With the Keystone Exams fast approaching on October 1, some students are reexamining their options when it comes to fulfilling graduation requirements due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The Keystone Exams, typically taken after a student completes Algebra I, English 10  Literature, or Biology, are used to show a student’s proficiency in their respective courses.  Though the majority of students at Manheim Township complete the Keystones to graduate, three of the five pathways to graduation in Pennsylvania do not require students to sit these exams. 

If a student wishes to opt-out of their Keystone exams for any reason, they must send a written request to Mr. John Loose, high school assistant principal, prior to September 28. This request must be written to the attention of Superintendent Dr. Robin Felty, and must include the student’s full name, grade level, and which Keystone Exam(s) they are set to take. The request must also include a parent/guardian signature, address, and phone number. 

In Pennsylvania, there are five set pathways students can follow to obtain their high school diploma. 

Pathway one consists of a student completing their Algebra I, Literature and Biology keystone exams and scoring either proficient or advanced on all three. 

Pathway two also requires that a student completes the Algebra I, Literature, and Biology Keystone Exams, but with a composite score of at least 4452. Said student must achieve a minimum of one “Proficient” score and no less than a “Basic” score on the other two. 

Pathway three requires that a student passes their KS courses (Algebra I, Literature, and Biology) and attains one of the following:

• Acceptance into a 4-year nonprofit college or university
• A pre-apprenticeship program
• Success on one of the following alternate assessments:
  • SAT, PSAT, ACT, ASVAB
  • A gold level on the ACT WorkKeys Assessment
  • An Advanced Placement or International Baccalaureate exam of the same subject

Pathway four, for CTC students, requires that they pass their Keystone courses along with successful completion of CTC coursework and related certification exams. 

A student who does not qualify for pathways 1-4 must fulfill separate requirements in Pathway five relating to their specific situation. 

More information on the Pennsylvania pathways to graduation can be found here.