Graduation Requirements and Recommendations

A minimum number of credits is required in grades 9 - 12 to graduate from high school. Requirements are listed by year of graduation.

 

-Graduation Requirements-

Class

 2008 2009-2011 2012 and Beyond Required Minumum Course Credits for College Admission
English 3.5 3.5 3.5 4.0
(not recommended to use Drama for an English credit)
Mathematics 2.0 2.0 3.0 3.0 with minimum Integrated III
Science 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0-3.0
Social Studies 4.0 3.5 3.5 3.0 with minimum Integrated III
Fine, Visual, or Performing Arts 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0
Physical Education & Health 2.0 2.0 2.0  
Digital Communication Tools 1.0 0.5 0.5  
Occupational Ed. - 0.5 0.5  
Electives 7.5 6.0 5.0 **two years of one foreign language
Total Credits 23 21 21 **see individual college admission criteria


90 days = 1 Semester Class = .5 Credit
180 days = Year Long Class = 1.0 Credit
 

 

1.Credit Requirements: Students pass a required number of classes and earn credits in English, math, science (including one lab), social studies, health and fitness, visual or performing arts, occupational education and electives. Most school districts expect students to go above and beyond the state’s required 19 credits.

 

2. High School and Beyond Plan: Students develop a plan for meeting the high school graduation requirements and for connecting successfully to their next steps in life. A student’s plan should include the classes needed in preparation for a 2- or 4-year college, vocational or technical school, certificate program or the workforce.

 

3.Complete a Culminating Project: This integrated learning project helps students understand the connection between school and the real world. Some Samples include a portfolio collection, studying topics of interest, engaging in meaningful career internships, or developing in-depth projects to name a few. Some schools have students present their findings, for example, in a research paper, through a multi-media presentation to peers or to a school/community panel. In fact, many school districts already have activities in place that will count towards the culminating project graduation requirement.

 

4.Earn a Certificate of Academic Achievement or Certificate of Individual Achievement: The certificates tell families, schools, businesses and colleges that an individual student has mastered a minimum set of skills by graduation. Students earn the Certificate of Academic Achievement by meeting state reading, writing and math standards on the High School Washington Assessment of Student Learning (WASL) or on one of the Certificate of Academic Achievement Options (state-approved alternatives to the WASL). Students in special education programs who are unable to take the High School WASL can earn the Certificate of Individual Achievement by demonstrating their skills through a portfolio or a WASL designed for a different grade level.
Until 2013, students can still earn a diploma without one of the certificates if they:

 

 

     Note: These core requirements may exceed high school graduation requirements. Selected colleges may have further subject area requirements.
Specific institutions may have requirements particular to their school and programs. Individual college catalogs should be consulted for further information.
Applications for the public four-year Washington schools are available in the Counseling Center and online.
For private four-year institutions within the State of Washington, and for out-of-state schools, students must contact the Admissions Office of the college for an application or go online for an application.