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High School, College, Career

Career and College Readiness

Helping students prepare for high school graduation and become college and career ready.

New District Guides for 2023-24 High School Course Registration!

The following documents provide an introduction to the Seattle Public Schools high school course registration process for the 2023-24 school year. They are designed to assist you in making informed, educational decisions in preparation for your future and to complement the information you receive from your high school.

About Career and College Readiness

The Seattle Public Schools strategic plan outlines the goal of all students prepared for college, career and life. We continue to focus on engaging our students in experiences and courses that prepare them for the future.  College and Career readiness exposes students to challenging course work, internships, knowledge of self and guides students to create an individual plan for post-secondary success. 

Students learn about themselves, their interests and the skills needed to be successful in any career. Students take courses and engage in internship, job shadows, career interest inventories, college level course work, and a variety of other activities in order determine their post-secondary plans. For some, that may include a 4-year degree, a professional certificate, military training, or an apprenticeship.

Through Career and Technical Education (CTE) courses, Seattle Skills Center, advanced coursework, and other learning experiences, our district is helping prepare students for life after high school graduation.

For many careers, college is a part of a students’ pathway. There are many steps students should take to be prepared for college. From College Level courses, or Running Start, to college admissions requirements, we have gathered some resources to help students learn about options that have during high school.

School Counseling and Guidance

Seattle Public Schools’ school counseling program provides comprehensive, developmental school counseling services that address the academic, career and social/emotional development of all students. The school counseling program supports student goal setting, perseverance, knowledge of self, understanding personal and community strengths and exploring careers. Learn more about school counseling and guidance.

Transition Services

Transition services, mandated for students with disabilities, are services above and beyond conventional high school classes that provide extra support for students who need assistance in preparing for college, in obtaining and sustaining employment, in independent living skills, and in other areas necessary to independent and successful adult life. Learn more about transition services.

High School Option Schools with Continuous Enrollment

Seattle Public Schools offers a number of option schools with continuous enrollment where students can learn and find great educators, strong academic programs and engaged community. Option schools with continuous enrollment are those other schools and services that are available to meet individual student needs throughout the year. Students may request assignment to one of these option schools and/or may be referred there and assigned individually as appropriate.

Unlike attendance area schools, students may transition into or out of continuous enrollment option schools during the school year. The annual timeline and deadlines for assignment to attendance area schools do not apply to option schools with continuous enrollment. Learn more about high schools with continuous enrollment.