California State Seal of Biliteracy for 12th Grade Students

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Did you know that students who complete the Advanced Placement (AP) level in world language may qualify for the California State Seal of Biliteracy award? This award recognizes high school graduates who have attained a high level of proficiency in listening, speaking, reading, and writing in one or more languages, in addition to English.

Learn more about the significance of the Seal of Biliteracy through this video.

Seal of Biliteracy Requirements for Graduating Seniors Class of 2026

Demonstrate English proficiency through one of the following methods:

  • Complete all English Language Arts graduation requirements (40 credits) with an overall grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or above in those classes
  • Pass the California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress for English language arts administered in grade 11, at or above the “standard met” achievement level
  • Pass an English Advanced Placement (AP) examination with a score of 3 or higher (AP English Language and Composition, AP English Literature or Composition, or AP Seminar)
  • Score 480 or above on the Evidence-Based Reading and Writing section of the SAT

Additional Requirement for English Learners only:

  • In addition to the requirements mentioned above, students who are classified as English learners must attain an oral language composite score of level 4 on the English Language Proficiency Assessments for California (ELPAC)

Demonstrate advanced World Language proficiency through one of the following methods:

  • Successfully complete a course of study through 4th year in a world language at the high school or higher (i.e. CCSF Concurrent Enrollment) level, attaining an overall GPA of 3.0 or higher in that course of study, and demonstrate oral proficiency in the language comparable to that required to pass an AP or IB examination
  • Pass a world language AP examination with a score of 3 or higher
  • Pass a school district language examination that, at a minimum, assesses speaking, reading, and writing in a language other than English at the proficient level or higher (available in Arabic, Filipino, Korean, Russian, Samoan, or Vietnamese)

Please note: Students who meet requirements within SFUSD or through dual enrollment with CCSF do not need to apply or submit any documents to earn the Seal of Biliteracy.

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