FAQs

Can I change my schedule?

Schedule change requests are accepted during the first five days of the semester. Students are expected to select their six classes in a serious and responsible manner. Every effort will be made to schedule students into their selected courses. For a schedule change to be considered, one of the following must apply:

1. The student has an unassigned period.

2. The student’s current schedule causes a conflict with scheduling Running Start / PSSC.

3. The student needs to be placed in a more appropriate course level.

4. The student is missing a graduation requirement.

5. The student is missing a college entrance requirement.

No other reasons for schedule changes will be considered (i.e. change in electives / teachers).

An appeal may be made to the appropriate administrator if extenuating circumstances need to be considered. This policy includes part-time students as well.

Can I drop a course?

Courses dropped by a student after the first 10 school days of the semester will be given an “F” grade. Exceptions require approval from the principal, course department head, and classroom teacher.

What if my grade needs to be changed?

Grade changes are allowed only when:

1. A student received an “I” (incomplete) and the work was completed and course requirements were met within the allowed time period.

2. There was a teacher error in recording the grade.

3. A course and grade were not recorded at all.

If the grade change meets the above criteria, please ask your teacher to fill out the appropriate form in the counseling office.

If an incomplete grade is received at the grading period, the student and teacher need to complete an Incomplete Grade Form outlining what work needs to be completed by the student to receive the final grade. This make-up work must be completed within 10 school days after the student receives his/her report card, unless there is an exception granted by the teacher and principal. If the required work is not completed, the grade is automatically converted to an “F”. No incompletes are allowed at the end of the second semester.

Can I repeat a course to improve a grade?

A student may repeat a course to improve their grade or advance. Both courses must remain listed on the transcript. After completing the course, the student has two options:

1. Change the first grade’s GPA points (attempted & earned) to zero. The grade point average will no longer be affected by this score.

2. Keep the lower grade and use it as an elective credit (if credit was earned). Both grades will be averaged into the grade point average.

Repeating a course is dependent upon availability. Students must submit a Repeat Course Form after completing the repeated course to benefit from Option 1 above.

Can I get a waiver for any course?

The high school principal may waive specific course requirements above the state minimum course requirements for students with special circumstances, pursuant to the policies of the Tukwila School Board of Directors. Such waived requirements shall be noted on the student’s permanent record.

A waiver of the PE requirement is possible, but not granted automatically. A PE waiver may be granted for a physical disability, religious belief, participation in an organized athletic program, or academic requirements.

The Health requirement cannot be waived.

A student may submit a written request to waive non-statutory or local course requirements to the principal. The principal may waive requirements when it is in the best interest of the student. When a course requirement is waived, it will be recorded on the student’s transcript.

Can I get credit for taking off-campus courses?

Any off-campus courses taken that will be added to a Foster High School transcript for high school credit require pre-approval prior to enrollment. Only Running Start, Puget Sound Skills Center, credit retrieval, independent study, and advanced level or college credits from accredited schools or institutions will be approved.

How can I make up a credit for a course I failed or missed?

Students who are credit deficient are strongly encouraged to participate in Graduation Alliance, summer school, or other approved credit retrieval programs. Some credit retrieval programs may require payment from the student or family. Please see your school counselor for more information.

What exams should I take for college admissions?

There are a few different admission exams that may be required by post-secondary schools. It is best to check the school websites or the college and career counselor about the schools you are considering to determine which exam you may need to take. Below you will find brief descriptions of the most commonly used admission exams.

4-Year College Admissions:

Preparation for College Exams:

PSAT/NMSQT: Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test

Measures: Critical reading skills, math problem-solving skills, writing skills.

Reasons for taking the PSAT/NMSQT are to:

• Receive feedback on your strengths and weaknesses on skills necessary for college study. You can then focus your preparation on those areas that could most benefit from additional study or practice.

• See how your performance on an admissions test might compare with that of others applying to college.

• Enter the competition for scholarships from the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (grade 11).

• Help prepare for the SAT or ACT. You can become familiar with the kinds of questions and the exact directions you will see on the SAT or ACT.

• Receive information from colleges.

SAT & ACT Exams

Both the SAT and the ACT are nationally administered standardized tests that help colleges evaluate candidates. Most colleges and universities accept either test. As you begin to think about college and creating the best application package possible, your admissions plan should begin with the question, "Which test should I take?" When weighing your options, keep in mind that there are differences in test structure and the type of content assessed. Students should be taking the writing sections on both exams. Students should take the SAT, ACT, or both tests during their junior year, then again during the fall of their senior year.

*Check with any university or college you are applying to. Many schools are waiving this requirement due to COVID19.

*Cost is subject to change. Fee Waivers are available in the College & Career Center to students with Free or Reduced Lunch. Visit the College and Career Center for instructions on how to register for either exam.

The SAT School Day Test will be given to all juniors (spring) and all seniors (fall). Students will be automatically registered. **This was not offered during the 2020-2021 school year due to COVID19.**

2 Year College Admissions:

Placement Tests are given at 2 year colleges. These tests include reading, writing and math. The test is used to determine placement level in English and Math classes. Please contact the college of choice testing center for testing times and fee requirements.