Class of 2026: Navigating Senior Year

🎓 Class of 2026: Navigating Senior Year

Class of 2026 students and families, senior year is here! It’s an exciting time filled with milestones, decisions, and celebrations. But between the fun of senior photos, cap and gown orders, and planning for life after high school, it can also feel a little overwhelming. That’s why we’ve pulled together this essential guide to help you stay focused, organized, and ready to cross that graduation stage in June 2026. 

Whether your plans include college, career training, the military, or jumping straight into the workforce, everything you do this year matters. Here’s what you need to know: 

✅ Graduation Requirements: Stay on Track 

To graduate from Federal Way Public Schools, seniors must meet several requirements, including: 

• 26 course credits (including 4 in English, 3 in math, 3 in science, 4 in social studies, and more) 

• Community service – 24 hours are required 

• High School & Beyond Plan

• Graduation Pathway (such as SAT/ACT scores, ASVAB, AP/IB exams, CTE pathways, or state assessments) 

👉 Pro tip: Make sure you’ve completed your Washington State History credit and fitness requirements unless you have an exemption. Check your credits early and often with your school counselor! 

🎓 Cap, Gown, and Graduation Dates 

Mark your calendars! Graduation ceremonies for the Class of 2026 will take place in June 2026 (dates and locations will be shared later this year). Caps and gowns should be ordered by December 15, 2025, to receive the group discount, and no later than March 1, 2026, to ensure on-time delivery. 

📅 College Applications: Start Early 

If college is part of your plan, you’ll want to keep a close eye on application deadlines. Many four-year universities have priority deadlines starting in November 2025, especially for early decision and early action applications. 

Here’s what you should be doing this fall: 

• Research colleges 

• Start or finalize your personal statement 

• Ask teachers for letters of recommendation early 

• Register for additional SAT/ACT dates if needed (FWPS offers the SAT for free during the school year, but you can register for more at collegeboard.org) 

• Understand the differences: 

• Early Decision = binding (you must attend if accepted) 

• Early Action = non-binding, but still early 

• Regular Decision = typically due in January/February 

• Rolling Admission = first-come, first-served 

💸 Financial Aid and Scholarships 

The FAFSA and WASFA open on October 1, 2025. Every student should complete one to access financial aid, even if you’re unsure about your post-high school plans. Some aid is first-come, first-served, so don’t wait! 

Also: 

• Create a Going Merry profile (goingmerry.com) to search for scholarships tailored to you. Then start applying for scholarships, and a lot of them...seriously!

• Talk to your school’s college and career specialist for help with your FAFSA or WASFA application. Also, each high school will host several financial aid workshops throughout the year for students and families, so be sure to take advantage of the guidance available to you.

🧠 Managing Stress: Don’t Burn Out 

Senior year can be stressful. Between balancing classes, applications, extracurriculars, and preparing for the future, it’s normal to feel the pressure. Here are a few tips: 

• Break big tasks into small steps

• Keep a calendar of deadlines

• Continue to do your very best to maintain your GPA

• Stay connected with supportive adults — counselors, teachers, and your family 

• Ask for help when you need it. FWPS staff are here to support you! 

✨ This Is Your Year 

You’ve made it this far, and now it’s time to finish strong. Your senior year is a celebration of everything you’ve accomplished and a launching pad for your future. Stay focused, keep asking questions, and lean on your support system. 

We’re proud of you. Let’s make this year unforgettable.