Changes to Accessing Out-of-District Credits
Dear families,
Seattle Public Schools (SPS) offers students the opportunity to earn credit for out-of-district courses taken in-state through private schools, public schools in other districts, and colleges and universities, as well as online providers approved by the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction. This provision allows opportunities to take courses of interest that are not available in-district, and gives students a chance to get on track to take college preparatory courses at their high schools as juniors or seniors.
SPS has approved changes to the approval process, who can be designated as course providers, and the grade levels who may participate. Updates to the process will result in clarity and consistency across our high schools and will contribute to a more equitable high school experience for our students. Additionally, students will have the flexibility to take the courses they need to graduate, while encouraging rigorous in-district courses taught by SPS educators.
Most of the changes impact out-of-district courses for first time credit only. Students planning to take credit recovery for previously-attempted courses will be minimally impacted by the changes. In addition, students with Individual Education Plans (IEPs) or 504 Plans will be permitted to take out-of-district courses for high school credit, as indicated in their IEP or 504 Plan to meet their educational needs.
For more details, please read the summary and the FAQ on the website for information about out-of-district credits and credit recovery, and how changes to the policy and procedure may impact your child.
Sincerely,
College and Career Readiness team