Graduation Requirements

English – 4 Credits

– Introduction to Literature & Composition 9

– World Literature & Composition 10

– American Literature & Composition 11, Ethnic Studies Lit and Comp 11, African, Asian, Latinx, or Native American Lit & Comp 11, AP Language, IB Lang & Lit 11, or Running Start/College in the High School English

– Comparative Literature & Composition 12, AP Literature, IB Lang 12, or Running Start/College In the High School English

Social Studies – 3 Credits

– World History 1

– World History 2, Ethnic Studies WH 2, AP World History 1, or AP Human Geo A

– World History 3, Ethnics Studies World History 3, AP World History 2, or AP Human Geo B

– U.S. History, or Ethnic Studies US History, IB History of the Americas, AP US History, CIHS AES 151, or CIHS 147 & 148

– American Government, IB 20th Century, AP US Government & Politics

– Washington State History

Mathematics – 3 Credits

– Algebra 1

– Geometry   

– Algebra 2, IB Math SL Year 1, Financial Algebra, CIHS Bus 130, Math 107, Modeling our World, a more advanced course in the math sequence, or an approved CTE math course.

Science – 3 Credits

– Phys A/Chem A

– Biology

– Phys B/Chem B or Select from approved core course offerings or OSPI approved equivalent career and technical education (CTE) courses.

Career Connected Learning(CTE) – 1.0 Credits

– Select from approved course offerings.  CTE credits may be earned in Exploratory or Preparatory CTE classes and certain approved non-CTE courses. CTE graduation pathway courses must be in a single program of study or a pre-approved career pathway. For more information contact CTE.

Physical Education – 1.5 Credits

– Personal Fitness

– Select from approved course offerings.

Health – .5 Credits

– Health, Family Health

Health may not waived. See Policy 2024 FAQs for Out of District Policy.

Visual or Performing Arts – 1.0 to 2.0 Credits

– Select from approved course offerings.

1.0 credits may be a part of the personalized pathway requirement. The PP may change overtime based on the students educational or career goals in the High School and Beyond.

Personal Pathway Requirement (World Languages, Combinations of courses that meet career goals.)- 2.0 to 3.0 Credits

– Select from approved course offerings.

Personal Pathway are courses that lead to a specific post-high school educational or career goal chosen by the student. Personal pathway may change over time.

World Languages are recommended for students planning on attending a 2 or 4-year college or university for admissions purposes. These may be taken as a part of the personal pathway or elective credits.

Electives – 4.0 Credits

– Elective credits are any courses not listed as part of the core courses listed above. Example: 4th credit of math or science, 3rd credit of world language.

Total- 24 Credits

Students must complete at least one Graduation Pathway but are encouraged to complete as many as align with their career and educational goals.

High School and Beyond Planning is a state requirement which helps students walk through the process of goal setting, future planning and self assessment. Students learn about their learning styles, career interests and they are asked to consider how the courses they select support their career goals. Additionally, students learn about college costs and selecting a college that meets the students needs.  Students are encouraged to change their goals and plans as they move towards graduation to include their new interests and knowledge. 

As a part of our High School and Beyond Plan, our students use Naviance to explore colleges and career paths, analyze skills and talents and help them stay on track to reach academic goals. Naviance fosters post-high school planning communication and collaboration for students, school counselors and families. Learn more about Naviance.

Seattle Public Schools requires students to complete 60 hours of service learning before graduation. Through service-learning students apply their academic skills and knowledge in real-life settings. Contact individual schools for specific information.

English – 4 Credits

– Introduction to Literature & Composition 9

– World Literature & Composition 10

– American Literature & Composition 11, Ethnic Studies Lit and Comp 11, African, Asian, Latinx, or Native American Lit & Comp 11, AP Language, IB Lang & Lit 11, or Running Start/College in the High School English

– Comparative Literature & Composition 12, AP Literature, IB Lang 12, or Running Start/College In the High School English

Social Studies – 3 Credits

– World History 1

– World History 2, Ethnic Studies WH 2, AP World History 1, or AP Human Geo A

– World History 3, Ethnics Studies World History 3, AP World History 2, or AP Human Geo B

– U.S. History, or Ethnic Studies US History, IB History of the Americas, AP US History, CIHS AES 151, or CIHS 147 & 148

– American Government, IB 20th Century, AP US Government & Politics

– Washington State History

Mathematics – 3 Credits

– Algebra 1

– Geometry   

– Algebra 2, IB Math SL Year 1, Financial Algebra, CIHS Bus 130, Math 107, Modeling our World, a more advanced course in the math sequence, or an approved CTE math course.

Science – 3 Credits

– Phys A/Chem A

– Biology

– Phys B/Chem B or Select from approved core course offerings or OSPI approved equivalent career and technical education (CTE) courses.

Career Connected Learning(CTE) – 1.0 Credits

– Select from approved course offerings.  CTE credits may be earned in Exploratory or Preparatory CTE classes and certain approved non-CTE courses. CTE graduation pathway courses must be in a single program of study or a pre-approved career pathway. For more information contact CTE.

Physical Education – 1.5 Credits

– Personal Fitness

– Select from approved course offerings.

Health – .5 Credits

– Health, Family Health

Health may not waived. See Policy 2024 FAQs for Out of District Policy.

Visual or Performing Arts – 1.0 to 2.0 Credits

– Select from approved course offerings.

1.0 credits may be a part of the personalized pathway requirement. The PP may change overtime based on the students educational or career goals in the High School and Beyond.

Personal Pathway Requirement (World Languages, Combinations of courses that meet career goals.)- 2.0 to 3.0 Credits

– Select from approved course offerings.

Personal Pathway are courses that lead to a specific post-high school educational or career goal chosen by the student. Personal pathway may change over time.

World Languages are recommended for students planning on attending a 2 or 4-year college or university for admissions purposes. These may be taken as a part of the personal pathway or elective credits.

Electives – 4.0 Credits

– Elective credits are any courses not listed as part of the core courses listed above. Example: 4th credit of math or science, 3rd credit of world language.

Total- 24 Credits

Students must complete at least one Graduation Pathway but are encouraged to complete as many as align with their career and educational goals.

High School and Beyond Planning is a state requirement which helps students walk through the process of goal setting, future planning and self assessment. Students learn about their learning styles, career interests and they are asked to consider how the courses they select support their career goals. Additionally, students learn about college costs and selecting a college that meets the students needs.  Students are encouraged to change their goals and plans as they move towards graduation to include their new interests and knowledge. 

As a part of our High School and Beyond Plan, our students use Naviance to explore colleges and career paths, analyze skills and talents and help them stay on track to reach academic goals. Naviance fosters post-high school planning communication and collaboration for students, school counselors and families. Learn more about Naviance.

Seattle Public Schools requires students to complete 60 hours of service learning before graduation. Through service-learning students apply their academic skills and knowledge in real-life settings. Contact individual schools for specific information.

24 Credits Minimum

24 credits are required for graduation earned from the below list of approved courses.The credit requirements are minimums both in terms of total credits required for graduation and for credits in the various subject areas.  To ensure both work and college readiness, the district encourages students to exceed the requirements.  

English Language Arts
Credits: 4.0
Required Courses:

• Introduction to Literature & Composition 9
• World Literature & Composition 10
• American Literature & Composition 11, Ethnic Studies Lit and Comp, African, Asian, Latin, or Native American Lit and Comp, AP Literature, IB Lang and Lit 11, or CIHS English 
• Comparative Literature & Composition 12, AP Language, IB Lang 12, or CIHS English

Note: Students should complete Intro to Lit & Comp 9, World Lit 10, AP/IB/CIHS/Ethnic Studies LA 11 or 12 or approved content alternatives. 

Social Studies
Credits: 3.0
Required Courses:

• World History 1
• World History 2, Ethnic Studies WH 2, AP World History 1, or AP Human Geo A
• World History 3, AP World History 2, or AP Human Geo B
• U.S. History, or Ethnic Studies US History, IB History of the Americas, AP US History, CIHS AES 151, or CIHS 147 & 148
• American Government, IB 20th Century, AP American Government or AP US Government & Politics
• Washington State History 2 

Note: Students must also complete an OSPI developed classroom-based assessment in civics in the eleventh or twelfth grade. The World History 2 or 3 courses will satisfy the state requirements for .5 credit in Current World Problems (CWP). The American Government course will satisfy the state requirement for a .5 credit in Civics.  Since Time Immemorial Tribal Curriculum is part of the social studies course curriculum. RCW 28A.230.093 WAC 392-410-120 WAC 180-51-067 RCW 28A.320.170 

Mathematics
Credits: 3.0
Required Courses:

• Algebra 1
• Geometry
• Algebra 2, IB Math SL Year 1, Financial Algebra, CIHS Bus 130, Modeling our World or a more advanced course in the sequence or an approved CTE math course.

Note: *Students may elect to take an approved third mathematics credit tailored to their career path, to meet the Algebra II graduation requirement. For more information. RCW 284.230.097 

Science
Credits: 3.0
Required Courses:

• Phys A/Chem A
• Biology
• Phys B/Chem B or Select from approved core course offerings.

Note: Students should complete Phys A/Chem A and Biology A & B, Phys B/Chem B or earn credits in OSPI approved equivalent career and technical education (CTE) courses.1The 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 (CTE)
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
Credits: .5
Required Courses:

• .5 Health or Family Health

Note: Health may not be waived.

Physical Education
Credits: 1.5
Required Courses:

• Select from approved course offerings

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. PE waivers are not guaranteed. 

Fine or Performing Arts
Credits: 1.0 to 2.0 Credits
Required Courses: Select from approved course offerings.

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 

Personal Pathway Courses (World Language, Art, Science, etc.)
Credits: 2.0 to 3.0 Credits
Required Courses: Select from approved course offerings.

Notes: 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.

World Languages are recommended for students planning on attending a 2 or 4-year college or university for admissions purposes. These may be taken as a part of the personal pathway or elective credits.

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, 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

High School and Beyond Planning is a state requirement which helps students walk through the process of goal setting, future planning and self assessment. Students learn about their learning styles, career interests and they are asked to consider how the courses they select support their career goals. Additionally, students learn about college costs and selecting a college that meets the students needs.  Students are encouraged to change their goals and plans as they move towards graduation to include their new interests and knowledge. 

As a part of our High School and Beyond Plan, our students use Naviance to explore colleges and career paths, analyze skills and talents and help them stay on track to reach academic goals. Naviance fosters post-high school planning communication and collaboration for students, school counselors and families. Learn more about Naviance.

Service Learning

Seattle Public Schools requires students to complete 60 hours of service learning before graduation. Through service-learning students apply their academic skills and knowledge in real-life settings. Contact individual schools for specific information.

*the Seattle School Board has waived this requirement due to Covid for the classes of 2020, 2021 & 2022.

21 Credits Minimum

The credit requirements are minimums both in terms of total credits required for graduation and for credits in the various subject areas. In order to ensure both work and college readiness, the district encourages students to exceed the requirements.  

English/Language Arts

Credits: 4.0
Required Courses:

• Select from approved course offerings.

Notes: Students should complete Intro to Lit & Comp 9, World Lit 10, AP/IB/CIHS/Ethnic Studies LA 11 or 12 or approved content alternatives.

Social Studies

Credits: 3.0
Required Courses:

• World History or Ethnic Studies World History 1, 2, and 3
• U.S. History, or Ethnic Studies US History 11A, 11B
• American Government
• Washington State History

Notes: Students must also complete an OSPI developed classroom-based assessment in civics in the eleventh or twelfth grade. The World History 2 or 3 courses will satisfy the state requirements for .5 credit in Current World Problems (CWP). The American Government course will satisfy the state requirement for a .5 credit in Civics. Since Time Immemorial Tribal Curriculum is part of the social studies course curriculum. RCW 28A.230.093 WAC 392-410-120 WAC 180-51-067 RCW 28A.320.170

Mathematics

Credits: 3.0
Required Courses:

• Algebra I or Integrated Math
• Geometry or Integrated Math 2
• Algebra II, more advanced course in the sequence or CTE math course.3

Notes: Students may elect to take an approved third mathematicscredit tailored to their career path, to meet the Algebra II graduation requirement. For more information. RCW 284.230.097

Science

Credits: 2.0
Required Courses:

• Phys A/Chem A
• Biology or
• Select from approved core course offerings.

Notes: Students should complete Phys A/Chem A and Biology A & B, Phys B/Chem B or earn credits in OSPI approved equivalent career and technical education (CTE) courses.  RCW.24A.305.130 RCW 28A.700.070 WAC 180-51-068 RCW 28A.230.010

Career Technical Education (CTE)

Credits: 1
Required Courses:

• Select from approved course offerings

Notes: CT Education credits may be earned in Exploratory or Preparatory CTE classes and certain approved non-CTE courses. CTE graduation pathway courses must be in a single program of study. For more information contact CTE.

Physical Education

Credits: 1.5
Required Courses:

• Select from approved course offerings

Notes: 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.

Health

Credits: 0.5
Required Courses:

• Health or Family Health

Notes: Health may not be waived

Fine or Performing Arts

Credits: 1.0
Required Courses: Select from approved course offerings.

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

Electives

Credits: 5.0
Required Courses: Select from approved course offerings.

Notes: Any course other than the required courses listed above.

Total Credits

Credits: 21.0

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 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.

High School and Beyond Planning is a state requirement which helps students walk through the process of goal setting, future planning and self assessment. Students learn about their learning styles, career interests and they are asked to consider how the courses they select support their career goals. Additionally, students learn about college costs and selecting a college that meets the students needs.  Students are encouraged to change their goals and plans as they move towards graduation to include their new interests and knowledge. 

As a part of our High School and Beyond Plan, our students use Naviance to explore colleges and career paths, analyze skills and talents and help them stay on track to reach academic goals. Naviance fosters post-high school planning communication and collaboration for students, school counselors and families. Learn more about Naviance.

Students must complete 60 Hours of service learning. Students may not be paid or earn credit for their hours.