Maine Department of Education Diploma
Occasionally, in spite of everyone's best collaborative efforts and support, and due to circumstances beyond control, educational interruptions become a barrier to meeting local graduation requirements for a student.
Maine education statutes (MRS 20-A §257-A, sub-§1-A) make special provisions for a 4th-year secondary school student who is unable to obtain a locally awarded diploma due to a significant interruption of education, if they can provide evidence that they have fulfilled the minimum state requirements.
- English — four (4) years or the equivalent in standards achievement
- Social Studies & History — two (2) years or the equivalent in standards achievement, including American history, government, civics, and personal finance
- Mathematics — two (2) years or the equivalent in standards achievement
- Science — two (2) years or the equivalent in standards achievement, including one year of laboratory study
- Fine Arts — one (1) year or the equivalent in standards achievement
Disruption Eligibility
"Education disruption" means disruption of the educational program of an elementary or secondary school student as a result of:
- Homelessness, foster care placement, or another housing disruption.
- Absence for more than 10% of the school days in a school year due to unforeseen circumstances, including but not limited to placement in an interim program, unplanned hospitalization, or serious medical condition.
- Enrollment in 2 or more schools or educational programs during the student's secondary school education.
- The student's being an immigrant student or a migrant student.
A student is also eligible to apply for a Department of Education diploma if they are a 4th-year secondary school student unable to satisfy the requirements for a diploma from a school administrative unit because they experienced a significant interruption to their education as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and civil emergency.
Please note: The COVID-19 pandemic-related diploma was initially set to automatically expire on September 1, 2026, but has been extended indefinitely as a result of LD 628, "An Act Regarding Eligibility to Apply for a Department of Education Diploma."
For definitions related to the diploma program, see §5161. Definitions.
Prior to Applying
It is critical, when students experience an educational interruption, that everyone involved with the student is committed to keeping them on a pathway toward graduation. If you believe you, or a student in your care, is eligible to receive the Maine Department of Education Diploma, you will need to complete the following before submitting the application.
- Determine whether you are able to meet the diploma requirements in your local school district.
- If you are unable to meet those requirements, have your transcripts reviewed by a school or district employee — the school principal or school counselor, for example, would be able to assist. Note the name and contact information of the individual.
- The school or district employee, when reviewing transcripts, should ensure completed courses meet the minimum requirements under 20-A MRS §4722.
- Have a letter drafted on school/district letterhead verifying that:
- you are unable to meet the diploma requirements in your local school district due to the applicable significant interruption of education;
- your transcripts demonstrate meeting the requirements under 20-A MRS §4722 for a Maine Department of Education Diploma;
- you have completed your 4th year as a secondary school student.
Apply
The application for a Maine Department of Education Diploma is available online:
Educational Disruption Diploma Application
Note: In the past, a separate application was used for disruption due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The same application is now used regardless of the cited disruption.
Documentation & Supporting Materials
Within the online application there is the ability to upload files for supporting materials. Documentation includes a letter on school or district letterhead noting the student's name, specifying the cited disruption (for example, Foster Care) that has prevented the student from obtaining a locally awarded diploma, confirming that they have completed at least 4 years of secondary school instruction, and that they have met the minimum state requirements. Transcripts are required for all applications regardless of which disruption occurred.
To reduce delays in evaluating applications, please identify in the letter which courses on the transcript meet the following minimum requirements for a high school diploma:
- English: 4 years or the equivalent in standards achievement
- Social studies and history (including American history, government, civics, and personal finance): 2 years or the equivalent in standards achievement
- Mathematics: 2 years or the equivalent in standards achievement
- Science (including at least one year of laboratory study): 2 years or the equivalent in standards achievement
- Fine arts (which may include art, music, forensics, or drama): 1 year or the equivalent in standards achievement
Note: Publicly funded students enrolled at private secondary schools require additional documentation.
Contact
Jason C. Libby, Ph.D.
Education Pathways and Early College Coordinator
Email: Jason.Libby@maine.gov