Planning for High School
and
Washington Graduation Requirements MINIMUMS serve as a guideline for a basic, balanced high school education for the GED or Vocational-track student. Be aware that most local school districts require more than the minimum 19 credits. |
English | 3 credits |
Math | 2 credits |
Science | 2 credits 1 credit must be lab science |
Social Studies | 3 credits USHist(1), WAHist/Govt(1/2), Civics(1/2), ContWrldPrb or Geog(1) |
Occupational Ed | 1 credit Skills for the workplace, e.g., computer keyboarding |
Phys Ed/Fitness | 1 credit |
Restricted Elective | 1 credit (from above categories, foreign lang., or visual or performing arts) |
Unrestricted Electives | 6 credits |
TOTAL | 19 credits |
For more information and updates on these please visit the website of the Superintendent of Public Instruction: http://www.k12.wa.us/communications/GradReq.aspx
or the State Board of Education: http://www.sbe.wa.gov/graduation.htm |
Sample Course Requirements for 4-year Colleges These are samples only, not guarantees of college admission. Generally, the stronger the curriculum, the better the student's chances of admission. Contact colleges you are interested in for their requirements. |
A Basic Curriculum (adequate for some colleges; weak for selective colleges) |
English | 4 years English (8 semesters) |
Math | Pre-Algebra, Algebra, Geometry |
Science | Earth Science, Biology |
Social Studies | World History, U. S. History, Govt/Econ (Civics) |
Foreign Language | 2 years (4 semesters) |
Electives | 6 electives (12 semesters) |
| (Total = 20+) |
Solid College-Prep Curriculum (typical for selective 4-yr college) |
English | 4 years (8 semesters with well-rounded literature) |
Math | Algebra, Geometry, Algebra II/Trig, Pre-Calc |
Science | Biology, Chemistry, Physics |
Social Studies | World Hist., Honors or AP U. S. Hist, Govt/Econ |
Foreign Language | 3 years (6 semesters) |
Electives | 5 + (10 or more semesters) |
| (Total = 21+ ) |
Strong College-Prep Curriculum (typical for very selective colleges) |
English | 4 years including one year of AP English |
Math | Geometry, Algebra II/Trig, Pre-Calculus, Calc or AP Calc |
Science | Biology, Chemistry, Physics, AP Bio orChem |
Social Studies | World Hist, U. S. Hist, Govt/Econ, Soc or Psych or Poli Sci |
Foreign Language | 4 years |
Electives | 4+ electives (8 or more semesters) |
| (Total = 24+ ) |
