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Highline Public Schools
15675 Ambaum Blvd. SW Burien, WA 98166

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Monday-Friday: 7:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Highline Public Schools
15675 Ambaum Blvd. SW Burien, WA 98166

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Two young women are standing together in a hallway, smiling and embracing. The background includes a sign for %22College Con%22 and various other decorations, suggesting this is likely a college or university setting.

CollegeCon is April 25

CollegeCon returns Saturday, April 25 at Evergreen High School. Students and families can explore college, career training and next steps after high school.

Plan your day at CollegeCon

Group photo of CFAC members

CFAC Ready to Recommend Bond

The community-led Capital Facilities Advisory Committee (CFAC) arrived at a bond package recommendation with a majority consensus by the end of their March 30 meeting. They will present to the school board in early June.

Read Meeting Summary

Mr. Jorge and student in a classroom at Bow Lake Elementary

Inside an Inclusive Classroom at Bow Lake  

In Jorge Velasquez’s classroom at Bow Lake Elementary, inclusion means more than simply sharing space. It means every student learns together, supports one another, and belongs. 

Learn more about inclusivity at Bow Lake

students engaging in math work during class

Building Understanding in Math Through Literacy

Math can feel intimidating. In Ryan Smith’s classroom at Mount Rainier High School, something is shifting. Students work through problems step by step, using notes that combine numbers and written explanations. 

Watch a video about how literacy is helping students in math

teacher and student in WIN Time classroom

WIN Time at Evergreen

At Evergreen High School, students are building skills beyond the classroom. They’re learning how to manage their time, ask for help and take ownership of their learning. A new structure called WIN Time, short for What I Need, helps make that possible. 

Read about WIN Time

The image shows a collage of various scenes, including students working in a laboratory, firefighters in protective gear, and individuals in different settings.

Schools of Choice Applications Reopened

Applications are now reopened for schools & programs not at capacity. From marine science and welding to health care, aviation, culinary arts, virtual learning, and college-prep academics, Schools of Choice give students opportunities to find the environment that fits their interests, strengths, and future they choose.

Learn more about Schools of Choice

Two young girls, appearing to be elementary school students, are sitting at a desk in a classroom setting. They are engaged in what seems to be a learning activity, with one girl holding a pencil and the other a colorful object, possibly a toy or school supply.

How State Funding Impacts Schools

When state funding does not match the real cost of running schools, districts must make up the difference. In Highline, that gap shapes budgets, programs and the support students receive each day.

Explore how funding impacts students

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Gold Star Award Winners

Meet the 2026 Gold Star Award winners—staff, volunteers and alumni making a difference across Highline schools.

See who won

images of students engaging in the new school buildings

New High Schools, Lasting Impact

The new Evergreen and Tyee high school buildings are shaping a new high school experience. Students learn in spaces designed to support learning, connection and preparation for the future they choose. 

Read about the new buildings' impact

 

four students smiling for the camera

Budget Reductions in Central Office

Highline still faces a budget gap, even with new state funding. Learn what this means for students, staff and programs across our district.

Read the full budget update

The image shows a classroom setting with children's backpacks and coats hanging on the walls, and two young students sitting at a table with educational materials in front of them.

Literacy and Learning in Highline

Students across Highline are building strong reading, writing and language skills every day. From early reading to class discussions, learning grows with support at every grade.

Read how students are supported

A group of young children, some wearing colorful clothing, are gathered around a table in what appears to be a classroom or daycare setting, with various art supplies and decorations visible in the background.

Kindergarten Enrollment Now Open

Do you know a child who will be five years old on or before August 31? Now is the time to enroll them in kindergarten for the 2026-27 school year! Enroll early for access to readiness programs and events.

Enroll in Kindergarten

Two young girls are sitting at a table in a colorful and organized classroom environment, surrounded by various educational materials and toys.

Control Your School Notifications

Families can switch ParentSquare notifications to Digest to reduce email, text, and app alerts. Digest delivers one end‑of‑day summary per method from your district and each school.   

Log into ParentSquare

students in classroom talking to their teacher in front of the whiteboard

Exploring Healthcare Careers at Tyee

Tyee’s Health Professions pathway gives students hands-on training, college credit and real experience in health care fields. Students are building skills, earning credentials and preparing for careers that serve their community. 

Read How Students are Becoming Future Ready

Upcoming Events

Latest News

students at their desk engaging in math class

Math can feel intimidating. In Ryan Smith’s classroom at Mount Rainier High School, something is shifting. Lessons often begin with the class learning together. Students work through problems step by step, using notes that combine numbers and written explanations. 

students in schools of choice

Applications are now reopened for schools & programs not at capacity. From marine science and welding to health care, aviation, culinary arts, virtual learning, and college-prep academics, Schools of Choice give students opportunities to find the environment that fits their interests, strengths, and goals — and prepares them for what comes next.

The Promise Podcast Our People. Our Stories.

Mr. Vaswig talks about building community at the start of the year, helping students take pride in their names and identities, and creating a space where learning and laughter go together. He also shares how he approaches teaching history with honesty.

Group photo of CFAC members

The community-led Capital Facilities Advisory Committee (CFAC) arrived at a bond package recommendation with a majority consensus by the end of their March 30 meeting.

choice academy students smiling

Across Highline, Culture & Climate Teams help schools create welcoming environments, reinforce positive behavior and respond early when students need support. Nearly all schools now hold regular team meetings, using attendance and behavior data to guide decisions and strengthen consistent support systems for students. 

CollegeCon Returns April 25!

CollegeCon brings students and families together to explore college, career training and other paths after high school. This free event is open to students in grades 7–12 and their families.

conversation bubbles

We are celebrating Language Access Month in Highline Public Schools by recognizing the many languages our families speak and our commitment to clear, inclusive communication. In 2024–25, we supported more than 2,400 interpretation requests, 5,000 on-demand calls, and translations that help families stay connected and engaged.

Our Promise

Every student in Highline Public Schools is known by name, strength and need, and graduates prepared for the future they choose.

Explore our Promise 

Our Goals

Culture of Belonging
culture of belonging

A culture where all are welcome, valued, and safe.

Innovative Learning
Innovative Learning

Academic experiences that engage, empower, and challenge every student.

Bilingual & Biliterate
Bilingual & Biliterate

Multicultural skills that enable students to live, work, and communicate across cultures.

Future Ready
Future Ready

Students explore possibilities and develop mindsets that prepare them for a changing future.

Highline

at a Glance

More Fast Facts

17,290

STUDENTS

17,290

STUDENTS

Our students represent many diverse and culturally-rich backgrounds. Our diversity is an asset. Our students learn from one another and graduate prepared to live and work in an increasingly multicultural world.

Learn More

89

LANGUAGES SPOKEN

Our top 8 languages are:

  1. English
  2. Spanish
  3. Vietnamese
  4. Somali
  5. Amharic
  6. Punjabi
  7. Arabic
  8. Khmer

Learn More

1,193

CLASSROOM TEACHERS

1,193

CLASSROOM TEACHERS

The single most important driver of student achievement is an excellent teacher in the classroom. Highline is in the top 12 out of 295 Washington districts in the number of National Board Certified Teachers.

Learn More

34

SCHOOLS

34

schools

Highline has 18 elementary schools, 5 middle schools, and 4 comprehensive high schools serving neighborhoods in Burien, Des Moines, Normandy Park, SeaTac and White Center. Families may also want to explore our 7 choice schools or multiple alternative education options. 

Learn More

22.5 POINTS

RISING GRADUATION RATE

22.5 POINT RISE

IN GRADUATION RATE

Highline's graduation rate has been on a steady rise for the past decade. The on-time graduation rate for the Class of 2023 was 84.8%. That's an increase of 22.5 point rise since 2013.

Learn More