Purpose of diploma — Elements of obtainment.
RCW 28A.230.700
in effect(1) The purpose of a high school diploma is to declare that a student is ready for success in postsecondary education, gainful employment, and citizenship, and is equipped with the skills to be a lifelong learner. (2) Except as provided in RCW 28A.230.320 , graduation from a public high school and the earning of a high school diploma must include the following: (a) Satisfying the graduation requirements established by the state board of education under RCW 28A.230.090 and any graduation requirements established by the applicable public high school or school district; (b) Satisfying credit and subject area requirements for graduation; (c) Demonstrating career and college readiness through completion of the high school and beyond plan required by RCW 28A.230.212 ; and (d) Meeting the requirements of at least one graduation pathway option required by RCW 28A.230.710 . (3) Successful completion of the requirements in subsection (2) of this section signals a student's readiness to graduate with a meaningful high school diploma that fulfills the purpose of a diploma as established by this section.
(1) The purpose of a high school diploma is to declare that a student is ready for success in postsecondary education, gainful employment, and citizenship, and is equipped with the skills to be a lifelong learner.
(2) Except as provided in RCW 28A.230.320 , graduation from a public high school and the earning of a high school diploma must include the following:
(a) Satisfying the graduation requirements established by the state board of education under RCW 28A.230.090 and any graduation requirements established by the applicable public high school or school district;
(b) Satisfying credit and subject area requirements for graduation;
(c) Demonstrating career and college readiness through completion of the high school and beyond plan required by RCW 28A.230.212 ; and
(d) Meeting the requirements of at least one graduation pathway option required by RCW 28A.230.710 .
(3) Successful completion of the requirements in subsection (2) of this section signals a student's readiness to graduate with a meaningful high school diploma that fulfills the purpose of a diploma as established by this section.
Source: WA Statutes (Official Site)URL: https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=28A.230&full=trueFetched: 6/29/2026