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Highline Public Schools
15675 Ambaum Blvd. SW Burien, WA 98166

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Monday-Friday: 7:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Highline Public Schools
15675 Ambaum Blvd. SW Burien, WA 98166

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Schools of Choice

Application Schools 

Our schools of choice include: 

  • Highline Virtual Elementary
  • Big Picture Schools
  • CHOICE Academy
  • Highline Virtual Academy
  • Maritime High School
  • Raisbeck Aviation High School 
  • The International Baccalaureate Programme at Mount Rainier High School 
  • WELS: Waskowitz Environmental Leadership Service at Tyee High School

Applications are posted on each school's website. Students must submit a complete application during the application window. All completed applications will be processed in accordance with the admission process for schools requiring an application

Information Nights

Visit a school information night to learn more! Visit the campus, meet staff and learn about program details at a January information night. 

View Upcoming Information Nights

Application Window

The application window for the 2023-24 school year closed January 31, 2023 at 11:00 p.m.  Learn more about the lottery process on our admissions page. 

The following schools of choice will open applications for waitlist purposes following Spring Break.

  • Big Picture Schools (6-12)
  • CHOICE Academy (6-12)
  • Maritime High School (9-10)
  • Highline Virtual Academy (6-12)
  • Highline Virtual Elementary (K-5)

Elementary Schools

student studying remote

Highline Virtual Elementary

Applications are open to incoming K through 5th-grade students.

Highline Virtual Elementary is designed to support students who thrive in a virtual setting. Staff provide face-to-face experiences in an online environment and build relationships with students and families to deliver on Highline’s promise to know every student by name, strength and need. At least 70% of learning time is synchronous (real-time) instruction. 

Learn more and apply

Secondary Schools

Student in class

Big Picture Schools

Applications are open to incoming 6th through 12th-grade students.

Big Picture starts with your interests and builds the whole curriculum around that. You’ll create your own learning plan, and most of your learning will happen through projects. You’ll work closely with a small advisory group. Pursue internships in real world settings related to your interests.

Learn more and apply

student in science

CHOICE Academy

Applications are open to incoming  6th through 12th-grade students.

CHOICE Academy 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.

Learn more and apply

Highline Virtual Academy

Applications are open to incoming 6th through 12th-grade students.

Highline Virtual Academy is an all remote school. Students who thrive in independent, online learning are good candidates. Staff build relationships and engage students in social-emotional support with students with one-on-one experiences.

Learn more and apply

student at computer

International Baccalaureate 

Applications are open to incoming 9th -11th grade students. 

International Baccalaureate (IB) is an internationally-recognized, college-prep program emphasizing the development of independent learners, critical thinkers, and strong writers with a global perspective. It is located at Mount Rainier High School 

Learn more and apply

Maritime High School

Applications are open to incoming 9th, and 10th-grade students. (Serves 9-12)

Maritime High School is a new small high school that opened in September 2021. The school connects students to project-based learning centered on the environment, marine science and maritime careers open doors to college.

Learn more and apply

students in classroom

Raisbeck Aviation High School 

Applications are open to incoming 9th and 10th grade students. (Serves 9-12)

Raisbeck focuses on aviation- and aerospace-related topics. Students who are motivated to pursue a science, technology, engineering or math education and career pathway related to aviation, aerospace and space exploration are ideal candidates. 

Learn more and apply

WELS: Waskowitz Environmental Leadership & Service 

Applications are open to incoming 10th and 11th-grade students. 

WELS is an innovative project-based program that offers an interdisciplinary, small learning community with a theme of environmental leadership and service. WELS students are active members of their learning community and serve as role models for sixth-grade students while at camp. It is located at Tyee High School.

Learn more and apply

2023-24 Application Timeline

  • October 4: Application opened
  • January 31: Application closed
  • February 1: Schools begin reviewing applications  
  • March 1: Lottery
  • March 3: Lottery results posted online
  • April 10: Waitlists and applications reopen for Big Picture, CHOICE, HVA, Virtual Elementary, Maritime and WELS. 
  • April 1: Final student date to confirm acceptance

2022-23 Applications 

  • Applications/waitlists remain open for Big Picture, CHOICE, HVA, Virtual Elementary, Maritime.

Neighborhood Schools

All neighborhood schools offer challenging coursework 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. You do not have to apply to your neighborhood school. Your student will automatically be assigned unless they are selected and confirm intent to attend a school of choice. Use our online tool to find your neighborhood school.