Graduation Requirements for the Class of 2021 and Beyond

High School and Beyond Plan

The State of Washington requires all students to create a High School and Beyond Plan. Seattle Public Schools expects students entering grade 8 to begin to develop a 5-year plan including 4 years of high school courses, resume or activity log, and post high school career and college goals. The plan should be updated over time as the student develops high school plans. School counselors, staff and parents help students develop their individual plans in the district approved tools.

Service Learning

Seattle Public Schools requires students to complete 60 hours of service learning before graduation. Learn more about service learning.

State Exams

The class of 2021 and beyond, students are required to pass state determined exams or exam alternatives. State-approved alternatives are available for students that were not successful on their first attempt. Additional alternatives or modified assessments for students receiving special education services are available.

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24 Credits Minimum

24 credits are required for graduation earned from the below list of approved courses.1 The credit requirements are minimums both in terms of total credits required for graduation and for credits in the various subject areas.

English/Language Arts

Credits: 4.0
Required Courses: Select from approved core course offerings.
Note: Students should complete Intro to Lit & Comp 9, World Lit 10, Lit & Comp 11, Comp Lit 12 or approved content alternatives, such as AP or IB courses.

Social Studies

Credits: 3.0
Required Courses:
- World History 1, 2, and 3
- U.S. History 11A, 11B
- American Government
- Washington State History²Note: World History 2 and 3 courses will satisfy the state requirements for 1 credit in Current World Problems (CWP). American Government course will satisfy the state requirement for a .5 credit in Civics. Students must also complete an OSPI approved classroom-based assessment in civics in the eleventh or twelfth grade. RCW 28A.230.093 WAC 392-410-120 WAC 180-51-067

Mathematics

Credits: 3.0
Required Courses:
- Algebra I or Integrated Math
- Geometry or Integrated Math 2
- Algebra II
Note: Students should take Algebra I or Integrated Math 1, and Geometry or Integrated Math 2, Algebra 2 or earn credits in OSPI approved equivalent career and technical education (CTE) courses. RCW 28A.230.097 WAC 180-51-068 ³

Science

Credits: 3.0
Required Courses: Select from approved core course offerings³ .
Note: Students should complete Phys A/Chem A and Biology A & B.¹ At least two credits of the three science credits shall be in a laboratory science, the third credit may be chosen based on the students’ interest and may include a CTE science-equivalent course RCW.24A.305.130 RCW 28A.700.070 WAC 180-51-068 RCW 28A.230.010

Career Connected Learning

Credits: 1.0
Required Courses: Select from approved course offerings.
Notes: Career Connected Learning (CCL/CTE) credits may be earned in exploratory or preparatory CCL/ CTE classes and certain approved non-CCL/CTE courses. See official district course catalogue for approved courses.

Health & Physical Education

Credits: 2.0
Required Courses:
- Select from approved course offerings.
- 1.5 Physical Education
- .5 Health
Note: The performance component of Fitness (physical education) may be waived for specific reasons such as physical disability or other reason described in RCW 28A.230.050. However, the content knowledge requirement must be met by either course work in fitness education or completing the OSPI developed Concepts of Health and Fitness Assessment. RCW 28A.230.050; WAC 180-50-135; WAC 392-410-136; WAC 392-410-310; and WAC 392-410-340. Students must also complete an OSPI approved assessment in health during high school.

Fine Arts

Credits: 2.0
Required Courses: Visual or performing arts
Notes: Select from courses in fine, visual or performing arts or cross-credited CTE courses. 1 credit may be a Personalized pathway requirement³ WAC 180-50-068

World Language or Personalized Pathway

Credits: 2.0
Required Courses: Select from approved course offerings.³Notes: Personalized pathway requirements are related courses that lead to a specific post high school career or educational outcome chosen by the student based on the students’ interests and High School Beyond Plan.⁴World Languages are recommended for students planning on attending a 2 or 4-year college or university for admissions purposes.

Electives

Credits: 4.0
Required Courses: Any course other than the courses listed above.

TOTAL CREDITS

Credits: 24.0
Note: Official WA State transcripts provide a record of courses completed, credits, and grades.

₁_{Refer to WAC 180-51-067 and FAQS for guidance on approved course sequence and alternatives.}

_{2 Students who have completed and passed a state history and government course in another state may have the Washington state history and government requirement waived. The study of the United States and Washington State Constitutions required under RCW 28A.230.170 shall not be waived, but may be fulfilled through an alternative learning experience approved by the school principal.Additionally, eleventh and twelfth grade students who transfer from out of state, and who have or will have earned two credits in social studies at graduation, may have the Washington state history requirement waived by the principal if they would not be able to graduate with their class without such a waiver.}

_{3 The 3rd credit of science and the 3rd credit of math are chosen by the student based on the student's interest and High School and Beyond Plan, and approved by the parent or guardian, or if the parent or guardian is unavailable or does not indicate a preference, the school counselor or principal (WAC 180-51-068).}

_{4 Personalized Pathway Requirement are related courses that lead to a specific post high school career or educational outcome chosen by the student based on the student’s interests and High School and Beyond Plan, that may include Career and Technical Education or World Languages, and are intended to provide a focus for the student’s learning.}