The rule in one paragraph
Seattle Public Schools requires 60 hours of service learning before graduation. Students who have not attended Seattle schools for all four years need 15 hours for each year they are enrolled: 45 if you join in 10th grade, 30 in 11th grade and 15 in 12th grade. The School Board waived the requirement for the classes of 2020, 2021 and 2022 because of Covid; it applies again to later classes.
What counts and what does not
- Counts: hands-on service that meets a real need and connects to academic, civic, character or leadership learning goals, at school or in the community.
- Does not count: service you are paid for.
- Does not count: service you earn course credit for.
How to record your hours
Get the Service Learning Hour and Reflection Form from your school counselor, fill it in with your supervisor, and turn it in to your school's main office or counseling office. Each high school runs the details a little differently, so ask yours how it wants the forms. Some SPS high schools also count summer service (incoming freshmen can claim up to 15 hours from the summer before 9th grade); check with your counselor before you count on it.
A simple pace
60 hours over four years is 15 hours a year, about 25 minutes a week during the school year. One weekend shift a month gets you there.
Keep your own record, free
Your school's system is the official record; keep your own copy too, with the date, the hours and who supervised you. Print the free volunteer hours log, work out your weekly pace with the volunteer hours calculator, or track it in My Award Tracker: pick the Seattle Public Schools graduation requirement goal and see the hours left and the pace you need as you log.
Other states and districts: see community service hours to graduate, every state.
Frequently asked questions
How many service learning hours do Seattle Public Schools students need?
60 hours before graduation. Students who join SPS later need 15 hours for each year they are enrolled: 45 from 10th grade, 30 from 11th grade, 15 from 12th grade.
What counts as service learning in Seattle?
Hands-on service that meets a real need and connects to academic, civic, character or leadership learning goals. You may not be paid or earn course credit for the hours.
How do I turn in my hours?
On the Service Learning Hour and Reflection Form from your school counselor, turned in to your school’s main office or counseling office.
Was the requirement waived?
Only for the classes of 2020, 2021 and 2022, because of Covid. It applies to later classes.