How Highline is connecting learning from PK–12
Highline is working to make sure every student graduates ready for the future they choose.
This year, Highline’s middle and high schools continued to strengthen this work through Secondary Redesign. This is Highline’s work to make learning more relevant, rigorous and connected to each student’s future.
One thing has become clear: That work does not start in high school. It starts much earlier, with learning that helps students build strong academic skills, explore their interests and see how school connects to life beyond graduation.
In the coming year, we will deepen this work by shifting from Secondary Redesign to School Redesign across our system. This means looking at how learning connects from preschool through graduation, so students build skills, knowledge and interests over time—and each stage of school prepares them for the next.
A Year of Progress Through Secondary Redesign
This year our middle and high schools have continued to build a shared vision of what it means for students to be Future Ready through Secondary Redesign.
This includes ensuring that learning is both rigorous and relevant—so students are challenged academically while also seeing connections between their learning and the world beyond school.
In high schools, expanded career-connected programs and challenging classes are helping students explore future opportunities while building academic skills.
- At Tyee High School, the Health Professionals Pathway gives students exposure to health careers and real-world learning.
- At Highline High School, the four-period schedule gives students longer class periods and more course options so they can explore content that interests them.
- At Mount Rainier High School, more students are accessing International Baccalaureate courses that help them build research, writing and critical thinking skills.
- At Evergreen High School, staff are expanding support during the school day as they work toward helping more students earn college credit while still in high school.
This work is also beginning earlier in students’ journeys. Middle schools are exploring how to bring career-connected learning into core experiences, including efforts to embed Career and Technical Education into subjects like science and expand opportunities for students to explore different pathways and interests.
Each school’s approach reflects its unique community. At the same time, schools are moving in the same direction. Future Ready learning is no longer happening in separate pieces. It is becoming part of how Highline schools design learning and support student success.
Looking Ahead: From Secondary Redesign to Coherent School Redesign
In the coming year, Highline will shift from Secondary Redesign to School Redesign. The goal is for students to build skills, knowledge and confidence over time, with each stage of school preparing them for the next.
Middle schools will continue to play an important role. They help students explore possibilities while building the reading, writing, math and thinking skills they need for high school.
Highline will work across all grade levels, including elementary, to better connect student experiences. The goal is for every student’s path to feel clear, connected and focused on their future.
Continuing the Work Together
This year’s progress reflects the efforts of educators, leaders, and staff across Highline who are committed to ensuring every student is known, supported, and prepared.
As we move forward, we will continue to design schools that strengthen academic outcomes while opening doors to the future—so every student graduates prepared for the future they choose.