Federal Way High School
School Profile
30611 16th Avenue South
School Website: http://www.fwps.org/fwhs/ (253) 945-5400
Principal, Lisa Griebel (Since 2006)
School Built: 1938
View the official 2010-11 School Profile (63K PDF) |
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What is Special About Our School?
A devoted and professional staff committed to providing for all students a standards-based, relevant curriculum in a safe and supportive learning environment is what makes Federal Way High School so special. We focus on helping students develop into academically successful and ethically sound young adults. To produce a climate with high academic expectations within a supportive, ethnically and socio-economically diverse school culture, our staff is dedicated to small learning communities.
At Federal Way High School, our academic focus is standards-based instruction with an emphasis on inquiry/critical thinking. To meet the needs of all students academically, we differentiate instruction in our classrooms as well as offer a wide variety of programs to address the post-high school goals of all our students
For students who desire a challenging and rigorous curriculum, we offer an extensive Pre-AP and AP (Advanced Placement) program. Additionally, Federal Way High School is currently the only Cambridge Preparatory Centre on the West Coast of the United States.
Based on the British A Levels, the Cambridge Preparatory Academy at FWHS offers an international, pre-university curriculum and examination system that emphasizes the value of a broad and balanced study for academically able students. The Cambridge program aims to encourage the skills of independent search and investigation, the use of initiative and creativity and the application of knowledge and skills. A range of assessment techniques is used. Emphasis is placed on the use of Cambridge International Examinations papers and curriculum. The University of Cambridge awards the AICE Diploma for students who earn a total of six credits by passing GCE Advanced and Advanced Subsidiary examinations with at least one exam in each of the three subject areas.
In 2008, Federal Way High School became an AVID Demonstration school, one of the “best of the best” by the AVID organization. AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) is a college-preparation class for historically underserved students, which focuses on organizational and goal oriented skills, with an emphasis on rigor and challenge in the classroom. Of 3300 schools in the nation to offer AVID, only 130 are designated as demonstration schools.
A comprehensive career and technical education program includes courses in American Sign Language, Auto Mechanics, Business Education, Child Development, Graphic Design, Design Technology, Marketing, Photography, ProStart, Sports Medicine, and Woodworking. We also offer Air Force Junior ROTC (Reserve Officers’ Training Corps).
To address the needs of the “whole” student—not only the academic aspect—Federal Way High offers a wide variety of programs centered on students’ interests, cultures, hobbies, and other extracurricular concerns. Be sure to see our extensive list of academic and student programs, as we hope to provide all of our young men and women an “extra curricular” connection to Federal Way High School.
Academic and Student Programs
| ADL Club | Chess Club | Key Club |
| Accelerated Reader | Choir (concert and jazz) | Leadership & ASB |
| Advanced Placement/Pre-AP | Debate/Speech/Drama | Math & Poetry Club |
| AmeriCorps | DECA/Student Store | National Honor Society |
| Air Force Junior ROTC | ELL English Language Learners | Native American Club & Latino Club |
| American Sign Language | ELO Extended Learning | Orchestra |
| Art Club | Equity Club | Pacific Islander Club |
| Asian American Club | FCCLA Family Career Community Leaders of America | Peer Mediators |
| Athletic Trainer/Sports Med. | FBLA Future Business Leaders of America | Photography & Graphic Design |
| Automotive/VICA | Fashion & Gamers Club | Pride/UNITEE & Gay/Straight Alliance |
| AVID | IGNITE Student Mentoring Program | Russian/Ukrainian Club |
| Band (symphonic, marching, drum line, pep and Jazz) | Intramurals/Sports | Winter Guard |
| British A Levels/Cambridge Centre | Journalism/Newspaper | Yearbook |
| Cheer Team & Dance Team |
Community and History:
The city of Federal Way is located 20 miles south of Seattle and eight miles north of Tacoma. Federal Way’s population of 83,088 is largely middle class and ethnically diverse.
August 13, 1938, Washington State governor Clarence Martin gave the speech dedicating Federal Way Senior High School. In September on 1938, Federal Way opened with twelve teachers and two other full time employees. On June 1, 1939, Federal Way High School graduated its first class consisting of 26 students. In respect to its status as the first comprehensive high school in the Federal Way School District, and its proud seventy-year history, Federal Way High is referred to as the “Flagship” high school.
Faculty:
Of Eighty-nine teachers, fifty-two teachers at Federal Way High School have Master’s degrees, and eight have National Board Certification. The student teacher ratio is 16:1.
Student Characteristics
Distribution of Student Ethnicity |
2007 | 2008 | 2009 |
| African American | 17.20 | 18.13 | 17.75 |
Asian American |
15.50 | 14.53 | 13.87 |
Hispanic |
18.10 | 20.48 | 23.47 |
Native American |
1.20 | 1.11 | 0.76 |
White |
41.90 | 38.48 | 35.88 |
| Pac Islander | 3.50 | 4.06 | 4.45 |
| Multi-Racial | 1.20 | 1.90 | 2.54 |
Other Student Characteristics |
2007 | 2008 | 2009 |
Number of Students (Oct.) |
1,469 | 1,528 | 1,572 |
Free/Reduced Meals |
50.6% | 50.6% | 52.5% |
How Are We Using Our Financial Resources?
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No Child Left Behind Report Card
The No Child Left Behind Act requires all schools and school districts in the United States to prepare annual reports for parents and the public detailing their academic achievement. The State Superintendent of Public Instruction’s web site makes this information available on-line at http://reportcard.ospi.k12.wa.us/ Click on Federal Way in the “Summary” box, then choose your school from the list. You may also request a paper copy of the report card at your school’s office. For more information about the NCLB Act, go to http://www.nclb.gov/index.html.
Athletics
Athletic instruction and competition is offered at the Freshman, Junior Varsity, and Varsity levels for boys and girls. Thomas Jefferson competes at the 4A level in the South Puget Sound League (SPSL North), and is part of the Washington Interscholastic Athletic Association. Competitive sports include Cross Country, Golf, Volleyball, Soccer, Swim and Dive, Football, Basketball, Gymnastics, Baseball, Softball, Tennis, Track, and Wrestling.
High School Graduation Requirements for the Class of 2008
Because student learning is the critical product of education, the Federal Way Public Schools Board of Education has established grade level expectations for students to receive a high school diploma.
With the Class of 2000 and beyond, students shall achieve 23.5 high school graduation credits to be eligible to receive a high school diploma. The equivalent of 90 class periods of 50 minutes each equals 0.5 credits toward graduation.
To qualify for high school graduation in Federal Way Public Schools, students must receive at least a “C-“ grade in each of the required courses. For information on specific course requirements, see the following web site: http://www.fwps.org/info/policies/2000/2410.htm
All students are required to have a minimum of 23.5 credits, which must include:
Subject |
Credits Needed |
English |
4.0 |
Math |
3.0 |
Science |
2.5 |
Social Studies |
4.0 |
Physical Education |
2.0 |
Occupational Education |
1.0 |
Health |
.5 |
Fine Arts |
1.0 |
Electives (Includes Foreign Language) |
5.5 |
Class Rank and Grading System
Class rank is computed semi-annually and cumulatively. All courses that receive a letter grade are used to determine class rank.
One half or .5 credit is granted for satisfactory completion of each six classes per semester. A minimum passing grade is a “C- “or 70%. No credits are awarded for “D” grades or lower and grades and GPA’s are not weighted.
| Letter Grade |
GPA |
| A | 4.0 |
| A- | 3.7 |
| B+ | 3.3 |
| B | 3.0 |
| B- | 2.7 |
| C+ | 2.3 |
| C | 2.0 |
| C- | 1.7 |
| D+ | 0.0 |
| D | 0.0 |
| F | 0.0 |
High School Proficiency Exam (HSPE)
Beginning in the spring of 2010, the State of Washington requires the HSPE be given tenth and eleventh grade. The HSPE replaces the WASL.
Percentage Meeting Standards in:
| Grade 10 | WASL |
WASL |
WASL | HSPE |
Math |
2007 | 2008 | 2009 | 2010 |
School |
39.7 | 45.0 | 38.0 | 30.9 |
District |
53.0 | 51.0 | 49.0 | 43.1 |
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Reading |
2007 | 2008 | 2009 | 2010 |
School |
84.0 | 86.0 | 85.0 | 72.3 |
District |
87.0 | 87.0 | 88.0 | 77.5 |
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Writing |
2007 | 2008 | 2009 | 2010 |
School |
86.0 | 93.0 | 91.0 | 82.4 |
District |
87.0 | 92.0 | 91.0 | 84.4 |
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Science |
2007 | 2008 | 2009 | 2010 |
School |
30.0 | 30.0 | 35.0 | 32.7 |
District |
38.0 | 38.0 | 39.0 | 39.9 |
Advanced Academic Curriculums
Federal Way High School has a comprehensive academic program designed to meet the needs of all students. Academically advanced students can enroll into Pre-Advanced (PreAP) or Pre-Advanced International Certificate of Education (PreAICE) classes at grades 9 and 10. Each program provides curriculum and the rigor needed for success in either Advanced Placement (AP or Advanced International Certificate of Education (AICE) classes at grades 11 and 12.
AICE/British A Levels: Offered at the Cambridge Centre
Students must make application to, and meet academic entrance requirements for enrollment into the Cambridge Pre-Advanced and Advanced International certificate of Education Program at Federal Way High School. This program utilizes the Cambridge University International curriculum and testing program offered through Cambridge International Examinations (CIE). Students have the opportunity to take coursework and exams that can lead to an AICE Diploma through Cambridge University specializing in Mathematics and Sciences, Languages, and Arts and Humanities. Students who pass the British AS or A level exams receive recognition from both US and international universities. Courses offered at the PreAICE and AICE levels include Mathematics, Advanced Mathematics, Biology, English Language, and Literature in English, Thinking Skills, Modern European History, Chemistry, Spanish, French, World History, Humanities, Graphic Design, and Physics. Pass exam grades range from “a to e” with “a being the highest
Advanced Placement
Federal Way high School offers Pre-Advanced Placement and Advanced Placement classes to all students and emphasizes rigor and the student as an independent learner. Students can elect to take any number of the Pre-AP and/or AP courses to build on their strengths and become exposed to college level courses. All students take the AP exams in their respective classes in effort to gain college credits. Courses offered at the PreAP and AP levels include Biology, Chemistry, Calculus, Statistics, Physics, Photography, English Literature and Composition, English Language and Composition, and Graphic Design.
Advanced Academic Programs - Cambridge International
| IA* - 10th Grade | WASL | WASL | WASL | HSPE |
| Math | 2007 | 2008 | 2009 | 2010 |
| # Testing | 24 | 30 | 51 | 31 |
| # Students | 34 | 34 | 54 | 30 |
| % Meeting Standard | 71% | 88% | 94% | 97% |
| IA* - 10th Grade | WASL | WASL | WASL | HSPE |
| Reading | 2007 | 2008 | 2009 | 2010 |
| # Testing | 32 | 34 | 54 | 31 |
| # Students | 34 | 34 | 54 | 31 |
| % Meeting Standard | 94% | 100% | 100% | 100% |
| IA* - 10th Grade | WASL | WASL | WASL | HSPE |
| Writing | 2007 | 2008 | 2009 | 2010 |
| # Testing | 34 | 34 | 54 | 31 |
| # Students | 34 | 34 | 54 | 31 |
| % Meeting Standard | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% |
| IA* - 10th Grade | WASL | WASL | WASL | HSPE |
| Science | 2007 | 2008 | 2009 | 2010 |
| # Testing | 0 | 29 | 50 | 28 |
| # Students | 0 | 34 | 54 | 31 |
| % Meeting Standard | 0 | 85% | 93% | 90% |
Advanced Programs Assessment Numbers District
| Programs | # of Assessments 2009 - 2010 |
Projected # of Assessments 2010 - 2011 |
| Advanced Placement | 1,525 | 2,088 |
| Cambridge | 1,350 | 1,961 |
| International Baccalaureate | 793 | 833 |
| Total Assessments | 3,668 | 4,882 |
| 2010 Cambridge Assessment FWHS | ||
| # of Exams | # Passing | %Passing |
| 576 | 301 | 52% |