Seattle Public Schools Graduation Requirements

In order to graduate high school, students must complete specific requirements. Graduation requirements are mandated by the Washington State Board of Education. The board designed the new requirements to be both rigorous and flexible and to support the vision of an education system that prepares all students for college, career, and life.

Check out these resources for helping students choose the right courses and plan for their after-school career plans.  

SPS High School Graduation Ceremonies will be held June 13-20, 2024.

Resources and Supports for High School and Post-graduation Planning

District Guides for 2024-25 High School Course Registration

The SPS Introduction to High School Course Registration provides an introduction to the registration process, overview of graduation requirements, recommended course sequence and class descriptions.

It is 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.

Translated Booklets

• Introduction to High School Course Registration – Amharic
• Introduction to High School Course Registration – Chinese
• Introduction to High School Course Registration – Somali
• Introduction to High School Course Registration – Spanish
• Introduction to High School Course Registration – Vietnamese

Additional Information about Graduation Requirements

Visit our graduation requirement webpage for addition information and resources for SPS students.

High School and Beyond Planning

High School and Beyond Planning is the process that help propel our students towards their future. Check out High School and Beyond Plan Lessons and find supports to help students plan for life after 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 advising.

Transition Services for Students with Disabilities

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.

About College and Career 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 to learn the skills to create a post-secondary plan. For some, that may include a 4-year degree, a professional certificate, military training, or an apprenticeship.