The board will establish graduation requirements, which at a minimum satisfy those established by the State Board of Education. The board will approve additional graduation requirements as recommended by the superintendent. Graduation requirements in effect when a student first enrolls in high school will remain in effect until that student graduates. The board will award a high school diploma to every student enrolled in the district who meets the requirements established by the district. Only one diploma will be awarded with no distinctions being made between the various programs of instruction that may be pursued.

I. REQUIREMENTS FOR GRADUATING
Each student must meet the following requirements to graduate from high school: (1) complete the credit requirements specified in the procedure accompanying this policy; (2) demonstrate career and college readiness by completing a high school and beyond plan; and (3) meet the requirements of at least one graduation pathway option described in the procedure accompanying this policy.

II. IMPLEMENTATION
The superintendent will develop procedures for implementing this policy according to applicable state law.

Cross References:
Policy 2418 - Waiver of High School Graduation Credits 
Policy 3520 - Student Fees, Fines, or Charges 
Policy 3241 - Student Discipline 
Policy 3110 - Qualification of Attendance and Placement 

Legal References:
Laws of 2019, ch. 252, § 201 Graduation pathway options for the graduating class of 2020 and subsequent classes
RCW 28A.230.090 High school graduation requirements or equivalencies — High school and beyond plans – Career and college ready graduation requirements and waivers — Reevaluation of graduation requirements — Language requirements — Credit for courses taken before attending high school — Postsecondary credit equivalencies 
RCW 28A.230.097 Career and technical high school course equivalencies 
RCW 28A.230.330 Inclusion of American Indian peoples culture in statehistory and government courses—Instruction in American sign languageor American Indian languages satisfies language requirement.
RCW 28A.230.710 Graduation pathway options.
RCW 28A.230.700 Purpose of diploma—Elements of obtainment.
RCW 28A.230.120 High school diplomas — Issuance — Option to receive final transcripts — Notice 
RCW 28A.230.122 International baccalaureate diplomas 
RCW 28A.230.212 High school and beyond plans—Substantive requirementsRCW 28A.600.300    400 Running start program - Definition 
RCW 28A.600.275 Dual credit programs and other advanced courses—Notification to parents.
RCW 28A.635.060 Defacing or injuring school property — Liability of pupil, parent or guardian — Withholding diplomas, — Suspension and restitution — Community Service  program as alternative — Publication of information on withheld diplomas – Students rights protected 
RCW 28A.655.250 Graduation pathway options
RCW 28A.655.260 Graduation pathway options – Review and monitoring – Participation data
WAC 180-51 High school graduation requirements 
WAC 392-121-182 Alternative learning experience requirements 
WAC 392-169 Special service programs - Running start program 
WAC 392-348 Secondary education 
WAC 392-410 Courses of study and equivalencies 
WAC 392-410-350 Seal of Biliteracy 
WAC 392-415-070 Mandatory high school transcript contents – Items – Timelines

Adopted: July 16, 2002
Revised:  March 17, 2020
Revised:  December 13, 2024