Washington State High School Graduation Requirements

What is the purpose of graduation requirements?

The Washington State requirements help ensure that a high school graduate:

  • Reads, writes and communicates in a variety of ways
  • Knows and can apply principles of math, social, physical and life sciences, civics, history, geography, the arts, as well as health and fitness
  • Can think through problems and make judgments based on knowledge and experience
  • Is equipped with a solid work ethic and decision-making skills for a career or higher education

What are the basic requirements to receive a high school diploma?

The state requires these four items. Local schools and school districts may add to the list.

High School and Beyond Plan

Starting in eighth or ninth grade, students work out a plan for what they intend to do after high school. Based on that goal, they map out classes to take before graduation to be ready for the next step, whether it is a two- or four-year college, vocational or technical school, certificate program or the workforce. The plan may include a reflection on their experiences, interests and learning style. It also may cover their vision for the high school years outside of classes—for example, extracurricular activities, sports or a job.

Required Credits

The state requires students to pass classes and earn 19 credits in English, math, science (including one lab), social studies, health and fitness, visual or performing arts, occupational education and electives. Most school districts have additional requirements, and colleges and universities have prerequisites for entry. A guidance counselor at your high school can give you specific information about your school, school district, and higher education requirements.

Culminating Project

A Culminating Project – sometimes called a Senior Project – is the students’ opportunity to get deeply involved in a subject that interests them. The end product may be a research paper, a presentation to a community panel or school group, a portfolio of work or a multimedia production. The Culminating Project should help students understand the connection between school and the “real world.”

State Learning Standards in Reading, Writing and Math

The requirement helps ensure that all students, regardless of where they live, have key reading, writing and math skills by graduation.

    Reading and Writing

    Students show their reading and writing skills by passing the reading and writing High School Washington Assessment of Student Learning (WASL), or the state-approved alternatives or the assessments for students in special education.

    Math

    Students show their math skills by passing the High School WASL, or the state-approved alternatives or the assessments for students in special education. Until 2013, students can meet the requirement by continuing to earn math credits and take the WASL or one of the assessments for students in special education.

Students who meet state learning standards in reading, writing and math earn a Certificate of Academic Achievement or Certificate of Individual Achievement AND a high school diploma.  Students who meet state learning standards in reading and writing but fulfill the math requirement by earning math credits do not receive a certificate but they do earn a diploma.

Who oversees student progress with the graduation requirements?

While there are four statewide graduation requirements, local school districts establish policies and procedures for the High School and Beyond Plan, Culminating Project and Course Credits. The state oversees the student progress with the state learning standards requirement.

What is the difference between a Certificate of Achievement and a Certificate of Individual Achievement?

Until 2013, students do not need to earn a Certificate of Academic Achievement (CAA) or a Certificate of Individual Achievement to be able to graduate though students are strongly encouraged for this state endorsement.

Certificate of Academic Achievement – Is earned by passing the High School WASL (with or without accommodations) or a Certificate of Academic Achievement Option (a state-approved alternative) in reading, writing and math. Certificate of Individual Achievement – Only for students in special education programs. Is earned by passing the High School WASL at Level 2, a WASL designed for a different grade level or a a portfolio. Click here for more information.

Both the CAA and the CIA lead to a diploma. Only a student’s transcript indicates which certificate the student earned.

What are the Certificate of Academic Achievement Options (state-approved alternatives) to the WASL?

These options are available to students after they take the High School WASL at least once and meet any requirements spelled out in their Student Learning Plan.

  • Submit a “collection of evidence” consisting of student work showing they meet grade-level academic standards.
  • Earn scores at or above a state-designated level on the PSAT, SAT, ACT and Advanced Placement exams.
  • Compare the student’s grades in specified math or English/language arts classes with the grades for students who passed the test. (This option is only available to students in 12th grade with a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.2 on a 4.0 scale.)

For more information on these alternatives, click here.

Does the state offer waivers or appeals for the graduation requirements?

Districts will set their own policies for the High School and Beyond Plan, Culminating Project and Course Credits. The state does have process in place for students with special cases and students who transfer to a Washington public high school from out of state or out of country during their 11th or 12th-grade year.

  • Special cases: Students who experience an extended illness, death of immediate family member, or another hardship may ask a state board of appeals for a waiver on the standards requirement during the spring of their 12th grade. To learn more, click here.
  • Transfer students who enter a Washington public school during their junior or senior year may access the CAA Options without first taking the WASL. They may receive credit for passing a high school assessment in their former state. Transfer students should ask their local school district how they can fulfill the other statewide graduation requirements. For further information, click here.

Where can I get more information about high school graduation requirements?

Your school guidance counselor can tell you the full list of requirements in your school district, and can help tailor plans to your student’s ambitions for the years following high school. The State Board of Education also provides an online list of graduation requirements by school district. Further information on the state’s rules and regulations is available from the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction.