Graduate High School
Steps to Graduation
Graduating high school is universally accepted as a critical step to a bright future. Among other things, high school graduates*:
- are more likely to be employed, make higher taxable income, and aid in job generation
- earn a national average of $8,000 more annually compared to high school dropouts
The Renton School District requires 4 components for high school graduation.
Step 1 Complete minimum credit requirements
- Because of the transition from semesters to trimesters, see minimum credits below
| Subject | Class of 2021 and Beyond-Standard | Class of 2021 and beyond Personalized Pathway* |
|---|---|---|
| English/Language Arts | 4 | 4 |
| Mathematics | 3 | 3 |
| Science (including 1 lab) | 3 | 3 |
| Social Studies | 3 | 3 |
| Health and Fitness | 2 | 2 |
| Arts | 2 | 1 |
| World Language | 2 | 0 |
| Personalized Pathway* | 0 | 3 |
| Career and Tech Edu. | 1 | 1 |
| Electives | 4 | 4 |
| Additional elective | 2 | 2 |
| Total Credits | 26 | 26 |
*Personalized Pathway Requirements: Three credits of coursework that lead to a specific post-high school career outcome chosen by the student, based on the student's interest and High School and Beyond Plan.
Step 2 Pass state tests (or approved alternatives)
- English Language Arts - Students must pass the 11th grade Smarter Balanced ELA Test or a state-approved alternative.
- Math - Students must pass the 11th grade Smarter Balanced Math Test or state-approved alternative.
- Science (starting with Class of 2021) - Students must pass the Washington Comprehensive Assessment of Science or a state-approved alternative.
More information on graduation requirements.
Step 3 Complete a High School and Beyond Plan
- All students must develop a High School and Beyond Plan showing how they will meet the high school graduation requirements and what they will do following high school. A student’s plan starts in middle school and is revised as he/she moves forward through high school.
- Exact requirements differ by high school. Check with your counselor for details.
- Minimum required elements of the High School and Beyond Plan are:
- Begins in 7th or 8th grade
- Identification of career goals based on a career interest and skills inventory or assessment
- Identification of educational goals
- A four-year course plan that fulfills graduation requirements and aligns with career and educational goals
- A resume or activity log by the end of twelfth grade that provides a written compilation of student’s education, any work experience, and any community service
Step 4 Community Service Hours
Complete at least of 20 Community Service hours
*www.americaspromise.org
Links to WA State graduation information*
OSPI Graduation Requirements
OSPI Graduation Toolkit
WA State Board of Education Graduation Requirements Class of 2020
*While the above links may provide helpful background information, remember that students must meet local Renton School District requirements in order to graduate.