Shape your future, your way.
From maritime studies to aerospace exploration, virtual learning to your neighborhood school—Highline gives you choices. If your student is entering middle or high school in the 2026–27 school year, now is the time to explore our Schools and Programs of Choice, attend info events, and submit your application.
Start exploring at a High School Transitions Night event on December 18 at 5:30 p.m. at PSSC.
Then, dive deeper at school-specific info sessions and tours to find your perfect match. Applications are open now through January 31, 2026. Don’t miss your chance to shape your tomorrow, today.
Discovery and Application Timeline
- Application window (most schools): Dec. 8, 2025–Jan. 31, 2026 (PSSC, Innovation Heights, and HVA: see school details)
- High School Transitions Event: Dec. 18, 2025
- School Info Nights: December and January – visit each school's website for details.
What to Know Before You Apply
- Schools and Programs of Choice require an application.
- Applications for the 2026-27 school year will be submitted through ParentVUE. This change will make the process more consistent and easier to navigate. Application directions will be available on the website.
- Neighborhood schools offer challenging coursework with electives to enhance your learning experience. No application is required for neighborhood schools. Current students are automatically enrolled based on their address.
Learn more by attending our December High School Transitions Night event or a school-specific information night below.
Upcoming Events
High School Transitions Event
When: December 18, 2025, at 5:30 p.m.
Where: Puget Sound Skills Center
18010 8th Ave S, SeaTac, WA 98148
Representatives from your neighborhood high school and Highline’s Schools and Programs of Choice will share about their schools, programs and admission process.
Application support will also be available for students and families via breakout rooms—staff will be available to answer questions and guide you through the process step-by-step.
Upcoming School-Specific Information Nights
Big Picture
Students build personalized Learning Plans focused on real-world projects.
(Open to 6- 12th grade students )
Info Night:
- December 12, 2025 at 4:00 – 5:00 p.m. Via Teams
- January 13, 2026, at 4:00-5:00 p.m. in person
- Big Picture Cafeteria: 440 South 186th Street, Burien
CHOICE Academy
Academic-focused pathway from middle to high school, including college coursework.
(Open to 6- 12th grade students)
Information Night
- Tuesday, December 9, 2025, at 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. in person
- Tuesday, December 16, 2025, 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. 8th Grade Families & High School Focused
- Tuesday, January 20, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. in person
CHOICE Academy: 18367 8th Avenue South, Burien
School Tours – See our School in Action!
- 1st Period, in-person tours are available from 8:15 - 9:05 a.m. on Wednesdays. (December and January only) Call 206-631-7600 to schedule.
- CHOICE Academy: 18367 8th Avenue South, Burien
Flexible, online learning for students who thrive with independence and support.
(Open to 6th through 12th grade students)
Information Night
- Friday, January 16, 2026, at 1:00 pm. -2:00 p.m.
IB at Mount Rainier High School
Located at Mount Rainier High School, the IB program develops inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who help to create a better and more peaceful world through education that builds intercultural understanding and respect. Mount Rainier High School students engage in inquiry-driven course work, creative projects, and service in their school and community.
(Open to 9th through 11th-grade students)
Information Nights
- Monday, January 12th, 2026 at 7:00 p.m. on Zoom
- Wednesday, January 21st, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. in person
Mount Rainier High School: 22450 19th Avenue South, Des Moines
Innovation Heights Academy
Accelerated learning with a focus on wellness, life balance, and project-based instruction.
There are six sessions a year with varying application dates. Students apply for the current school year. Review the application process on the school website.
Information Nights
The following sessions take place at 8:30 a.m.:
- December 2, 2025
- January 27, 2026
- March 10, 2026
- April 28, 2026
Innovation Heights Academy: 11427 3rd Ave S. Seattle, WA 98168
Maritime High School
Project-based learning with real-world career experience in marine science and engineering.
Information Nights
- Thursday, January 8, 2026 from 3:30-4:30 p.m. Room 1407, 615 S 200th St., Des Moines
- Tuesday, January 20, 2026 from 6:00-7:00 p.m. on Zoom
Career Expo - Meet the Pros. Get Career Insight. Learn & Connect. For students & families interested in careers on or near the water.
- December 6, 2025 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
- North Hill Elementary, 19835 8th Avenue South, Des Moines, WA 98148
Puget Sound Skills Center
20+ career programs offering college credit and real-world skills.
(Open to 11th through 12th-grade students)
Application opens on December 8, 2025, and closes on March 6, 2026. All applications will re-open April 20, 2026.
Information Night -
- January 13, 2026 5:00 - 7:00PM
- Open House – February 26, 2026 5:30-7:30PM
Puget Sound Skills Center: 18010 8th Ave S, SeaTac
Raisbeck Aviation High School
Hands-on, STEM-rich learning in aviation and aerospace fields.
(Open to 9th grade students; 10th grade may apply to be on a waitlist for limited openings)
Information Nights
- Tuesday, December 2, 2025 at 6:00 p.m. in person
- Wednesday, January 7, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. in person
Raisbeck Aviation High School: 9229 East Marginal Way South, Tukwila
Tyee Health Professionals Program
Get a head start in healthcare careers while earning credit and credentials.
(Open to 9th through 10th grade students)
Information Night
- January 22, 2026 at 5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
- Tyee High School: 4424 S 188th St, SeaTac, WA 98188
Learn more on our Schools and Programs of Choice webpage.