Dear Uxbridge High School Families and Students,

Last night, the Uxbridge School Committee approved our new Graduation Requirements. We are excited to present these, as they provide greater flexibility and support while maintaining our high academic standards. These changes reflect our commitment to providing multiple pathways to success while ensuring all graduates are well-prepared for their future endeavors. While the change to the MCAS requirement certainly contributed to the discussion, the time was right for us to investigate and revise our policy. These changes reflect our commitment to providing multiple pathways to success while ensuring all graduates are well-prepared for their future endeavors.

First, we want to be clear that while MCAS test scores are no longer a legal requirement for earning a diploma in Massachusetts, these remain an option for a student to demonstrate the competency determination. Testing is still a federal requirement, so students will still be required to take MCAS tests, and there remain other opportunities, such as the Seal of Biliteracy and the Adams Scholarship, that are tied to MCAS performance.

What is outlined below helps clarify some of the key changes to our policy, while also explaining the new CAPS Diploma.

New Competency Determination Options

Students now have two options to demonstrate their academic competency:

• Option A: Earning a score of "Meeting Expectations" or "Exceeding Expectations" on Science, English Language Arts, and Mathematics MCAS exams

• Option B: Successfully completing specific courses in these subjects, including but not limited to the following sequences:

  • English: All four years of ELA courses

  • Mathematics: Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II, and an additional math course

  • Science: Physics, Biology, and a third lab science course

There are other sequences that are available to students on the basis of special education team recommendations as well.

Enhanced Wellness Curriculum

Our wellness requirements have been updated to align with new state frameworks, offering a more comprehensive approach that includes health, wellness, family/consumer science, and physical education. (Note: These changes will not affect the Classes of 2025, 2026, or 2027.)

NEW: Uxbridge CAPS Diploma Opportunity

We are excited to introduce the Center for Advanced Professional Studies (CAPS) Diploma, an additional distinction available to students who go above and beyond our standard graduation requirements. Some may know that UHS is an affiliate of the international CAPS Network, which has enabled us to expand our own capacity in the world of post-secondary planning for students and partnerships with industry. It signifies specialized learning and achievement within a chosen career pathway, which involves not only technical and academic achievement, but a focus on real-world learning and skill development. To earn this special diploma, students must successfully complete at least four of these six criteria:

1. Meeting or exceeding expectations on all three MCAS exams

2. Completing technical requirements in a career pathway

3. Successfully completing at least one AP course

4. Completing a dual enrollment, early college, or articulated credit course

5. Earning an industry credential or achievement (such as the Seal of Biliteracy)

6. Completing an approved internship or Capstone project

Recognizing that this is the inaugural year for the CAPS Diploma, we want to make the application process as smooth as possible for our first cohort of eligible students. We hope that seniors in the Class of 2025 who believe they are eligible for the CAPS Diploma fill out the CAPS Diploma Eligibility Form, after which a conversation with their counselor will take place. 

These changes reflect our commitment to providing a more personalized and flexible approach to education while maintaining high standards. We believe these updates will better serve our diverse student population and prepare them for success in college, career, and life.

We plan on posting some explanatory videos and even hosting a virtual information session for those who may be interested. In addition, we have a course selection presentation on Thursday, March 6, 2025 at 6:30 p.m., and we will be sharing some of these details at this as well. The Google Meet link for that meeting is: meet.google.com/nkq-qnhn-tzq. In the meantime, if you have any questions about these changes, please do not hesitate to reach out to our guidance department or administration. 

 

Sincerely,

Dr. Michael Rubin

Principal, Uxbridge High School