We're making changes at some of our secondary schools to help students feel more connected to their learning and better prepared for life after graduation.
This work is called Secondary Redesign, and it supports our Highline Promise to know every student by name, strength and need, so that they graduate prepared for the future they choose.
This update shares how that work is taking shape as the 2024–25 school year comes to a close.
From Feedback to Focus
Last school year, we listened to students, families, and educators to explore how to make school more meaningful and engaging. Two clear priorities emerged:
- Real-world relevance: Helping students connect what they learn in school to real-life.
- Instructional rigor: Challenging students to meet higher expectations and achieve their full potential.
Now, in 2024–25, schools are putting those ideas into action.
What’s Happening in High Schools
Tyee High School
Preparing students for healthcare careers through hands-on learning and industry partnerships.
Tyee High School is continuing project-based learning experiences and launching a new Career and Technical Education (CTE) Health Science pathway that gives students a head start on careers in healthcare. Students in the pathway can choose from three areas:
- Train to become a certified nursing assistant
- Prepare for health careers like radiology or sonography
- Earn college credit through health-focused courses while still in high school.
They’ll also get hands-on experience through a partnership with Virginia Mason Franciscan Health, learning directly from professionals in the field.
Highline High School
A new 4-period schedule will give students more time for hands-on learning and greater course choice.
Highline High School started the year by hosting a three-day workshop to train teachers in project-based learning. In this method, students learn through hands-on projects that relate to real-life situations.
Next school year (2025–26), the school will switch to a four-period block schedule. Students will have four longer classes each day instead of six shorter ones, giving students more time for hands-on learning and more flexibility to take courses that reflect their interests and future goals. With the 4-period day, students will complete a year’s worth of content in one semester.
Mount Rainier High School
Expanding access to the IB program so more students are ready for college and beyond.
Mount Rainier High School is expanding its access to the International Baccalaureate (IB) experience, which helps students think deeply, understand different perspectives, and improve their research and writing skills.
After tripling IB enrollment last year, even more students now have the opportunity to take part in this challenging, college-prep program.
Evergreen High School
Building stronger relationships and college readiness through daily circles and dual credit expansion.
Evergreen High School expanded daily circles to build community and improve instruction. These circles create a space for students to share their thoughts, address challenges and celebrate successes. Ciricles also build trust and create stronger learning environments.
Evergreen is also working to expand college-level course options, with a long-term goal of helping students graduate with an Associate of Arts degree. To support success in these advanced courses, they’ve added targeted help during the school day through Wolverine Success Periods.
School Board Hears How Redesign Is Taking Shape
On May 7, Highline School Board Directors had the opportunity to engage with school leaders at each comprehensive high school to learn more about secondary redesign initiatives and how they can support students’ success toward graduation and beyond.
Moving Forward
Each high school will continue to gather feedback from students, families, and staff. We’re committed to making learning more relevant, rigorous, and engaging—so every student is ready for the future they choose.