EdStart Guide
Washington High School Graduation: What You Need to Graduate
A clear, professional explainer for WA students and families, including Bellevue SD and Lake Washington SD notes.
Disclaimer: Requirements can change. Always confirm with your school counselor.
Quick Checklist
- Credits: Earn 24 total credits in required subjects (Core 24).
- High School & Beyond Plan (HSBP): Update yearly; connects courses to your goals.
- Washington State History: Usually completed in middle school; waivers possible for some transfers.
- Graduation Pathway (ELA & Math): Choose one option (or a mix) to show readiness.
- State Assessments (SBA): You still take them; passing SBA is just one pathway.
Statewide Credit Requirements (Core 24)
| Subject | Minimum Credits | Typical Courses / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| English | 4.0 | English 9-12 |
| Math | 3.0 | Algebra 1, Geometry, + 3rd math aligned to your plan |
| Science | 3.0 | At least 2 labs (e.g., Biology + Chemistry/Physics) |
| Social Studies | 3.0 | U.S. History (1.0), Civics (0.5), CWP/World (0.5), SS elective (1.0) |
| Arts | 2.0 | Up to 1.0 may be a Personalized Pathway Requirement (PPR) |
| World Language | 2.0 | Both may convert to PPR if your HSBP supports another path |
| Health & Fitness | 2.0 | Health 0.5 + PE 1.5 (district waiver/credit options exist) |
| CTE | 1.0 | Career & Technical Education (or district-approved equivalent) |
| Electives | 4.0 | Courses that fit your goals (HSBP) |
| Total: 24 credits | ||
**PPR** lets you replace up to 1.0 Arts and 2.0 World Language with courses aligned to your plan (HSBP).
Graduation Pathways (ELA & Math)
Choose at least one pathway (or mix-and-match for ELA and Math). Cut scores and details can change each year, verify with your counselor and district page.
| Pathway Option | What It Means | Examples / Learn More |
|---|---|---|
| SBA (State Test) | Meet the state graduation score in ELA and/or Math. | OSPI Pathways |
| AP/IB/Cambridge | Complete approved course with C+ or better, or meet exam score. | Dual Credit Programs |
| Dual Credit | Running Start, College in the HS, or CTE Dual Credit in ELA/Math. | Running Start (SBCTC) |
| SAT/ACT | Meet state-set benchmark scores. | SBE Benchmarks |
| Bridge to College | Complete senior Bridge to College English or Math with required grade. | OSPI Pathways |
| CTE Sequence | Finish a 2.0-credit, industry-aligned sequence (e.g., Core Plus). | CTE in WA |
| ASVAB | Meet the qualifying AFQT score (verify current cut score). | About ASVAB |
| Performance-Based | District-approved work samples/real-world tasks aligned to standards. | PBP (SBE) |
| WA-AIM | For eligible students with significant cognitive disabilities. | WA-AIM |
District Notes: BSD & LWSD
Bellevue School District (BSD)
- Local rules: 24 credits, minimum 2.0 GPA, and community service hours required for a diploma.
- HSBP tool: Naviance / SchooLinks (your school will confirm which).
- Registration: Course requests in StudentVUE; schools typically schedule sessions in Feb-Mar.
- PE options: Directed Athletics/waiver pathways available with forms and knowledge checks.
- Where to start: BSD Graduation & Counseling pages.
Lake Washington School District (LWSD)
- Local rules: 24 credits including Social Studies breakdown per district guide.
- HSBP tool: Xello (see your counseling site for login/how-to).
- Registration: Requests submitted in Skyward; schools post windows (often Feb-Mar).
- PE options: Updated credit/waiver process; activity hours + knowledge assessment.
- Where to start: LWSD Graduation & Family Access.
Two Sample 4-Year Plans
A. College-Prep Plan (meets university CADR)
| Grade | Courses (typical) |
|---|---|
| 9th | English 9; Algebra 1 (or Geometry); Biology (lab); World/CWP (0.5/0.5); PE 0.5 + Health 0.5; World Lang 1; Art 1 |
| 10th | English 10; Geometry (or Algebra 2); Chemistry (lab); U.S. History 1; World Lang 2; Art 2; CTE 1 |
| 11th | English 11 (AP/IB/Cambridge opt.); Algebra 2 or 3rd Math; Physics or Sci elective; Civics 0.5 + SS Elective 0.5; Elective 1-2 (Running Start/CHS opt.) |
| 12th | English 12 or Bridge to College; 4th Math/quant elective (as needed); Science elective; 2-3 electives; ensure Pathway met |
B. CTE-Focused Plan (career training first)
| Grade | Courses (typical) |
|---|---|
| 9th | English 9; Algebra 1; Biology (lab); CWP 0.5 + Civics 0.5; PE 0.5 + Health 0.5; Art 1 |
| 10th | English 10; Geometry; Chemistry or Applied Science; U.S. History 1; CTE 1; CTE 2 |
| 11th | English 11; 3rd Math aligned to CTE; Science elective; CTE 3; Elective 1 (WANIC/CTE Dual Credit opt.) |
| 12th | English 12 or Bridge to College; additional math/quant if needed; CTE 4; 2 electives; complete Pathway (CTE sequence/Core Plus) |
Use PPR to replace up to 2.0 World Language (and up to 1.0 Arts) with CTE courses if your HSBP supports this path.
Read Your Transcript & Check Credits
Bellevue (BSD)
- Log into StudentVUE/ParentVUE.
- Open Graduation Status to see remaining credits by subject.
- Use Course History to view credits earned and in progress.
- Submit course requests during your school's registration window.
Lake Washington (LWSD)
- Log into Skyward Family/Student Access.
- Open Academic History or Graduation Requirements.
- Review credits by subject and current schedule.
- Follow your school's posted registration dates (often Feb-Mar).
Who Can Help
- Counselor: Course selection, pathways, HSBP, credit checks.
- Registrar: Transcripts, records, transfers.
- Family Liaison / EL Staff: Interpreter services, family support.
- CTE/Career Center: CTE sequences, WANIC, apprenticeships.
FAQ
Do I have to pass the SBA to graduate?
No. Taking SBA is expected, but it is just one pathway. You can meet graduation with another approved pathway.
What if I'm behind on credits?
Ask about credit recovery, summer school, and dual-credit/CTE options that can also meet a graduation pathway.
I'm transferring from another country and didn't take WA State History.
Principals may waive the requirement for some 11th-12th grade transfers. Ask your counselor/administrator.
Can I waive PE?
BSD and LWSD follow state rules allowing PE waivers or alternate credit options with forms and knowledge assessments.
Do requirements differ by graduating class?
Core 24 applies to current classes, but pathway cut scores and local rules can change. Confirm with your counselor each year.
Helpful Links
Statewide
Bellevue SD (BSD)
Lake Washington SD (LWSD)
This page is for planning only and may not reflect the most recent changes. Check with your counselor for the latest rules.