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Golden State Seal Merit Diploma Promotional Flyer

The Golden State Seal Merit Diploma (GSSMD) insignia is awarded jointly by the State Board of Education and the State Superintendent of Public Instruction to recognize students who have demonstrated mastery of the high school curriculum in at least six subject areas.

Each local educational agency that confers high school diplomas is required, by state law, to identify students who qualify and to affix the GSSMD insignia to the diploma and transcript of each qualifying graduate.

Approximately 60,000 graduates receive a GSSMD insignia affixed to their high school diploma each year.

Students must meet the eligibility requirements in the following subjects:

  • English-language Arts

  • Mathematics

  • Science

  • U.S. History

  • Two subject matter areas selected by the student

Additional information can be found on the Golden State Seal Merit Diploma web page

Questions:   Golden State Seal Merit Diploma | gssmd@cde.ca.gov | 916-319-0758
Last Reviewed: Tuesday, October 26, 2021
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