High School and Beyond;
Graduation Plan Documents and Deadlines

Each year, Federal Way Public Schools provides a process for eighth graders to look ahead to high school and beyond, and to make choices that will help them be ready to pursue their dreams after graduation. Students prepare by doing classroom activities, including taking a test called the A.C.T. Explorer to determine what they like and are good at.

Then, in January and February, every comprehensive high school in the district hosts a High School Planning Night. These events are organized to bring school resources from across the district together at one time. By attending, students and their families can learn more about the programs they find interesting, and that align with the student’s graduation plan. They also bring eighth grade students together with their parents and staff from middle schools and high schools for an important conversation about their plans after graduation.

If the student and his/her parents can’t attend on the night their school is assigned, they are welcome to attend any other High School Planning Night. If the student and parent aren’t able to attend ANY High School Planning Night, there are other opportunities to get help choosing a plan. The counselor and advisory teacher will work with the student and parent to assist them in selecting a plan.

To help with this process we have provided a guide below for your use.

Step 1: Review the Graduation Plans sheet (129K PDF).

Until the signed form is turned in, the student can NOT be assigned high school classes.

Your student’s graduation plan will guide class choices throughout the student’s high school years in Federal Way. In brief:

• Plan A provides the minimum requirements for graduating from a Federal Way School District high school.
• Plan B will prepare your child for entry into most 4-year colleges for those students with higher-level academic achievement.
• Plan C will prepare your child for entry into selective colleges and universities, including military academies.

What if you’re not sure which plan is right for your student?

• Use your student’s A.C.T. Explorer test results as a tool for planning.  If you did not receive a copy, see your student’s school’s counselor.
• Students are strongly 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. In addition, the state offers the Washington College Bound Scholarship.

Step 2: Next, decide which school or program will best match your student’s interests while meeting his or her plan’s requirements.

High School Planning Night is your single best opportunity to visit with representatives and learn about the programs and courses at the district’s five high schools, as well as programs available off-campus. Not all schools have the same programs, and students may wish to opt into a high school or program outside of their neighborhood so that they can participate in a program of interest to them.

If you’ve missed the High School Planning Nights for this school year, you can go to the district Academic Enrichment Program page to read a brief synopsis about most of the programs featured at High School Planning. From there, you can select schools and programs you want to visit or learn more about.

Step 3: Complete the High School Program Selection Form

Once you and your student have selected a High School Graduation Plan and determined the program he or she wants to enroll in – make sure you let us know! The High School Program Selection Form tells us where your student plans to take classes during high school. This helps the district determine how many students each school or program will have, and ensures adequate room and staff.

The High School Program Selection form also must be turned in, even if your student does not plan to leave his or her neighborhood high school.