Graduation Requirements
Divine High School offers students the opportunity both to prepare for college or for future training and to
explore a number of different courses of study in order to discover student interests and abilities. The high
school student should choose a course of study that provides the greatest opportunity for development.
Students attending WSD need to earn 30 credits during a four-year time span. Each semester class is
worth .5 (one-half) credit. A student must receive a passing grade to earn credit for a class. Students in 9th
through 10th grade must take English, reading/literature, social studies, mathematics, science, and physical
education. Most students are required to take science and mathematics throughout their high school years
to meet post-secondary program requirements.
To earn a diploma from WSD, students must meet the minimum subject areas and credit requirements of
the state of Washington (WAC 180-51-060), plus additional requirements established by WSD. Please see
below:
WASHINGTON SCHOOL FOR THE DEAF GRADUATION PLAN
CAREER PATHWAY: (student to select one)
-Technology Marketing & Management
-Arts and Communication Social and Human Services
-Science & Natural Resources Business Operations
Standard High School (9th - 12th grade) Requirements
The following credits are required for a student to receive a diploma from WSD:
English 4
Literature 4
Math 4
Science 3
Science/Lab 1
Wash. St. History .5
Geography 1
United States History 1
Contemporary World Problems 1
Career/Portfolio 2
Physical Education 2
Fine Arts 1
Occupational Education 2
Additional Credits 3.5
Total 30
Each letter grade (A - D) or alternative grading ( E - NI) posted at the end
of each semester is worth .5 credits. "F" or
"U" grade does not earn semester credit.
Each Senior student will complete a Professional Development Portfolio. Seniors
will present their complete Portfolios to the Portfolio Board. The Portfolio
is a demonstration of the student's best work, to assist with
the transitioning from high school to higher education, technical school, or
the world of work. Juniors will complete a career project that includes six (6)
hours of job shadowing. The project will be presented before a board of experts.
Seniors will also complete a senior project; a year long research project which
includes a 10-page research paper, 10 hours of community service parallel to
the project, and a formal presentation before a board of experts. Junior and
senior projects must be completed in order to graduate.
Promotion to the next grade is based on credits earned. If lacking in credits, the student will remain
in current grade level.
Students with unique limitations are given special accommodations for graduation
requirements. (WAC 180- 51-115 and Individuals with Disabilities Education Act
(IDEA)).
Student-initiated class changes will be allowed a short time after each
semester starts (one school week). The Principal and members of the IEP team
must approve any changes. Students who drop or withdraw after the 12th day of
class will be subject to a failing grade in that class.
High School Credit (WAC 180-51-050) through Running
Start
Running Start is an opportunity for high school
students to get a "Running Start" on their college education
through the unique partnership between the community college (Clark College)
and WSD. This program allows qualified high school juniors and seniors to attend
college classes and earn high school and college credits. Students must have
a 2.5 grade point average and pass the Clark College placement exam to enroll
in the program. College tuition is paid for by WSD. However, students are responsible
for other expenses such as books, supplies, lab fees, and other necessary expenses.
Running Start students will also be required to provide their own transportation
to and from the college.
Five quarter or three semester hours of community college
course (at the 100 level or above) shall equal two (2) high school credits.
Clark County Skills Center
Students from WSD can attend the Clark County Vocational Skills Center when space
is available in the programs. Clark County Vocational Skills Center offers vocational
programs in 15 areas: Automotive Technology, Construction Technology, Cosmetology,
Criminal Justice, Dental Assisting, Diesel Technology, Electro-Digital Technologies,
Financial Customer Services, Health/Medical Careers, Hotel Careers, Legal/Medical
Office Applications, Management Careers, Painter Apprenticeship Prep, Pre- Engineering/Design
Technology, Restaurant Management.