There’s a lot to think about when planning for college. But staying focused on graduating from high school is key.
The first part of your plan should be making sure you’re on track to finish high school. To graduate from a Washington high school, you need to take classes in English, social studies, math, science, occupational education, Washington state history, health or physical education (PE), and other electives. Some Washington high schools also require senior projects or portfolios. This may seem like a ton of rules, but you will still be able to focus on classes and subjects you like—if you plan ahead.
High school graduation requirements vary from school to school and district to district. All graduates must meet minimum state standards, and you’ll learn about those here. But your high school or school district can add extra requirements. Check with your school counselor to learn what the exact requirements are for your school.
The first part of your plan should be making sure you’re on track to finish high school. To graduate from a Washington high school, you need to take classes in English, social studies, math, science, occupational education, Washington state history, health or physical education (PE), and other electives. Some Washington high schools also require senior projects or portfolios. This may seem like a ton of rules, but you will still be able to focus on classes and subjects you like—if you plan ahead.
High school graduation requirements vary from school to school and district to district. All graduates must meet minimum state standards, and you’ll learn about those here. But your high school or school district can add extra requirements. Check with your school counselor to learn what the exact requirements are for your school.
- Meet class/course credit requirements
You must meet the state’s minimum requirements AND complete any extra coursework required by your school district. Note, the minimum requirements for your school may not be enough to prepare you for the college or career you want. You are strongly encouraged to take more than the minimum number of classes. - Earn a certificate of academic or individual achievement
Most students have to earn the Certificate of Academic Achievement to graduate. You can earn this by passing the reading, writing and math sections of the Washington Assessment of Student Learning (WASL). Passing the science WASL will be required for graduates in 2010. Some students in special education will earn the Certificate of Individual Achievement instead for successfully meeting the Washington Alternate Assessment System (WAAS) standard in the same subjects. - Complete a senior project
In addition to completing required classes and passing the high school WASL, you need to complete a “culminating project” and present your work to a panel of students, teachers, parents and/or community members. Some schools call this a “senior project” or “grad project.” It gives you a chance to apply all of your skills to a project or topic of your choice. You could raise money and build a community playground, create a historic display based on interviews with and memorabilia from local townspeople, or make a documentary movie. - Create a plan for your life after high school
Finally, you must complete a “high-school-and-beyond” plan before you graduate. Some schools require students to work on this plan in their senior year, while other schools start the plan much earlier. Your plan will help you connect your high school activities with your post-high school goals. It might include an outline of the classes you plan to take, a career interest inventory, job market research, colleges you’d like to visit or attend, admission and financial aid information, and an outline of your goals.