6.5 electives are still required.
• Students will be required to demonstrate two or more postsecondary assets from academic, career or real-world categories.

No, the overall number of elective credits remains 6.5. 

Previously, a computer credit was required. This requirement was replaced by a STEM elective, offering students a broader range of options.

STEM elective credit can consist of the following:

• Any advanced math course not being used to meet a math credit requirement
• Any advanced science course not being used to meet a science credit 
• requirement
• Many CTE courses. For a list of specific courses that meet the STEM requirement, please view the Enrollment Guide located in the Counseling/Enrollment section of your student's buildings website.
  • CHS Enrollment Guide page
  • SHS Enrollment Guide page
  • SVIA Enrollment Guide page

SPS students are currently required to enroll in Financial Literacy. Moving forward with the Class of 2028, SPS students would now be required to enroll and pass the course. Financial literacy is crucial for navigating the complexities of adult life.

Postsecondary assets are achievements or experiences in academic, career, or real-world contexts that prepare students for success beyond high school. This requirement reflects our commitment to fostering well-rounded individuals who are prepared for diverse post-graduation pathways.

Academic assets include:

• 9+ College Hours
• Completing Kansas Scholars Curriculum
• ACT Composite (Score of 21 or Higher)
• Advanced Placement Exam (3+)
• WorkKey Levels (Silver or Higher)
• SAT Score (1060 or Higher)
• ASVAB Per Requirements of Military Branch Selected
• State Assessment Scores of 3 or 4 for Math, ELA and Science

Career and Real-World assets include:

• Two or More High School Athletics/Activities
• 40 or More Community Service Hours
• 95% Attendance in High School
• Client-Centered Projects
• Youth Apprenticeships
• CTE Scholar
• Workplace Learning Experience Directly Related to Student’s IPS
• State-Level Career and Technical Student Organization (CTSO Officer)
• Seal of Bi-Literacy
• Industry-Recognized Certification
• Eagle Scout or Gold Scout
• 4-H Kansas Key Award
• Senior Project or Senior Exit Interview

Parents and guardians can:

• Get in contact with your student’s counselor by calling the school. CHS:  785-309-3500, SHS: 785-309-3700, SVIA: 309-4369
• Attend parent-teacher conferences and ask about your student’s IPS.
• Ask your student to show you their Xello account. This contains vital information about your students, career interests, four year course plan, and postsecondary plans. The student can add parents/guardians to their Xello account by sharing their Xello account, using a parent/guardian email address.
• Ensure your student is updating his/her Xello account: in middle school, this occurs in Career & Life Class and Social Studies class; in high school, this occurs during Advisory period, or ELO. This will help   keep track of what the student did for athletics, activities, awards, volunteering, etc. (Students have access to their Xello account for 10 years after they graduate, provided that a personal Gmail account is added to Xello.)

No. Students and parents/guardians will still have the option to learn about FAFSA but SPS is not requiring students to apply for financial aid. 

Every October, both high schools host a parent/guardian information night regarding FAFSA. In the future, students will also learn about this during their future Financial Literacy course as a part of our revised curriculum.

Parents/guardians are also able to reach out to a student counselor for support: 

• CHS:  785-309-3500
• SHS: 785-309-3700
• SVIA: 785-309-4369

Yes. The updated graduation requirements will be applied to all students in SPS.

The school will provide comprehensive guidance through counseling services, informational sessions, and collaboration with teachers and advisors. We are dedicated to helping each student successfully navigate these requirements and achieve their academic and career aspirations.

Absolutely! We will be organizing informational sessions and providing written materials to keep parents informed about the changes, their implications, and how they can support their children in meeting the new graduation requirements.