A diploma seal is a special endorsement that recognizes a student for a certain accomplishment.
In SUSD, students have the opportunity to earn a Fine Arts Seal, Finance Seal, and/or the Seal of Biliteracy. An official seal will be affixed to a student's diploma if they earn either of these endorsements. Accomplishments are also noted on a student's high school transcript. Please see below for more information.
Scottsdale Unified School District is excited to offer the Seal of Arts program to eligible seniors. This program is designed to recognize high school students who complete arts pathway requirements throughout their high school career. The seal is placed on the student’s diploma, noted on the transcript, and students will be recognized at graduation.
The following are required for a student to qualify for SUSD's Fine Arts Diploma Seal:
Since 2018, Scottsdale Unified School District (SUSD) has proudly offered the Arizona Seal of Biliteracy to graduating seniors who demonstrate proficiency in English and at least one additional language. This prestigious recognition is:
Placed on the student’s diploma
Noted on the transcript
Celebrated at graduation
What Is the Seal of Biliteracy?
The Arizona Seal of Biliteracy honors students who achieve high levels of language proficiency in English and another world language. Over 30 states have adopted this program to promote multilingualism and global citizenship.
Second Language Testing
SUSD awards the Seal using Avant STAMP 4S testing for the following languages:
Arabic
French
German
Hebrew
Hindi
Italian
Japanese
Korean
Mandarin (Traditional or Simplified)
Polish
Portuguese (Brazilian)
Russian
Spanish
Students must receive a score of 5 in all components of the Stamp test.
PLEASE NOTE that Category III/IV Languages (languages with significant linguistic and/or cultural differences from English) require different scores than the Category I/II counterparts (languages similar to English).
For Category III/IV languages (those significantly different from English), students may qualify with a score of 4 in each domain of the STAMP test instead of 5.
SUSD also recognizes AP and IB scores which must be taken prior to Senior year to be recognized at graduation:
Spanish, French, and Russian | Category I-III Languages
AP: Attain a score of 3 or higher
IB: Attain a score of 4 or higher for HL and 5 or higher for SL
Mandarin Chinese and Japanese | Category IV Languages
AP: Attain a score of 3 or higher
IB: Attain a score of 4 or higher for HL and 5 or higher for SL
How to Pursue the Seal
Option 1: Enrolled in Level IV Language Course
No testing fee
Prepare with your language teacher
Option 2: Not Enrolled in Level IV
Coordinate with your school’s World Language Department
Pay $20 at the bookstore to register
Testing occurs mid to late January
English Proficiency Requirement: Students must have a qualifying English test score to meet the requirement. 👉 Learn more about accepted scores
Other Requirements:
Students must take 4 years of ELA courses
Students must have an overall 2.0 GPA in ELA classes on a 4.0 scale
Application Process
Students must apply for the Seal no later than April 1 of their senior year. This allows for all scores to be verified and input. There will be no exceptions. The links are below-
Please input as much information as possible to ensure processing. If you have not yet taken the STAMP, include the anticipated testing date. If you are using the ACT or SAT, please upload ELA proficiency scores if possible.
Deadline: Students can complete the Google form at any time. However, there is a hard and final deadline of April 1st of senior year to submit all documentation. It is the student's responsibility to submit the form and be aware of the criteria required to receive the Seal.
Scottsdale Unified School District is excited to offer the Seal of Arts program to eligible seniors. This program recognizes high school students who achieve a high level of proficiency in Civics. The seal is placed on the student’s diploma, noted on the transcript, and students will be recognized at graduation.
Requirements include:
3.0 GPA in Social Studies classes
Pass the Arizona Civics Test
Complete three Civic Learning Activities
Complete 30 Hours of Civic Engagement Activities
Complete a Written Reflection
Click here for more information from the Arizona Department of Education.
The seal is noted on transcript and provided for placement on diploma. The seal is placed on the student's diploma and noted on the transcript up to 90 days after graduation.
Scottsdale Unified School District is proud to offer the Seal of Personal Finance. Learn below how your student can qualify for this diploma (signifier).
This program recognizes students who have attained a high level of proficiency in Personal Finance at the time of graduation. Proficiency is determined by completion of a set of Arizona State Board of Education - approved tasks.
Requirements include:
Click here for more information from the Arizona Department of Education.
The seal is noted on transcript and provided for placement on diploma. The seal is placed on the student's diploma and noted on the transcript up to 90 days after graduation.
3.0 GPA in Social Studies classes
B or better in personal finance coursework
10 hours of extracurricular work in personal finance
College & career readiness tasks (ECAP, FAFSA, or CTE certification)
