Published October 1, 2026
By JADE GRANBERY
Three long-standing Carmel High School graduation requirements are being adjusted: The technology requirement has been eliminated, the community service requirement has been reduced, and beginning with the Class of 2030, passing the swim test will no longer be necessary to graduate.
These changes followed years of discussion among CHS counselors, administrators and teachers before a proposal was brought to the school board for approval in June. Staff worked to determine what changes would be necessary through reviewing California’s minimum graduation standards and University of California and California State University A-G requirements and comparing CHS with nearby districts.
The swim test, which requires students to swim four laps and tread water for 15 minutes, has long distinguished Carmel’s graduation requirements from other schools. The test dates back to the 1960s when teacher and swim coach Bob Walthour worked to make swimming proficiency a requirement after a student drowned at Carmel Beach. Although the test will no longer be required to graduate beginning with the Class of 2030, students will continue to complete the same swim curriculum and take the test as part of their physical education class.
“It’s necessary to give all students the opportunity to learn to swim proficiently,” says P.E. teacher Debbie French. “It’s also good to have a standard set, and I’m not sure removing the requirement was the right choice.”
CHS principal Libby Duethman attributes the decision to differences in students’ access to swimming opportunities outside of school.
“The problem is that not everyone took swim lessons or had access to a pool growing up,” says Duethman. “It’s not fair to expect the same from each student when that’s the case.”
Similar equity concerns were considered in the reduction of community service hours. In previous years, 60 hours, 15 hours per year on average, were required. Starting this year, the requirement is only 40 hours, or 10 per year. Duethman explains that the change was influenced by students’ varying access to volunteer opportunities as well as similar changes in other districts.
For some students, the reduction makes little difference.
“It’s not that difficult as long as you don’t fall behind,” says sophomore Neelima Solano Ramirez, who has already obtained nearly 200 hours from summer volunteering.
However, Duethman estimates that about half of seniors will still have a large number of hours left to complete when she checks their progress around January.
“If you’re a procrastinator, it’s not going to matter if it’s 60 or 40 hours,” says Duethman. “But for those people who really struggle to get the hours done…it will probably be a relief to them.”
Unlike the swim test and community service requirement, the technology requirement was reconsidered because CHS staff questioned whether it still served its original purpose.
Before every student received a school-issued Chromebook, students were required to complete a course that provided hands-on computer experience. Now that technology is integrated into students’ everyday work, the requirement has become outdated. It is also not included in California’s minimum graduation requirements, and there are no other districts in Duethman’s comparisons that maintain one.
Yet photography teacher Holly Lederle believes technology education remains important.
“As of right now, the requirement is not structured effectively,” says Lederle. “However, some kind of requirement with clear standards for what a ‘tech’ class should address could be helpful.”
Lederle explains that many students still lack adequate tech knowledge and suggests that a course covering how computers work and essential technology skills could replace the former requirement.
Removing the requirement could also potentially affect enrollment in technology-related courses. Classes like Video Production and Photography attract students due to their satisfaction of both the visual and performing arts and the technology requirement, and whether enrollment in these classes will drop significantly is unclear.
The district approved the first phase of changes, including the swim test, technology requirement and community service hours, in June. The school is considering a second phase that would examine other graduation requirements, though no additional changes have been executed.
