Counseling Center

Students are encouraged to visit the counseling office for walk-ins before school, during lunches or after school for quick questions.  

We encourage students to make appointments and meet with their counselor to address any questions or concerns they may have.

Counselors are available to assist students in educational planning, social/personal development, scholarships and post-high school planning. 

What is the Difference between and Official and Unofficial Transcript? 

• Official Transcripts – A transcript is official if it is in a sealed envelope and if it bears the authorizing signature and the official seal of the school. An Official Transcript is a legal Document. All fines/fees must be paid in order to get an official transcript.
• Unofficial Transcript– An unofficial transcript cannot be used as proof, but, is great if you need the information. i.e. online college applications that are asking your GPA etc... An Unofficial Transcript is not a legal document.

Current PHS Students Only: Class of 2026, 2027 and 2028

• Current PHS Students can access their unofficial transcript anytime on SchooLinks:
  • from the main screen, click on school (top left)
  • click on Records Requests
  • Then you are able to download an unofficial transcript. 
• Fill out the Microsoft Form for Transcript Request (Current Students)
  • Request transcripts can be mailed, emailed or picked up at PHS student Services. There is no fee for this method.

Current PHS Students, Former Students, Graduates

Puyallup High School has partnered with Parchment to order and send your transcript and other credentials securely. 

• NOTE: If you are not a current student and over the age of 18, you must request the transcripts through Parchment. Parents/guardians cannot request your transcript on your behalf. 
  • There is a small fee (Approx $9)
  • Please allow a minimum of two school/business days for processing.
  • *We may be unable to process requests for official transcripts if you have a fine/fee balance on your account.

If you have questions about your request, please contact Ms. Wood at woodCK@puyallupsd.org or call 253-841-8711 Option 2

Running Start is a statewide college program for academically qualified juniors and seniors in high school to enroll in courses to fulfill high school graduation requirements and earn college credit. 

Visit the PSD Running Start Website for more Information

Running Start Steps for Fall 2025!    Updated as of May 31, 2025  

1. Watch the Running Starr Information Session Video/PPT
   • You can also visit the Pierce College Running Start Website to sign up for a session. Pierce College offers virtual information sessions via Zoom. Sessions will last approx. 30 minutes. 
   • Please watch this informational PowerPoint if you are unable to attend a Pierce College information session.
2. Admissions: Submit an online application for the college of choice (Pierce, TCC, Clover Park, Highline). After you apply to the college of your choice, you will receive an email back from the college with a college ID number and instructions about how to complete your enrollment. Visit the PSD Running Start Webpage for a list of running start schools.
3. Placement Assessment: Take college entrance test to be eligible to take college level English/math courses. Test results must show eligibility to take college-level English/math courses. *You must take Algebra 2 at PHS if you have not yet completed the course.
   • Pierce College uses Guided Self-Placement for most English and math placements. Complete this in module 2 on the “New Student Guide.
   • Visit the Pierce College Testing Centers-Placement Services webpage for more details or contact information. If you are attending another college, contact the college directly for testing information.

4. Complete the Running Start MS Form.   (Note: Only the PHS Student can submit this information with their PSD Microsoft Account).

• Students will need to upload the following documents to the request form 

  • Your college placement test results (Guided self– placement or other required tests.

  • RS Agreement form initialed and signed by you and your parent/guardian:  Download here:  https://www.puyallupsd.org/academic-programs/college-and-career-readiness/running-start

5.  Email your PHS Counselor:   The deadline to schedule an in-person meeting with your counselor regarding Running Start was May 31. If you missed this deadline, please follow the steps below:

• Complete the MS Form (on Step 4).
• Email your counselor to confirm that you have submitted the form.

Once your counselor receives your email, they will send you the Running Start information and required paperwork as soon as possible.

The email you receive will include the Running Start Graduation Requirement Worksheet. This worksheet is essential for your meeting with your college advisor. Note: If you are attending a college other than Pierce College, you will also need to complete the Enrollment Verification Form (EVF).

Please remember: You are responsible for fulfilling all high school graduation requirements listed on the worksheet.

6.  Register and Pay Fees:  Register for classes at the college with direction and instructions from your college advisor.  Pay student/course fees required by the college (Note:  Free/reduced lunch eligible fees may be waived by the college) 

7. Confirm Enrollment with Your Counselor:  Email a screenshot of your Fall 2025 schedule to your PHS Counselor. Once they receive the screenshot, they will adjust your PHS Schedule.

REMINDERS:

• High school classes take priority over Running Start classes; students must schedule accordingly.
• Student is responsible for obtaining PHS information about important dates, timelines, events, etc. (Running Start Schoology Group, Class of 2026 Schoology Course, Class of 2027 Schoology Course, PSD Student Email, PHS Counseling Website and SchooLinks) 
• Parent/guardians will not receive any information from college regarding RS students (FERPA)
• College advisors will help students plan & schedule college classes – Classes fill up quickly.
• Student may need to take certain courses at PHS: Algebra II and World Language
•  RS student is responsible for keeping track of high school graduation requirements – including High School & Beyond Plan (PSD Running Start Graduation Requirements Worksheet provided initial appointment)

Questions about AP testing, payments or testing schedule, please email Mrs. Galan, AP Coordinator at PHSAP@puyallupsd.org.

AP Costs and Payments for the 2024-2025 School Year

• Payment for AP Exams were due by March 1, 2025. If payment was not received, a fine was placed on your student's account.
• Payment can be made in person with the PHS Bookkeeper or online with the In-Touch payment system.
• Students who do not show up to take their exam(s) were charged a $40 unused exam fee. 
• Late Testing is available depending on the reason for missing the exam - you must contact the AP Coordinator immediately if a conflict arises. 

AP Exams for 2026: Tentative dates are May 4-8 & May 11-15, 2026. College Board will announce official dates in July 2025.

Learn more about AP Capstone. 

FAFSA/WASFA is the free application that you must complete if you plan to enroll in any university, community or technical college.  It is important, no matter your financial standing, that you complete the FAFSA or WASFA!

• FAFSA – Free Application for Federal Student Aid
• WASFA - Washington Application for State Financial Aid

The 2025-2026 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form will be available to the public on or before December 1, 2024 

Five Easy Steps to File the FAFSA

Applying for financial aid can feel intimidating, but it doesn't have to be. Here are five easy steps to file the FAFSA so you can receive all the financial aid resources for which you are eligible. Even if the FAFSA doesn't reflect your family's current situation, you should still complete the FAFSA. Colleges and Universities can work with you to factor in special circumstances such as COVID-19 impacts or loss of income. 

1. Go to studentaid.gov and click "create account" to create your FSA ID. Have the parent/guardian you live with do the same. An FSA ID is your electronic signature for all federal financial aid processes.
    
2. Print and complete the 2025-2026 FAFSA worksheet above. 
   The worksheet provides an overview of what the FAFSA is going to ask. 
    
3. Log in to the Federal Student aid website at studentaid.gov/fafsa and complete the 2025-2026 FAFSA.
   It's secure and confidential. With your FSA ID and a completed FAFSA worksheet, you are ready to complete a FAFSA online. Make sure both you and your parent/guardian sign the FAFSA using your FSA IDs. 
    
4. Receive a link to your Student Aid Report in your email after filing the FAFSA. Review for accuracy. 
   If you made an error on your FAFSA, don't worry! Just log back in to your FAFSA on the Federal Student Aid website and correct it. Be sure you and your parent/guardian sign the FAFSA again using your FSA IDs.
    
5. Receive financial aid offers from the colleges and universities that you list on your FAFSA and to which you are admitted.
   
   Your FAFSA maximizes eligibility for all available financial aid resources to invest in your future! 
   
   You will need the following information to complete the FAFSA/WASFA: 

• Federal tax information or tax returns, including IRS W-2 information, for you and your parents 
• Your driver’s license number (if available) 
• Your Alien Registration Number (if you are not a U.S. citizen) 
• Your Parents’ Social Security Numbers (FAFSA can still be completed if your parents do not have a Social Security #)  
• Your Social Security Number  

Here are FAFSA resources:

Padlet 

Finanical Aid Events - Washington Student Achievement Council

Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) - America’s largest regional interstate tuition savings program

Get Free Tax Help

Other Financial Options

Washington College Grant

College Bound Washington - Washington Student Achievement Council 

Many scholarships and college applications require letters of recommendation from teachers and/or members of the community.

General Guidelines

• Read the application instructions carefully.
• Give the writer a stamped properly addressed envelope.
• Give the writer any forms that need to be send with the letter.
• Indicate deadline.
• Request a letter well in advance of the deadline. The writer should have a minimum of 2 weeks to write the letter. 
• Check back to see that the letter has been mailed.
• Recommend the writer save a copy.

Selecting Writers

• Select people who know you well and show interest in you, i.e., teacher, activity advisor, job supervisor, youth minister, volunteer coordinator, etc.
• Select people who are familiar with your potential and your achievements.
• Select teachers whom you have had as instructors in an academic subject.
• Ask teachers with whom you have had more than one class (when possible).
• Select people who could best explain your extra efforts in school or on the job.
• Ask the person how they feel about writing a good recommendation for you.

Letter of Recommendation Request Form

Write a Thank you note shortly after the letter has been completed!

Students interested in attending college after high school should plan to take the SAT or ACT during the spring of their junior year. This will allow students the opportunity to retake the exam, if needed, prior to submitting college applications during their senior year.

While some colleges and universities have altered their entrance requirements to make submitting test scores optional, students are still encouraged to take the test. Many scholarships require students to submit test scores, and a strong test score can strengthen a student’s application even to universities who have become test optional.

Which Test Should You Take?

Students should plan to take the SAT or ACT. If you know what school you want to attend, you are encouraged to reach out to that school to determine if they prefer a specific test.
The ACT has a science component, but the SAT does not. If you are a student who has not met standard on the WCAS or you’re using the SAT/ACT in lieu of the State Test, the ACT Plus Writing might be the better option.
PHS College Code:  480940

SAT

The SAT is offered at various locations around the Puget Sound Region, including Puyallup High School.

Register for the SAT

SAT Prep Resource

Khan Academy

ACT

The ACT is offered at various locations around the Puget Sound Region.

Register for the ACT

ACT Prep Resource 

The Registration window for current Puyallup High School Students and Freshman scheduled to attend PHS for the 25-26 School year will be open January 21-February 28, 2025.

Once the registration window closes on February 28th, our Administrators and Counselors will work on the Master Schedule based on student requests. 

If a student does not submit class requests for 25-26, their counselor will create a schedule based on the student's graduation requirements. 

Students who enroll at PHS after the February 28th deadline will choose their 25-26 classes during the enrollment process. . 

Registration Resources

AP Course Information
Course Requests Sheets: (Coming Soon) 
CTE/Career Pathways

New Courses Coming 2025-2026

Dental Assisting: The Dental Assisting course prepares students to provide patient care, take dental radiographs, prepare patients and equipment for dental procedures, and discharge office administration functions under the supervision of dentists and dental hygienists. The course includes instruction in medical record keeping, general office duties, reception and patient intake, scheduling, equipment maintenance and sterilization, basic radiography, pre and post-operative patient care and instruction, chair side assisting, taking tooth and mouth impressions, supervised practice, and the opportunity to become Nationally Board Certified.

AP African American Studies:  AP African American Studies is an exciting interdisciplinary course that draws from a variety of fields – history, literature, the arts, geography, science and law – to explore the vital contributions and experiences of African Americans. In AP African American Studies, students explore key topics that extend from early African kingdoms to the ongoing challenges & achievements of the contemporary moment.  Students will explore the origins of the African diaspora freedom, enslavement & resistance, the practice of freedom as well as movements & debates. 

Interested in a Career in Education?  Teachers of Tomorrow is designed for students who would like to learn more about teaching or related educational careers. It provides students with a hands-on opportunity to work with children in a classroom setting. Students work as elementary classroom assistants at local elementary schools and attend seminars at the high school. If students cannot provide their own transportation to elementary school sites, transportation will be provided. 

If you have questions about the High School & Beyond Plan (HSBP), Community Services hours, or employment authorization/release, please visit the Career Center in Room 163 in the CTE Building (south side of the campus). 

Diplomas are a one-time ceremonial item, and the Puyallup School District does not reproduce them.

You have the option to order a diploma by completing this link from Jostens.

Please Note: The Diploma may be different than your original Diploma. The signature of the Board Members, Superintendent and/or Principal will be the current signatures and may/may not match the signatures on your original Diploma.

• Diplomas do take 4-6 weeks to complete and CANNOT be RUSHED, as we need to recreate the plates from that year.
• Diplomas cannot be emailed or faxed to you, they are an official document that must be mailed.
• You will need a credit card to complete this order. The cost for a new Diploma is $50.00 (including shipping & tax) and payment will be taken at the end of the form.