Graduation from Legacy Academy is an honor, which has requirements each graduate must complete. Students are expected to gain a high level of academic mastery and personal development that equips them to become successful adults.

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Both public and private schools in Arkansas have the freedom to set the requirements for graduation. However, some institutions of higher education require students to take a minimum number of core academic courses. Legacy Academy includes the Arkansas Smart Core graduation requirements. Our additional standards reflect our values and prepare our students holistically for the next phase of their journey in life. Our Graduation Guide aims to provide a clear understanding of these requirements and the philosophy that undergirds them.

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Graduation Requirements include:

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Scholarship — Every Legacy Academy graduate must become a scholar. Academic mastery requirements for graduation are stringent. In addition, to the required 22 state credits for graduation, there are "local" credits required of Legacy students in order to graduate. Legacy Academy students must complete a minimum of 27.5 credits for graduation in accordance with the Graduation Guidelines.

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Character — Legacy Academy students must be in good standing with the demonstration of reputable and honorable character that is fitting for a young man or young woman being sent into the world to represent Legacy Academy, faith in Christ, and their families. Students will begin meeting with a member of the faculty assigned by the Head of School to review and consider the student's standing in character. To graduate students must not be on disciplinary probation or fail to gain a character promotion vote from 2/3 of the faculty members who teach that student. 

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Service — Legacy Academy graduates are expected to serve others and to build a life of service. Upper Level students must serve 400 hours between the summer before their freshman year and graduation. During the course of the service commitment, a minimum of 60% of the hours should be served inside of Legacy Academy, and a maximum of 80% inside of Legacy Academy. The remaining 20-40% of the hours must be served outside of Legacy Academy.

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Athletics — Health, wellness, and good stewardship of one's physical health is an important aspect of becoming a successful adult. Candidates for graduation must have participated in a physical education course or athletics every semester unless excused from doing so by the Head of School.

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Capstone — All graduates must complete a capstone project. This is an extensive two-year academic project. Students will typically select their Capstone project during their sophomore year and utilize their junior and senior years to complete the project. This type of investigative learning not only allows them to demonstrate their ability to research, learn, understand, master, and articulate a subject matter but it will also allow students to gain important experience in managing a long term project of this magnitude. You can learn more about the Capstone here.    

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Read the entire Graduation Guide HERE.

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Helpful Graduation Information:

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FRESHMAN YEAR:

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• Begin a running list of your honors, awards, participation in extracurricular activities.

• Begin tracking your Service Hours. Set a meeting with the Service Hours Coordinator.
  You may begin earning approved hours toward your service requirement the summer before your freshman year. Be sure your selected service hours are approved and keep your form updated with the Service Hours Coordinator.

• ​Take an ACT or SAT practice test.

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SOPHOMORE YEAR:​

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• Start tracking your transcript & your graduation requirements course list (bottom of page). This list can also be found in the LA Graduation Guide.

• Begin a running list of your honors, awards, participation in extracurricular activities.

• Visit the FAFSA4Caster site HERE to learn about projecting college costs and available assistance.

• Select your Capstone Project and begin working on it.

• Make a list of colleges you think you might have interest in.

• Make a list of all the things you might want to do after you graduate.

• Take the ACT or the SAT exam.

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JUNIOR YEAR: ​

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• Take the ACT or the SAT exam again!

• Create a short list of colleges you are interested in.

• Plan Spring visits (junior year) or Fall visits (senior year) to schools in which you have an interest.

• Review the list of Admission Requirements at the schools you are interested in.

• Over the summer after your Junior year, try to narrow down your selection.

• You can use the FAFSA4caster site and enter your college selection.

• Click HERE to learn more about the FAFSA.​

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SENIOR YEAR: ​

 

• Submit your FAFSA Application: To apply for federal student aid, such as federal grants, work-study, and loans, you need to complete the FAFSA form. Completing and submitting the FAFSA form is free, and it gives you access to the largest source of financial aid to help pay for college or career school. In addition, many states and colleges use your FAFSA information to determine your eligibility for state aid and school aid, and some private financial aid providers may use your FAFSA information to determine whether you qualify for their aid. 
  You can submit your FAFSA Form as early as October 1 the year prior to going to college.
  Click HERE to learn more about the FAFSA.

• Take any final campus visits in the Fall.

• Look up application deadlines and financial aid deadlines.

• Make application to the school of your choice.

• Meeting with LA Administration about local scholarships.

• If necessary, take a final ACT or SAT before the cut off date at your college (normally before February).

• Begin to gather any necessary documents listed by your college: letters of recommendation, transcript, etc.​

• Apply for the Arkansas Academic Challenge Scholarship: Check their website for all details including deadlines.

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