O.C.G.A. § 20-2-281.1 (HB91) DIPLOMA PETITION FORM – Please read and follow all instructions carefully

An individual (hereinafter referred to as “Student”) no longer enrolled in a Georgia public school and who previously failed to receive a high school diploma in this state due solely to failing to achieve a passing score on one or more portions of the Basic Skills Test, the Georgia High School Graduation Tests (or its predecessor) or the Georgia High School Writing Test (or its predecessor) may petition the local board of education in which he or she was last enrolled to determine the Student’s eligibility to receive a high school diploma pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 20-2-281.1 based on the graduation requirements in effect when the Student first entered ninth grade.

To submit a petition for a diploma under O.C.G.A. § 20-2-281.1, please complete this petition form in its entirety, sign and submit electronically using instructions. Please also attach a scanned image of a government issued photo identification with this petition. If approved, your diploma will be mailed to the mailing address provided below. Please know that incomplete information may delay processing or result in a denial of the petition.

Student’s Current Contact Information

Additional Student Information- Provide Legal Name at the Time of High School Attendance

If not applicable type n/a





Authorization and Submission of this Petition and attached scanned image of government issued photo identification

Valid file types are .png / .jpg / .jpeg / .gif / .bmp and max size is 2MB







Frequently asked questions

What will happen next? We will review your request and begin reviewing your high school records to determine if you meet the following criteria:

  • previously enrolled Fulton County Schools’ student
  • who has met all graduation requirements except passing any of the below graduation tests*
    • Georgia High School Graduation Test
    • Georgia High School Writing Test
    • Basic Skills Test
    • *The law extends back to the first administration of the Basic Skills Test in 1981

When can I expect a decision regarding my petition for a high school diploma? Typically 45 business days; however, transcripts not maintained electronically may take longer to locate and provide and so it may take longer to get a decision.
**High school diplomas are custom ordered and may take longer than 45 business days to be received. Official transcripts will be mailed immediately after the petition is processed.

How will I be contacted? You will be contacted via e-mail provided or via U.S. postal service if necessary.

Who should I contact if I do not receive a response to my petition or have questions? If you have not received a response within 45 business days or still have questions following the submission of your petition, you may contact DiplomaPetition@fultonschools.org.

Will HB91 Candidates be allowed to participate in May 2015 or Summer 2015 Commencement? No, HB91 diploma candidates will not be allowed to participate in spring or summer graduation/commencement activities.

Which tests are included in the law? The law includes all subjects, forms and versions of the Georgia High School Graduation Tests (English Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies), Georgia High School Writing Test, and Basic Skills Tests (Reading, Mathematics, and Writing).

How far back does this law cover? The law covers all graduation tests, beginning with the Basic Skills Test which was administered to students who enrolled for the first time in grade 9 on or after July 1, 1981

Can a student who is no longer enrolled in a Georgia public school, and did not graduate for the sole reason that he or she did not pass all of the graduation tests, still receive a Georgia high school diploma? Yes, individuals no longer enrolled in a public school who were denied a high school diploma solely for not achieving a passing score on any of the graduation tests and met all other local and state requirements may submit a petition to the local school system to determine eligibility to receive a high school diploma under O.C.G.A. § 20-2-281.1.

Who will determine when all of the graduation requirements have been met? Answer: The local school system will make the final determination based on the state and local graduation requirements that were in effect when the student entered ninth grade.

Is there a deadline for petitioning the local board of education? Answer: No.

Can a special education student who was previously awarded a special education diploma or a certificate of completion only because he or she had not passed one or more sections of the graduation tests still be awarded a high school diploma? Yes, as long as all other state and local graduation requirements were met to qualify for an education diploma.