Understanding Graduation Requirements

Students in the Class of 2021 and beyond must earn 24 credits to graduate. The new 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.

Introduction to High School Course Registration

• 24 Credits Minimum Students must take enough courses to meet 24 credit hours. View the breakdown of the credit requirements. The credit requirements are minimums both in terms of total credits required for graduation and for credits in the various subject areas.
• Graduation Pathway: In the classes of 2020-27, students must meet at least one of these pathway options to graduate:
  • English Language Arts and Mathematics Pathway – Using either Exams scores or Courses as approved by the State Board of Education, or a combination of the approved exams and courses.
  • CTE Sequence: Complete a 2-credit sequence of courses in a pre-approved Seattle Career Pathway, which leads to a recognized career certificate or allows students to earn dual credit.
  • Military Pathway: successful completion of the Armed Services Vocational Battery for students interested in military careers.
• 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, 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. More information about High School and Beyond.
  • Naviance by PowerSchool is a comprehensive K-12 college and career readiness tool that provides information and resources that enable students and their school counselors, teachers, and parents and guardians to collaborate on identifying and planning for a student’s life after high school. To support the process of their HS and Beyond Planning, our 6th-12th grade students use Naviance to take self-assessments, explore career paths, search for scholarships and work-based learning opportunities, and more.
• Service Learning: Seattle Public Schools requires students to complete 60 hours of service learning before graduation. Students who have not attended Seattle schools for all four years will be responsible for 15 hours of service per year enrolled.
  • Ingraham’s Service Learning Opportunities and Form