Requirements for graduation are as follows:
Required Credits – Class of 2017, 2018, 2019, & 2020
| Subject | Credits required for Washougal School District Diploma |
Recommended Courses for 4-Year Colleges and Universities (Pre-AP & AP level courses suggested) |
Recommended Courses for Highly Selective Colleges and Universities (Pre-AP & AP level courses recommended) |
| English Language Arts | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Mathematics Mathematics (Algebra 1, Geometry, & Algebra II or elective math) | 3 | 3 (through Algebra II) | 3-4 (through Algebra II minimum) |
| Science | 2 | 2 | 3-4 |
| Social Studies | 3 | 3 | 3-4 |
| World Language | 0 | 2 | 3-4 |
| The Arts: Visual & Performing | 1 | 1 | 2-3 |
| Health & Fitness | 2 | ||
| Career & Technical Education (CTE) | 2 | ||
| Electives | 6 | ||
| Total | 23 |
Required Credits – Class of 2021 & Beyond (Subject to change depending on the State of Washington)
| Subject | Credits required for Washougal School District Diploma |
Recommended Courses for 4-Year Colleges and Universities (Pre-AP & AP level courses suggested) |
Recommended Courses for Highly Selective Colleges and Universities (Pre-AP & AP level courses recommended) |
| English Language Arts | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Mathematics (Algebra 1, Geometry, & Personalized Pathway* math) | 3 | 3 (through Algebra II) | 3-4 (through Algebra II minimum) |
| Science | 3 | 2 | 3-4 |
| Social Studies | 3 | 3 | 3-4 |
| The Arts: Visual & Performing | 2 (1 can be PP*) | 1 | 2-3 |
| Health | .5 | ||
| Fitness | 1.5 | ||
| Career & Technical Education (CTE) | 1 | ||
| World Language | 2 (both can be PP*) | 2 | 3-4 |
| Electives | 4 | ||
| Total | 24 |
Equivalency Credit
Many Career and Technical Education (CTE) courses may satisfy graduation requirements in specific subject areas. These “equivalency courses” are noted in the course descriptions. Further, new WA State graduation requirement changes create the option for students in the Class of 2016 and beyond to fulfill two graduation requirements with successful completion of one CTE equivalency course, while the credit counts only once in the student’s credit count toward graduation credit requirements.
Culminating Project
Students are expected to complete a culminating project as part of high school graduation requirements.
High School Beyond Plan
Students are expected to identify their career cluster pathway in order to complete a high school and beyond plan as part of high school graduation requirements. Click here to view an informational video about pathways and courses offered at the high school.
State Assessments
Washington Comprehensive Assessment Program
Students are expected to demonstrate proficiency on the reading, writing, math, and science standards as defined by the Washington Comprehensive Assessment Program or on an OSPI-approved alternative.
State assessments: Smarter Balanced Assessment (SBA) and End of Course (EOC)
2017-2018:
Students in the classes of 2017-2018 must pass Reading and Writing HSPE or English language arts SBAC, and they must pass an End-of-Course assessment in mathematics and biology or an assessment for students in special education.
2019 & Beyond:
Students in the classes of 2019 and beyond must pass the Smarter Balanced Assessment (SBAC) in English language arts and in mathematics, or a state-approved alternative to the SBAC or an assessment for students in special education. They must also pass the Biology End-of-Course (EOC) Exam or a state-approved alternative to the SBAC or an assessment for students in special education. The Biology EOC will be replaced by the Next Generation Science Standard (NGSS) assessments, once they are developed and phased in.
Additional Resources
The website of the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) for the State of Washington gives the following information to help families, students, and educators learn more about each of the requirements for graduation:
To earn a high school diploma, a student must:
The Graduation Toolkit is produced each year by OSPI to help educators and families understand Washington state graduation requirements. This guide is available online for easy viewing and in a downloadable format for printing. For more information on the graduation toolkit visit the OSPI website.
