What if you could finish high school months ahead of schedule? While most seniors at San Marcos High School are currently transitioning into their last semester, a select group of students is already closing their high school chapter long before their caps and gowns are handed out in June. Whether they are getting an early start on their college education, entering the workforce, or simply ready for something new, these students have chosen to take a different path. But what does it really mean to graduate early?
At San Marcos High School, the number of mid-year graduates fluctuates each year, typically ranging from 30 to 60 students. This year, the list totals 32 students who chose the mid-year path. According to assistant principal Alex Sheldon, the decision to graduate early typically begins in a student’s junior year. As a junior, you plan your courses for the next year, and it is during this time that you should ideally communicate with your counselor about your intent to graduate early. This allows counselors to ensure students enroll in the necessary courses to fulfill graduation requirements by the end of the fall semester. However, last-minute decisions are sometimes possible.
“If you came to us in August and said, ‘I want to be a mid-year graduate,’ if we can make it work, we probably would,” Sheldon said. “But if we couldn’t, we’d have to say sorry.”
Graduating early comes with both benefits and drawbacks, depending on a student’s goals after high school. Many students take advantage of the opportunity to start college early, while others benefit from the ability to work full-time—sometimes even combining both. Many mid-year graduates move on to Santa Barbara City College, which offers free tuition through the SBCC Promise program.
Despite graduating early, mid-year graduates are still invited to participate in many senior activities.
“They’re obviously going to walk in June, they can go to prom, they can do all the senior activities during the last week of school, and they can go to Disneyland for Grad Night,” Sheldon confirmed.
However, one major restriction is that mid-year graduates cannot participate in winter or spring sports. As soon as students graduate, they are done; they can no longer participate in school activities. Since winter sports extend beyond the fall semester and spring sports last through the end of the school year, mid-year graduates must forgo athletic participation in these sports and can only compete in a fall senior season.
With all of this in mind, what does life actually look like for these mid-year graduates? Each one has their own unique reason for leaving early and their own plans for what comes next. Here is a look at a few of their stories.
Shane Johnson:
For some, early graduation offers a chance to get a head start at their future. Shane Johnson is currently balancing three jobs—working at In-N-Out, refereeing at Friday Night Lights events, and doing cleaning work—all while continuing to assist with stagecraft for the school musical. Though his schedule seems packed, it is actually very intentional, as he is focused on saving up for college in the fall.
Johnson, who continues to be involved in the stage crew, shared how the experience became more than just building sets but about the sense of community that came with creating something together.
“I have tons of friends there and theater has been something I have been able to do outside of school for a while which is cool,” Johnson said.
Suleima Mateo Ibarra:
For Suleima Mateo Ibarra, choosing to graduate early was the best decision she could have made. With all of her A-G requirements completed, she saw an opportunity to move forward. Now, with high school behind her, Suleima plans to work until late August. This time will allow her to gain valuable experience working with people while also saving money to help cover her college expenses.
Looking back on her time at San Marcos, she cherishes the happy memories she made with her friends. Lunch periods spent with her two best friends from elementary school were among her favorite moments, and she’s grateful for the new friendships she built along the way. She also appreciates the incredible teachers who supported her throughout her four years.
“I’m grateful for every single person I met at SM and for the friendships that continue to grow,” Mateo Ibarra reflected.
Dodge Rivadeneyra:
For Dodge Rivadeneyra, the decision to graduate early was a mix of practicality and passion. With all his required classes completed in the first semester, the thought of spending another term in electives he was not excited about—like French 1 and Color & Design—did not appeal to him. Instead, the chance to start community college early and dive into music classes was far more exciting.
“I also had woodshop, and I liked woodshop,” Rivadeneyra admitted, “but ultimately, I wanted to focus on music.”
Now enrolled at SBCC, he is getting a head start on his general education courses, which means that after this semester, he’ll be able to focus entirely on music.
“I’ll be in music classes all day long, which will be awesome,” he said.
Additionally, finishing high school early gives him more time to work and save money for his education after community college.
When asked about what he will miss most about San Marcos, he acknowledges the great teachers and supportive friends who made high school enjoyable. Specifically, one of his most cherished memories is playing on the volleyball team.
“The team was always really fun and supportive,” he recalled. “Honestly, the only reason I considered staying at SM was for volleyball, but with so many seniors graduating last year, it wasn’t quite the same.”
Despite moving on, he holds onto fond memories of tournaments and time spent with his teammates.
Will Mauldin:
Though high school can be a rewarding experience, for Will Mauldin, the rigid structure felt stifling and repetitive. While he enjoyed senior year, the routine of waking up early and attending school every day was exhausting.
“No amount of socializing could justify having to get up and go every single day,” Mauldin explained.
Instead, he decided to look ahead to the future and take a different path.
Since leaving San Marcos, he has already begun taking classes at SBCC. As a result, he has discovered that learning is much easier when he has control over his schedule and chooses to be there, rather than being required to attend. Beyond academics, he is balancing work and enjoying the newfound freedom that comes with an early graduation.
Reflecting on his time at San Marcos, Mauldin values the people he met the most—both fellow students and faculty.
“I met some remarkable people at SM and I learned so much from them, and that, for me, is my biggest takeaway,” said Mauldin.
He gives a special shoutout to the school’s librarians, who left a lasting impression on his high school experience.
Kira Beban:
Kira Beban initially planned on graduating early. However, at the last minute decided to change her mind.
“I initially wanted to graduate mid year because I couldn’t figure out what classes to take in the spring. I also liked the idea of being able to dedicate more time to work and extracurricular activities that I haven’t had as much time for while being a student. However, as the end of the first semester grew closer, I found myself becoming upset by the idea that I wouldn’t be able to see my friends everyday anymore, and that I would potentially be missing out on memories I could be making with them,” said Beban
“ I’m looking forward to spending this time with the friends that I already have, as well as making new friends. I’m also excited about the classes that I decided to take, as I have been enjoying them so far,” she concluded.
The stories of these mid-year graduates highlight the many different reasons students choose to leave high school early—and the unique paths they take afterward. No matter where they go next, the experiences and connections they built at San Marcos High School will continue to shape their futures.
