The Golden State Seal Merit Diploma (GSSMD) is an honors diploma awarded to California high school graduates who have demonstrated mastery of the high school curriculum in at least six subject areas. These subject areas include four mandatory core subjects: English Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, and U.S. History, plus two additional subject areas chosen by the student. To be eligible for the GSSMD, students must:

• Be eligible to receive a high school diploma.
• Demonstrate mastery in the required six subject areas. This mastery can be shown through achieving certain grades (usually B or above) or qualifying scores on designated exams based on the California Standards.

The diploma is awarded jointly by the California State Board of Education and the State Superintendent of Public Instruction. Eligible students receive a gold embossed seal on their high school diploma and a black-and-white seal on their transcript. The purpose of the GSSMD is to recognize students who have achieved a superior level of academic performance in the specified subjects, making it a valuable addition to resumes and college applications. No fee is charged to students for this award, and local educational agencies are responsible for maintaining records and affixing the seals to diplomas and transcripts. In summary, the Golden State Seal Merit Diploma is a special recognition for California high school students who excel in the state curriculum across multiple key subjects, signifying academic achievement beyond the standard diploma. This makes it both an honor and a useful credential for post-secondary opportunities. If you want specific eligibility criteria or how the mastery is demonstrated, I can provide that as well. Just let me know.