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Graduation Requirements

Students must complete 24 course credits. Of the 24 course credits required, 20 are specified by Mercer Island High School, the Mercer Island School District, and Washington State as follows:

Washington State Public Universities
English

8 Semesters, 4.0 Credits

Includes 3 credits of college preparatory composition and literature

Mathematics**

6 Semesters, 3.0 Credits

Includes Algebra 1, Geometry, and Algebra 2

Social Studies 6 Semesters, 3.0 Credits
Science 6 Semesters, 3.0 Credits (2.0 must be lab science)
Career & Technical Education 
Career & College Readiness
2 Semesters, 1.0 Credits
Fitness/PE 3 Semesters, 1.5 Credits
Health 1 Semester, 0.5 Credits
Fine Arts 4 Semesters, 2.0 Credits
World Language 4 Semesters, 2.0 Credits
Electives 8 Semesters, 4.0 Credits
Total 48 Semesters, 24 Credits
The remaining 4.0 credits typically are taken as additional academic courses or electives.

* For many students, the state’s requirement for Washington State History will be fulfilled through course work completed in middle school. For students who have not taken Washington State History in middle school, limited course options will be available.

** Students must earn 3 credits of math; 2 credits in Algebra 1 and Geometry, 1 credit in Algebra 2 or higher, or 1 credit based on the student’s PPR (Personalized Pathway Requirement) and High School and Beyond Plan. Algebra 1 and Geometry taken in middle school may count toward this requirement.

*** PPR (Personalized Pathway Requirement) includes courses that lead to a specific post-high-school career or educational outcome chosen by the student, based on their interests and High School and Beyond Plan. T hese may include core, elective, and some support-type courses and are intended to provide a focus for the student’s learning. When applying for consideration of PPR alternatives, students will be required to meet with their counselor to make sure that the alternative aligns with the High School and Beyond Plan and that they have completed and submitted all required documents.

Graduation Requirements Tracker PDF