Every student’s path looks different. Some learn best through hands-on projects, others through academic challenge, flexible schedules, or career-connected experiences. Across Highline, Schools of Choice give students opportunities to find the environment that fits their interests, strengths, and goals — and prepares them for what comes next.
From marine science and welding to health care, aviation, culinary arts, virtual learning, and college-prep academics, these programs center student voice and real-world learning.
Applications for Schools and Programs of Choice are open through January 31.
Big Picture: Learning Built Around Student Passions
At Big Picture, learning begins with student interests.
Caylin Barnes has been part of Big Picture since sixth grade and knew early on that art was her passion — but not exactly how she wanted to pursue it. Through internships, she explored painting, graphic design, ceramics, and even discovered an interest in social media marketing.
“With my most recent internship at a ceramic studio, I learned ceramics and graphic design, and it opened me to a whole bunch of people who do that for a living,” Caylin says. She values the opportunity to take initiative in her learning and explore multiple paths before choosing one.
At Big Picture, students design personalized learning plans, work closely with advisors, and gain hands-on experience through internships aligned to their goals.
Learn about Big Picture and apply:
Maritime High School: Learning Beyond the Desk
At Maritime High School, learning happens through project-based experiences connected to the environment, marine science, and maritime careers.
For Dulce Martinez Garcia, a junior in the marine science pathway, that approach has opened doors to both college credit and confidence. “The science pathway has helped me a lot because I get to have science college credits,” Dulce says. She plans to earn her associate degree in science after high school and pursue a future in medicine.
Dulce spends her mornings in hands-on science learning and her afternoons in core classes, applying what she learns to real-world projects — including organizing a clothing drive to support a local homeless shelter. She credits Maritime’s small size with helping her build close relationships with teachers and peers. “If I was in a bigger school, it would have been harder for me to connect one on one with the teachers,” she says.
For Taz Francois, Maritime stood out for a different reason: hands-on work. As a student in the marine construction pathway, Taz spends his mornings grinding, cutting, and welding metal. “We don’t sit at a desk all day — we actually get out and do stuff,” he says.
Interested in becoming a pipe welder, Taz has gained exposure to multiple career options, from underwater welding to autobody work. He credits Maritime’s supportive teachers and real-world learning with helping him stay engaged and prepare for life after high school.
Learn more about Maritime High School and apply:
Tyee High School Health Science Program: Starting Health Care Pathways Early
At Tyee High School, students don’t have to wait until college to begin exploring careers in health care.
Ninth grader Liliana Knatt joined the Health Science Program with a strong desire to help others. Through research-based learning and hands-on labs, she’s gaining early experience with skills like taking blood pressure while learning about health care laws and patient privacy. “It’s already started to prepare me for life after high school,” Liliana says.
Kylie Young, also a ninth grader, is exploring a wide range of careers — from optometry and psychology to veterinary medicine. Through collaborative research projects, she studies medical pathways, college requirements, and the skills needed for different professions. Kylie says the program’s structure allows students to take ownership of their learning while still receiving strong support from teachers.
Supported by a partnership with Virginia Mason Franciscan Health, the program connects classroom learning to mentorships, volunteer opportunities, and real-world health care experiences.
Learn about the Tyee Health Professionals Program and apply:
Health Professionals Program website
CHOICE Academy: A Small Community with Big Support
For Tobias Martinez, finding the right school meant finding a place where he felt known.
Tobias chose CHOICE Academy in sixth grade because of its small, structured environment. “It’s a smaller school, so more opportunities to talk with teachers,” he says.
At CHOICE, teachers know every student by name and provide personalized attention. Tobias says the way classes are structured allows him to stay focused while still having time outside of school. Looking ahead, he plans to attend the University of Washington and pursue a degree in biochemistry.
Learn more about CHOICE Academy and apply:
Innovation Heights Academy: A Fresh Start and Flexible Pathways
At Innovation Heights Academy, students find flexibility, individualized support, and a calm learning environment.
Ronaldo Sevilla chose Innovation Heights for its half-day schedule and accelerated credit options after falling behind at a traditional high school. Today, he’s graduating early — nearly half a year ahead of schedule. “Because of this school, I’m going to graduate early,” he says.
For Sandia Garnica, Innovation Heights offered a fresh start. After struggling with motivation and support at a previous school, they rebuilt confidence through project-based, real-world learning and one-on-one guidance. Both students credit the school’s strong relationships and personalized support with helping them prepare for graduation and life beyond high school.
Learn more about Innovation Heights Academy and apply:
Innovation Heights Academy website
Puget Sound Skills Center: Turning Passion into Practice
At Puget Sound Skills Center (PSSC), students gain hands-on experience while earning high school and college credit.
Aldrin Cabanos, a culinary student, chose PSSC to turn his passion for cooking into real-world experience. Through training with professional chefs, he’s building technical skills, earning certifications, and developing a professional portfolio that includes his resume, references, and photos of dishes he’s prepared.
Elliana Paster chose PSSC for its hands-on learning and industry-recognized certifications. Splitting her time between her home high school and the Skills Center, she says the culinary program provides a welcome balance and clarity about her future. With plans to attend culinary school and pursue training abroad, Elliana credits PSSC with helping her turn passion into a clear pathway forward.
Learn more about PSSC and apply:
Raisbeck Aviation High School: STEM Pathways Take Flight
At Raisbeck Aviation High School, STEM learning opens doors — sometimes in unexpected directions.
Kaitlyn O’Brien arrived interested in aviation but discovered a passion for neuroscience through internships, cancer research exposure, and health-focused mentorships. She says Raisbeck supports a wide range of STEM pathways beyond aviation alone.
Amen Amanuel came to Raisbeck seeking challenge and found a motivated community where both teachers and peers push students to grow. Through hands-on learning and strong college and career support, she’s building confidence and adaptability while exploring future possibilities.
Learn more about Raisbeck Aviation High School and apply:
Highline Virtual Academy: Flexibility with Connection
At Highline Virtual Academy, students learn independently without losing connection.
Jocelyn Branwell values the flexibility to learn at her own pace while staying supported through daily communication and in-person Fridays.
Grace Koyama says the personalized approach helped her take ownership of her education and shift how she views school. With plans to attend Highline College and pursue environmental science, Grace credits Highline Virtual Academy with helping her prepare for life after high school.
Learn more about Highline Virtual Academy and apply:
Highline Virtual Academy website
International Baccalaureate at Mount Rainier High School: Challenged, Supported, Future-Ready
The International Baccalaureate (IB) program at Mount Rainier High School offers rigorous, college-prep coursework within a close-knit learning community.
Charlotte Barton says IB’s step-by-step support with writing and college essays helped her feel confident as she prepares for college and a future in physical therapy.
Khushnim Boyd values IB’s academic rigor and adaptability as they prepare for a career in architecture. “Taking IB classes is that step above that shows I’m willing to take harder coursework.”
IB helps students become independent learners, critical thinkers, and strong writers — ready for demanding college and career pathways.
Learn more about the IB Programme at Mount Rainier High School and apply:
Applications Now Open
Applications for Schools and Programs of Choice are open through January 31.
Applications reopen for schools and programs not at capacity on April 13, 2026.
Some schools and programs of Choice timelines vary. Please check your school's website for more information.