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Beyond High School

Are you a student wondering which classes you should take next year? A parent who wants to help your student achieve his or her goals? It's never too early to plan ahead for what comes after graduation. We can help you make the right choices. Read more »

Graduation Plans

Additional Information

Graduation Plans (75K PDF)

Which graduation plan is right for you?

In 2006, Federal Way Public Schools implemented a requirement that all students choose from one of three general Graduation Plans as they enter high school. The career and academic program exploration that they’ve done to that point should make choosing a plan fairly straightforward. Students who are new to the district and have not had the chance to participate in these activities should meet with a school counselor at the earliest possible opportunity.

The student’s graduation plan is a useful guide for choosing the appropriate classes to be ready for post-high school plans. As students move through high school, they and their parents can monitor test results and grades online to ensure that they are successfully accomplishing the requirements of the plan.

All students are encouraged to pick a particular plan because of interest and ability level, not because of lack of financial resources. The University of Washington and Washington State University guarantee they will cover tuition and fees for low-income students who meet certain criteria, including Washington residency.

Remember that each incoming high school students must have a plan in place, signed by his or her parent or guardian, before schedules will be assigned.

Graduation Plan Summaries

Plan A  
This plan provides the minimum requirements for graduating from a Federal Way School District high school. It prepares your child to attend community or technical colleges, enter the military, attend an Occupation Skills Center, and for many positions at the apprentice level, such as NATEF (Auto Technology) and carpentry, as well as to enter the workforce directly upon graduation.

The courses will have a strong emphasis on fundamental communications skills and on concepts that are essential. They usually contain much practice and reinforcement. Assignments will be regularly given and fully structured. In order to accomplish this Graduation Plan, students must:

  • Meet the state’s Reading, Writing and Math testing requirements.
  • Obtain 23.5* credits including several mandatory classes in English, Mathematics, & Science, and
  • Complete a Master Portfolio, which includes a 13th Year Plan and Culminating Project (Collection of Best Works).

* Todd Beamer High School requires 31 credits
Plan B  
This plan will prepare your child for entry into most 4-year colleges for those students with higher-level academic achievement. It also meets the proposed requirements of the Higher Education Coordinating Board (HECB) of Washington State.

All students must meet the requirements of Plan A, as well as the following requirements to be competitive for college admissions:

  • Complete mathematics through a minimum of Advanced Algebra*.
  • Complete a minimum of 1 credit of algebra-based science, such as chemistry or physics.
  • Complete at least 2 years of a Foreign Language.

In addition, the following is recommended:

  • Complete 1-2 AP, IB or Cambridge classes.

Additional testing:

  • Pass the high school WASL math requirement.
  • Take the PSAT in the Junior Year.
  • Take the SAT I (Reasoning Test) or the ACT in Spring of Junior year and/or Fall of Senior year.

Extracurricular activities also recommended:

  • Be involved in extracurricular activities such as school leadership, clubs, athletics, and/or volunteering.

* For the class of 2012 and beyond, college-bound students must take a math class or math-based science class in their senior year, unless they have previously completed precalculus AND met the state’s Math testing requirements.
Plan C  
This plan will prepare your child for entry into selective colleges and universities, including military academies. Grades and SAT scores should be at a high level. The requirements in this plan exceed those of the Higher Education Coordinating Board (HECB) of the State of Washington, and may increase your child’s likelihood of receiving financial aid and scholarships. In addition, this plan will make your child eligible for the State Scholars Initiative.

All students must meet the requirements in Plan A. Students who wish to be competitive when applying for selective universities should also:

  • Earn 2 credits of rigorous English, such as AP, IB, Cambridge, and/or College Writing.
  • Complete mathematics through a minimum of Pre-Calculus*.
  • Complete 3 to 4 years of science, including a year of algebra-based science, such as chemistry or physics*.
  • Complete at least 2 consecutive years (3 recommended) of a Foreign Language.
  • Complete several AP, IB or Cambridge classes.

Additional testing:

  • Take the PSAT in the Junior Year.
  • Take the SAT I (Reasoning Test) or the ACT in the Junior year or early Senior year.
  • Take at least two different SAT II Subject Tests.

Extracurricular activities also recommended:

  • Be involved in extracurricular activities such as school leadership, clubs, athletics, and/or volunteering.
  • Use extra time to do something that broadens your knowledge, such as volunteering, working, or taking enriching educational classes.

* For the class of 2012 and beyond, college-bound students must take a math class or math-based science class in their senior year, unless they have previously completed precalculus AND met the state’s Math testing requirements.