Golden State Seal Merit Diploma

Purpose of the Golden State Seal Merit Diploma

Golden State Seal Merit Diploma. Gold seal with California Poppy Flower awarded by the State Superintendent of Public Instruction and the State Board of Education.

Assembly Bill 3488, approved in July 1996, called for the development of the Golden State Seal Merit Diploma (GSSMD) to recognize public school graduates who have demonstrated their mastery of the high school curriculum in at least six subject areas, four of which are English language arts, mathematics, science, and U.S. history, with the remaining two subject areas selected by the student. The GSSMD is awarded jointly by the California State Board of Education (SBE) and the State Superintendent of Public Instruction (SSPI).  Local educational agencies affix the insignia to the diplomas of qualifying graduates.  The Golden State Seal of Merit is a valuable addition to résumés and college applications, as it demonstrates a high level of academic achievement and dedication.

(California Education Code Section 51454).

Golden State Seal Merit Diploma Eligibility

A student who graduates from high school must have demonstrated a superior level of scholastic performance in English, math, science, and U.S. History, plus two additional subject areas to be awarded the GSSMD.

The student must satisfy:

  1. English language arts/literacy (ELA)—students must have earned one of any of the following:
    1. A grade of B+ or above (or numerical equivalent) in a single course (each semester) completed in grade nine or ten or eleven
    2. An achievement level of “Standard Met” or above for the high school Smarter Balanced Summative Assessment
  2. Mathematics—students must have earned one of any of the following:
    1. A grade of B+ or above (or numeric equivalent) in a single course (each semester) completed in grade nine or ten or eleven
    2. An achievement level of “Standard Met” or above for the high school Smarter Balanced Summative Assessment
  3. Science—students must have earned one of any of the following:
    1. A grade of B+ or above (or numeric equivalent) in a single course (each semester) completed in grade nine or ten or eleven
    2. An achievement level of "Standard Met" or above for the high school California Science Test taken in grade ten or eleven
  4. U.S. History—students must have earned one of any of the following:
    1. A grade of B or above (or numerical equivalent) upon completion of the required U.S. history course (each semester)
    2. A qualifying score that demonstrates mastery of the subject on an Advanced Placement® (AP) exam
  5. Two additional subject areas—students may choose from any of the following:
    1. Any additional qualifying grade or score listed above, earned for the subject of ELA, mathematics, science, or U.S. history not already used to meet eligibility
    2. A grade of B or above (or numerical equivalent) upon the completion of high school courses in other subjects
    3. A qualifying score that demonstrates mastery of the subject on an Advanced Placement® (AP) exam

Golden State Seal Merit Diploma FAQ (external site)

If you have any further questions regarding the Golden State Seal Merit Diploma, please contact your school site directly.

Last Updated: October 23, 2023