As another school year comes to a close, we are taking a moment to look back at a few bright spots from across Highline — moments that show the care, commitment and impact happening in our schools every day.
Six Highline schools--CHOICE Academy, Hazel Valley, McMicken Heights, Mount View, North Hill and Raisbeck Aviation High School --were recognized by the Washington School Recognition Program for academic growth or achievement. Their success shows what’s possible when students are supported, challenged and known by name, strength and need.
At Innovation Heights Academy, students are creating public service announcement videos focused on mental health, coping skills and substance use prevention. Students are sharing their own stories and creating messages they believe their peers will connect with. Along the way, they’re building leadership, communication and media production skills while using their voices to support one another.
More than 200 students and families attended Highline’s annual CollegeCon event, where they explored college, career and training opportunities together. Students learned about financial aid, admissions and future pathways while connecting with colleges, businesses and community organizations. Events like this help make the future feel more possible and more accessible.
Across our middle schools, 7th graders participated in career exploration events this spring. They met professionals from fields such as aviation, healthcare, the arts and skilled trades. These experiences help students connect what they’re learning in school to real-world opportunities and begin imagining the future they choose.
This year, Highline opened two brand new high school buildings. The new Evergreen and Tyee high schools were made possible through voter support of our 2022 bond. These modern spaces were designed for collaboration, belonging and future readiness.
Tyee High School also launched a brand new Health Professions pathway this year, creating direct connections to real-world medical careers. Students explore health sciences and pathways leading to nursing certification, allied health careers, or college credit in the medical field. A partnership with Virginia Mason Franciscan Health, provides access to mentorship, job shadowing, workshops and hands-on clinical training.
Highline school nurse Roberta Bilic, who serves Pacific Middle School and Maritime High School, received the international DAISY Award for extraordinary nursing care. Roberta is known for showing up for students with compassion, collaboration and a relentless focus on meeting student needs.
Highline’s Nutrition Services team received the 2026 Rooted in Excellence Award for culturally inclusive meals and student engagement. The award recognizes staff for listening to students and families and creating welcoming meal experiences.
This year, we launched The Promise Podcast to elevate the voices and stories that make Highline special. Through conversations with students, educators, families and community partners, we’re sharing what belonging, learning and student success look like across Highline.
This year, 20 Highline teachers earned their National Board Certification, Five educators renewed their certification, and two of our school nurses also completed national certification. Highline is now among the top five districts in Washington for newly certified educators.
Voters showed a strong support for Highline students and schools last fall passing our levy with more than 63% approval. The levy fills the gap between what the state provides and what is needed to run schools.
The 2026 Gold Star Awards celebrate Highline educators, staff, volunteers and alumni who bring the Highline Promise to life through their care, commitment and service. Presented by the Highline Schools Foundation, the awards honor those making a lasting impact on students, schools and the community.
As we close the year, we are grateful for the students, staff, families, partners and community members who make these moments possible. Thank you for your continued support, trust and partnership. Together, we are building schools where every student is known by name, strength and need and prepared for the future they choose.