Shape your tomorrow by choosing your path today. Whether through project-based learning, virtual learning, or your neighborhood school—you have choices. Explore educational options through Highline’s Schools and Programs of Choice.
Get a taste of all your options at an upcoming school-specific information session or tour to learn more about schools and programs you can apply to. You can apply to these schools and programs for the next school year. Find a program that’s the right fit? Apply now through January 31, 2024.
Your Neighborhood School
Middle school neighborhood schools include Sylvester Middle School, Pacific Middle School, Chinook Middle School, Cascade Middle School and Glacier Middle School.
All neighborhood schools offer a variety of challenging coursework taught by highly skilled teachers, with electives to enhance the learning experience. We encourage you to get to know your neighborhood school—explore its website and all it has to offer.
Not sure what your neighborhood school is? Input your address to our school search tool to find your neighborhood school. Neighborhood schools do not require an application. Students are automatically assigned unless they enroll in a choice school.
Big Picture Middle and High School
Serving grades 6-12 | Application required | Open to 6th through 12th-grade students
Centered on student interests, Big Picture crafts a personalized curriculum. Students design their learning plans, engage in project-based learning, and join internships two days a week, all while being part of a close-knit advisory group.
Application Info:
Apply by January 31 through SchoolMint. The application will reopen in April for waitlist purposes on a space-available basis.
Learn More
Attend an Information Night!
- January 23, 2024, at 6:00 p.m. in person
- Big Picture Cafeteria: 440 South 186th Street, Burien
CHOICE Academy
Serving grades 6-12 | Application required | Open to 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th and 11th 12th-grade students
CHOICE offers an extended academic journey from middle to high school. It emphasizes academic achievement, robust instruction, and student growth. Opportunities include college-level coursework and access to Puget Sound Skills Center in a college and career-prep environment.
Application Info:
Apply by January 31 through SchoolMint. The application will reopen in April for waitlist purposes on a space-available basis.
Learn More
CHOICE Academy Admission Website
Attend an Information Night or School Tour
- Tuesday, December 19, 2023, at 6:00 p.m. in person
- Tuesday, January 16, 2024, at 6:00 p.m. in person
- CHOICE Academy: 18367 8th Avenue South, Burien
School Tours
- Tuesdays and Wednesdays, in-person tours are available from 8:15 - 9:05 a.m. Call 206-631-7600 to schedule.
- CHOICE Academy: 18367 8th Avenue South, Burien
Highline Virtual Academy
Serving 6-12 grades | Application required | Open to 6th through 12th-grade students
This all-remote school offers a blend of self-paced and structured learning. It is ideal for students who excel in independent online learning. The academy emphasizes strong student-teacher relationships and comprehensive support.
Application Info:
Apply by January 31 through SchoolMint. The application will reopen in April for waitlist purposes on a space-available basis.
Learn More
Attend an Information Night!
- Wednesday, January 10, 2024, at 6:00 p.m. on Zoom (Meeting ID 856 878 1627)’
Application Details for Choice Schools
Please see each middle school outlined above for application details. Applications close on January 31 at 11:00 p.m.
Use our online application site, SchoolMint, to complete and submit an application for schools and programs of choice. For SchoolMint technical questions, you can find answers on their support website.
Space is limited for all schools. A lottery process is used when applications exceed capacity.
For schools with an application closing on January 31, the lottery will take place on March 1. Families will be notified via SchoolMint on March 1 whether students are accepted or placed on a waitlist. Full lottery results, including waitlist order, will be posted as a news story on the district and choice school websites on March 4 by the end of the day.