In order to receive a diploma from St. Francis Central Coast Catholic High School, a student must earn a minimum of 230 course units, have a good record of citizenship and behavior, have participated in campus ministry activities each year of attendance (liturgies, retreats, services), and have maintained an active Christian Service Project each year of attendance.
The comprehensive four-year program of study offered at St. Francis is designed so that a graduate will have fulfilled all the course requirements necessary for application to the University of California, as well as those of virtually every major university and college across the nation. Each student is encouraged to take as challenging a course load as he/she can handle so as to increase his/her likelihood of successful competition for college entrance. Students are urged to take a third year of a modern language, a third year of laboratory science, and/or a fourth year of mathematics.
The following courses must be completed with passing grades:
| Subject | Semester Credits Needed |
| English | 40 | Theology Studies | 40 |
| Mathematics | 30 | Social Sciences | 30 |
| Modern Language | 20 | Laboratory Science | 20 |
| Physical Education/Health | 10 | Visual and Performing Arts | 10 |
230 semester credits are required for graduation from St. Francis High School. Students must also maintain a good record of citizenship and behavior. In addition, students must maintain and complete an active Christian Service Project. This requires a student to complete 20 hours of Christian service with one student chosen project each year, for a total of 80 hours required for graduation.
Freshmen, sophomores and juniors are required to take at least six periods per day each school semester, while seniors must take at least five, although many take six.
Awards at Graduation
Graduation grade awards are determined as follows: Second Honors: (silver tassel and cord) 3.00-3.49 average; First Honors: (silver tassel and silver stole) 3.50 or higher average.
Valedictorian and Salutatorian: The school recognizes two students from a graduating class as warranting special commendation. The valedictorian addresses the graduating class at its commencement ceremonies. He/she is chosen by the administration of the school according to specified criteria:
- the student's cumulative grade point average
- the strength of the student's academic schedule
- comments solicited from the student's teachers
- the degree to which the student displays the values and ideals of the school, both in class and outside of it
- the ability of the student to speak to a large audience
The valedictorian is not necessarily the student with the highest grade point average, as is the case at some schools.
The salutatorian is chosen by the administration of the school to offer a welcome at commencement exercises. He/she is selected according to the same criteria as that of the valedictorian.
The Sister Laura Goedken Award: The Board of Directors honors one student from the graduating class as the winner of the Sister Laura Goedken Award, as selected by the school administration. The award recognizes the one graduating student who best displays overall excellence at SFCCCHS.
The St. Francis Association Dominic Savio Award is selected by the administration and awarded by the St. Francis Association. This award honors the graduating senior who best displays the virtues of compassion, concern for others, and campus service.