Southern Heights Site
Southern Heights: Partial Rebuild & Modernization for CHOICE Academy, RTP and CBS Programs: $40M
This project would relocate CHOICE Academy, Realistic Transition Program (RTP), and Community Based Services (CBS) from the Woodside Campus to a rebuilt and modernized Southern Heights site. Woodside is currently the lowest‑rated facility in the district, with aging systems and increasing maintenance needs.
This page provides information about a project recommended by CFAC to use the Southern Heights Site for future schools and programs. The school board will ultimately decide whether to include it in a future bond measure.
This project focuses on rebuilding and modernizing the Southern Heights site to create a safe, modern, and future‑ready learning environment for CHOICE Academy, Realistic Transition Program (RTP), and Community Based Services (CBS).
CHOICE Academy, RTP and CBS are currently located at the Woodside Campus, which was built in 1958 and 1960 and has aging systems and increasing maintenance needs. Woodside has the lowest building condition score in the district and does not meet today’s safety standards for a single, controlled entry.
The project uses a combination of insurance funding, non‑bond, and future bond dollars to deliver a high‑quality facility in a fiscally responsible way.
Current Conditions at Woodside Campus
CHOICE Academy, RTP and CBS are located at the Woodside Campus. Built in 1958 and 1960, Woodside has an overall building score of 29%, with aging systems and increasing maintenance needs.
Woodside’s building condition is the lowest in Highline. The campus includes two separate buildings and a series of portables, which do not meet today’s safety standards for a single, controlled entry.
Rebuilding at Southern Heights
The Southern Heights campus was significantly impacted by an arson fire in 2024, which led to the demolition of the main building on campus that housed the office and gym.
Southern Heights currently has two separate buildings that house classrooms. Instead of rebuilding exactly what was there before, we have the opportunity to design a safer, more functional campus. The new design will connect the two existing classroom buildings with a central structure, creating a single point of entry and improving safety and accessibility.
This allows us to fully modernize the campus while making the most of existing infrastructure and available insurance funding. Students will learn in a space designed for today’s educational needs. The building will be safe, accessible, and built to support belonging and engagement.
Each program will have its own distinct space, with shared areas such as the front office and gym.
Fiscal Responsibility
The estimated bond-dollar cost for this project is $40 million. Highline is also leveraging insurance money and non-bond capital funds to start design and pre-construction of this critical project.
- This reduces overall cost to taxpayers. Rebuilding at Southern Heights is a more cost-effective option than constructing a fully new campus elsewhere.
- It allows us to invest in multiple facility priorities while addressing urgent facility needs.
Schools and Programs Impacted
CHOICE Academy
CHOICE Academy serves students in grades 6-12. It provides a small, welcoming learning environment with rigorous and relevant curriculum in a family-style school setting. The school offers traditional instruction in the morning with opportunities for off-site, independently-developed electives in the afternoon. It is part of Highline's Schools and Programs of Choice.
Community Based Services (CBS)
Community Based Services (CBS) supports students ages 18-21 in developing vocational, life, and social skills to successfully transition to adulthood. The program combines classroom learning with community activities to build skills and foster independence.
Realistic Transition Program (RTP)
The Realistic Transition Program (RTP) is a half-day program designed for students with IEPs who are ready for more support as they prepare for adulthood. It offers small group, personalized instruction to help students grow their independence, explore careers, and plan for what’s next.
Timeline
If CFAC’s recommendation is approved by the board, we anticipate the bond proposal will go before voters in November.
We are using some insurance funding and some non-bond dollars to fund the design work. Design planning is already underway, with staff and students helping shape the vision. We are starting the design process early, so we can open the new campus in fall 2028.
- Spring 2027: If a November 2026 bond is approved to complete full funding for this project, construction is estimated to begin as soon as spring 2027.
- Fall 2028: Students move in.
Bond failure would impact the timeline and extent of this project. The availability of insurance funds and the opportunity to relocate students from the aging Woodside facility as soon as possible are kickstarting this project.