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ACADEMIC ELIGIBILITY FOR ATHLETICS
Policy 5.60
This policy is under review and is subject to change.

High School
A high school student must have a 2.0 cumulative grade point average (GPA) on a 4.0 unweighted scale, in the courses
required for high school graduation, at the conclusion of each semester to be academically eligible to participate in
interscholastic athletic programs during the next semester.

A student who is academically eligible at the beginning of a semester shall be eligible during the remainder of the
semester, except for lack of attendance, improper conduct that violates District and/or school rules, or other valid
reasons, which may cause the principal to declare the student ineligible before the end of the semester. Likewise, a
student who is academically ineligible at the beginning of a semester will continue to be academically ineligible for the
remainder of that semester.

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A student is limited to four (4) consecutive calendar years of eligibility from the date he/she begins 9 grade for the first
time. A student who reaches the age of 19 on or after September 1, and who has not exceeded his/her four-year limit
of eligibility, may participate in interscholastic athletics during that school year.

Middle School
Failure in more than one (1) subject during a given 9-week grading period shall cause a student to be ineligible for practice
and competition during the following 9-week grading period. The student needs a specified GPA of 2.0, and appropriate
conduct in accordance with District and/or school rules as determined by the principal, for the previous 9-week period.

A student shall be eligible for participation for three (3) consecutive years from the time the student first enters the 6
th
grade. Any student who has attained the age of 15 before September 1 of the current school year, may submit a hardship
waiver to the school’s athletic director to be considered for participation.

ACADEMICALLY CHALLENGING CURRICULUM TO ENHANCE LEARNING (ACCEL)

The School District of Palm Beach County provides unique learning opportunities and options for students on various
levels of learning. The ACCEL options provide academically challenging curriculum or accelerated instruction to eligible
public-school students in Kindergarten through Grade 12. The District has established eligibility requirements and
procedures. See the Student Progression Plans at: Student Progression Plans.

According to F.S. § 1002.3105, ACCEL options include, but are not limited to, the following:

▪ whole-grade and mid-year promotion;
▪ subject matter acceleration;
▪ virtual instruction; and
▪ Credit Acceleration Program (CAP).

Additional acceleration options may include, but are not limited to, Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics
(STEM) coursework, enrichment programs, flexible grouping, advanced academic courses, combined classes, self-paced
instruction, curriculum compacting, advanced content instruction, or telescoping curriculum. Parents and students should
contact the school for information concerning acceleration options and eligibility criteria.

FY24 Student and Family Handbook 6 | Page