Course Guide

Find the Right Classes for You

Choosing your classes is a big deal! - Each spring, you get to pick the courses that will shape your next school year, and this guide is here to help. Inside, you’ll find info on the classes offered, graduation requirements, and tips for making the best choices for you.

There’s no single “right” schedule.

What matters most is picking classes that match your interests, challenge you in the right ways, and help you stay on track to graduate. The students who feel the best about their schedules usually:

Talk with family about their options
Take time to think before making final decisions
Read the course guide to understand what each class offers
Ask their teachers for advice based on their strengths
Pick classes they’re actually excited about (not just following friends)
Push themselves, but also find a balance that works
Choose backup options they’d be okay with, just in case
Make sure they’re meeting graduation requirements

If you have questions, we’re here to help! We want you to have a great high school experience, and that starts with choosing the right courses for you.

Course Catalog

Skyline High School Courses

How to sign up:

Course Request Process Student Access (Skyward/Qmlativ)

Four General Requirements to Graduate High School:

See more information below.

1.
24 Total Credits

Students must complete a total of 24 credits

2. Graduation Pathway

Students must meet the requirements of a District-approved graduation pathway.

3. Washington State History

Students must pass Washington State History Course, or appeal.

4.
High School and Beyond Plan

Students must craft a High School and Beyond Plan.

More about graduation requirements:

24 Total Credits

Students must complete a total of 24 credits

Course and credit requirements for earning a high school diploma are found in each school’s course guide. General credit requirement information can be found below. Graduation requirements are assigned according to a student’s year of graduation. For an official summary of progress towards completion of graduation requirements, please contact your school’s Counseling Office.

Credit Requirements

Skyline Mechatronics classroom instruction.

Graduation Pathway

Students must meet the requirements of a District-approved graduation pathway.

Students must meet the requirements of a District-approved graduation pathway in order to graduate. Students who receive special education services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) must meet the requirements determined appropriate by the student’s individualized education program (IEP) team in accordance with applicable laws and District policy.

Students should consult with their counselor for more information on satisfying the pathway requirement.

Washington State Graduation Pathways

Liberty ASB Class in blue spirit shirts in front of school

Washington State History

Students must pass Washington State History Course, or appeal.

Most students meet this requirement in 7th grade. If not, see options below. If you have not met this requirement or are unsure, check with your school counselor.

If you completed a Washington State History class in a different Washington state school, check with your school counselor to confirm this is recorded within your Issaquah School District account. If not, you can collect documentation from your previous school, and bring it to your school counselor.
If you completed a different State History course in another state, get documentation of the completion of that course from your previous school, and bring it to your school counselor. They can help determine if the documentation can be used to waive the Washington State History requirement.
You can take the high school Northwest Studies class to meet this requirement. Running Start students can pursue a college HIST&214 course to meet the requirement.
If you moved to Washington state in grade 11 or grade 12 and are unable to meet the Washington State History requirement, you may qualify for a waiver. Consult with your school counselor for details.

High School and Beyond Plan

Students must craft a High School and Beyond Plan.

This is usually started in middle school, and is gradually completed throughout their experience in the district. This is a state requirement. Completing the last step of the High School and Beyond Planis required in the student's senior year,

Each student shall have a high school plan to guide their high school experience, including plans for post-secondary education or training and career. Students shall create their high school and beyond plans in cooperation with parents, guardians and school staff.

Staff works with students to update the plan during the years. in which the plan is implemented in order to accommodate changing interests and goals. Learn more below.

High School and Beyond Plan

This is done in Xello.

What is Xello?

An online program that Issaquah School District students use to complete the High School and Beyond requirement.
Each student has a Xello account beginning in 6th grade, and they can explore careers, post high school opportunities, and a wide variety of college options through their Xello account.
Students can use the About Me page in Xello to list their interests and skills, and any education, work, and volunteer experiences they have had, which builds toward a future resume.

Career Discovery (Xello)

Understanding the Path for You

4-Year and 2-Year College

If you’re aiming for college, you’ll want to check admission requirements for the schools that interest you. Completing the right high school classes (including math, science, world language, and more) is key. You might also want to look into AP or dual-credit courses to get a head start.

Find My Path

Workforce

If you’re headed straight into the workforce after high school, explore classes and programs that build practical job skills (like CTE courses). Look for internships, job shadows, or volunteer experiences to gain real-world experience before you graduate.

Find My Path

Technical or Trade School

Interested in a hands-on career? Technical and trade schools provide focused, skill-based training that leads directly to job opportunities, often in less time and at a lower cost than a traditional four-year degree. Many programs include real-world experience, helping you build expertise and connections in your chosen field.

Find My Path

Military

Considering serving in the Armed Forces? Each branch has different entry requirements, including physical fitness tests and the ASVAB exam. High school electives (like ROTC if available) can help you prepare.

Find My Path