WA state superintendent proposes new mandatory class for high school seniors

July 8, 2026 - 10:08

State Superintendent Chris Reykdal has put forward a plan to create a new mandatory class for all high school seniors in Washington. The proposed course aims to equip students with practical life skills before they graduate. According to Reykdal, the class would cover three main areas: financial literacy, the college application process, and civic engagement.

The financial literacy portion would teach students how to manage money, understand credit, and create budgets. The college applications segment would guide students through filling out forms, writing personal statements, and exploring financial aid options. The civic engagement component would focus on how to participate in local government and understand voting rights.

Reykdal argues that many students leave high school without these essential skills. He believes a required class would help close gaps in preparedness, especially for students who may not get such guidance at home. The proposal has sparked debate among school districts and parents. Some worry about adding another requirement to an already packed senior year schedule. Others support the idea, saying it addresses real-world needs that current classes often miss.

The state board of education will review the proposal in the coming months. If approved, the class could be implemented as early as the 2026 school year. Districts would have flexibility in how they teach the material, but the core topics would remain consistent across the state.