Planning is underway for the future home of CHOICE Academy. A committee of staff, families and students gathered for another design meeting focused on transforming the former Southern Heights Elementary School building into a renewed learning space for students.
This marks an early step in the long-term planning process for the project. While a future bond to fund construction has not yet gone to voters, Highline is able to begin design work now. This design phase is funded through insurance funds designated for the Southern Heights site following the 2024 arson fire that significantly damaged the campus and resulted in demolition of the main office and gym/cafeteria.
The project also aligns with recommendations from Highline’s Capital Facilities Advisory Committee (CFAC), which identified Southern Heights as the future home for CHOICE Academy as part of a proposed $30 million investment in a future bond package. CHOICE Academy is currently located at the Woodside building, which is in the poorest condition among Highline schools in facility condition assessments.
During the meeting, participants reviewed updated design concepts and learned more about plans to connect two existing structures on the Southern Heights campus through a newly constructed central building.
The project remains in the design development phase, with architects and district leaders continuing to refine plans based on design committee input. After reviewing the designs, attendees split into small focus groups to share feedback and discuss priorities for the future campus.
One feature highlighted during the meeting was the renovation of classroom spaces. In the current design planning, creating flexible learning environments aligned with modern school design standards is being prioritized. The new facility will also provide CHOICE Academy students with dedicated common spaces such as a multipurpose room that the program does not currently have at its Woodside location.
The ongoing process reflects Highline’s commitment to creating learning spaces that support students, staff and families while incorporating community voice throughout planning and design.
If a November 2026 bond recommended by CFAC is approved by the Highline School Board and voters, it would complete full funding for this project, and construction could begin as soon as spring 2027. 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.