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Seal of Biliteracy

Joliet Catholic Academy

Illinois State Seal of Biliteracy

Joliet Catholic Academy is proud to offer the Illinois State Seal of Biliteracy to seniors who demonstrate high proficiency in English and in at least one additional language. This state-recognized award appears on a student’s official transcript and is represented by a gold seal on the high school diploma.

The Seal of Biliteracy celebrates students who have attained advanced language skills and encourages continued language study at the college level and beyond.

What Is the Seal of Biliteracy?

The Seal of Biliteracy is an official designation awarded by the State of Illinois to students who reach Intermediate High or Above Proficiency in:

  • English, and
  • One additional language

Students who demonstrate proficiency slightly below the Seal of Biliteracy level may qualify for the Commendation Toward Biliteracy, which is also noted on the transcript.

Languages currently available for testing include:
French, Spanish, (other languages may be available by request.)

Why Earn the Seal?

Students who earn the Seal of Biliteracy receive the following benefits:

  • Gold seal on their JCA diploma
  • Transcript recognition sent to colleges and universities
  • Public acknowledgment at the Awards Ceremony at the Baccalaureate Mass
  • May earn college credit at Illinois public universities
  • Stronger college and scholarship applications
  • Increased career opportunities in a globally connected workforce

How Do Students Qualify?

By earning the Seal of Biliteracy, a student is demonstrating that they have a proficiency level of “Intermediate High” in 2 languages – English and a second language.  To earn the award, a student must meet requirements in both languages.    

For English, a student must score 480+ on the EBRW (evidence-based reading and writing) portion of the SAT or have an 18+ ELA score on the ACT.   

For the second language requirement, a student must earn a 4+ on the AP exam in the language or have an “Intermediate High” composite score on the STAMP exam, which assesses a student’s language skills in listening, reading, speaking, and writing.    

To receive the Commendation, the English requirements for this are the same, but the language requirement is a 3+ on the AP exam or “Intermediate Low” on the STAMP exam.

A complete list of updated assessments for the 2026-2027 school year is linked below.

Seal of Biliteracy Approved Assessments

How to Apply:

  1. Request the Seal of Biliteracy through your school counselor.
  2. Report or verify Your English Scores.
    JCA’s Seal of Biliteracy Coordinator will verify ACT, and AP English scores from school testing records. If a student retakes an exam, they must notify the coordinator so the updated score can be recorded.

3.      Register for the STAMPS World Language Exam.

    • STAMPS testing is offered during JCA’s scheduled test window in the Spring.
    • Cost: $40

Contact Information:

For questions about eligibility, testing, or the application process, please contact:

Kerri Voltz – School Counselor

815-741-0500 ext. 265