Programs

The Deaf/Hard of Hearing (DHH) Program ensures students with hearing differences have access to high-quality, inclusive educational opportunities. Students receive individualized support while participating in general education classrooms and school activities alongside their peers, age preschool through grade 12 (or age 21). 

Emotional Behavioral Services: The Emotional Behavioral Center helps students build skills to manage emotions, interact positively with others, and handle challenges. Through personalized lessons, students learn social-emotional and coping skills that prepare them for greater independence and success in general education. 

Intensive Academic Center (IAC): The Intensive Academic Center (IAC) provides specialized instruction for students who need extra support in academic and life skills, such as reading, writing, math, and adaptive skills. Students may also receive help in areas like social-emotional development and building independence. This program offers a smaller student-to-staff ratio, creating a supportive environment where students can build academic, social, and pre-vocational skills. Opportunities for inclusion with peers are available in activities like physical education, art, music, and vocational classes, with expansion into other areas as appropriate.The IAC focuses on helping students grow their skills and confidence in a structured, supportive setting tailored to their unique needs. 

Integrated Learning Center (ILC): The Integrated Learning Center (ILC) supports students in building independence through life skills, basic academics, and social-emotional development. This program provides personalized instruction to help students manage self-care, develop communication skills, and participate in daily routines. ILC also offers a safe and supportive environment for students with significant disabilities, including those who are medically fragile, to grow their abilities and confidence in meaningful ways. 

The Learning Resource Center (LRC) is for students who need specially designed instruction (SDI) in one or more areas—like reading, writing, math, organization, or behavior. Most students in LRC spend more than half their day in general education classes and get extra support based on their IEP. 

Instruction may be provided through different models—such as co-teaching, in-class support, or small group instruction—based on each student’s IEP. 

What LRC helps students do: 

• Learn grade-level content with the right supports  
• Build tools and strategies that help with learning and independence 
• Use accommodations and modifications that make learning more accessible 
• Get personalized instruction in areas where they need extra help 
• Start learning about future goals for college, work, or training by age 16 
• Practice sharing their strengths and needs during IEP meetings 

Who the LRC supports? 

• Students who qualify for special education and need more than classroom accommodations 
• Students who benefit from general education classes for most of the day  
• Students who need regular, targeted support to make progress in school 

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. 

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.  

Students work on:  

• Getting and keeping jobs 
• Becoming more independent 
• Learning about finances 
• Connecting with community resources   
• Finding post-secondary college/training 
• Completing high school requirements   

Who is RTP for? 

• Students with an active IEP 
• Ages 18–21 who have completed four years of high school 
• Still need to meet graduation requirements or need more time to prepare for life after high school 
• Recommended by their IEP team  

RTP is part of Highline’s commitment to helping every student transition into adult life with confidence, skills, and a plan. Students continue to earn credits and receive their diploma from their home high school. 

Interested? Talk with your IEP team about whether RTP could be a good fit for your next step.