Graduation & Dropout
Graduation requirements
To view the Bellingham School District’s graduation requirements that are being phased in during the next several years, please look for Graduation Requirements under “Students” at www.bellinghamschools.org
In 2010, the state began using the High School Proficiency Exam (HSPE) as the annual assessment for tenth grade students. The HSPE now also serves as the state’s exit exam for graduation. Students in the classes of 2011-2012 must pass reading, writing and math state assessments, or state-approved alternatives, to be eligible to graduate. Starting in 2011, the state replaces the math HSPE with End-of-Course (EOC) exams in math. In 2012, the state will replaced the science HSPE with an End-of-Course exam in science. Students in the Class of 2013 are the first required to pass reading, writing, math and science assessments for graduation. For more information about state testing, visit http://www.k12.wa.us/assessment/StateTesting/default.aspx.
School and district leaders are making it a top priority to increase the district’s on-time and extended graduation rates, which are currently below the state average. They have formed administrative Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) to study the issue and possible solutions, including offering a menu of expanded alternative learning options for high school and middle students such as year-round credit retrieval, online learning and more.
On-time Graduation and Dropout Rates
| Annual Dropout Rate | On-time Graduation Rate | Extended Graduation Rate |
District | 4.2% | 72% | 78% |
State | 4.6% | 77% | 83% |
