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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.

Des Moines Elementary School
23801 16th Avenue South Des Moines, WA 98198

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ParentSquare is our family engagement and communication tool designed to keep families informed and encourage engagement and connection across Highline. We encourage all families to register an account to manage your notifications and message school staff. 

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You’re invited to explore the results of January’s ThoughtExchange on our budget development process. More than 330 ideas were shared and rated nearly 13,000 times by 360 participants. A strong majority—69%—reported having at least some knowledge of the budget development process. Check out the top themes and all submitted thoughts in our interactive report. 

Read More about What We Heard: Community Feedback on Budget Development Process 
Dad and daughter using school entrance intercom

At Highline, we are committed to ensuring all students, families, and staff feel welcomed, valued, and safe. As part of this commitment, we have security procedures in place to protect everyone in our buildings. The security systems, installed in spring 2024, allow office staff to see and talk to visitors before unlocking the door. 

Read More about Visitor Check-In Process
student reading at gregory heights

Literacy is one of our Big 4 focus areas, and we’re seeing growth. Elementary students are building strong reading and writing skills, while secondary students engage with complex texts and expand their vocabulary. Secondary iReady scores show a 6% increase in students reading at grade level. Teachers use data and professional development to refine instruction, ensuring every student is prepared for their future. 

Read More about An Update on our Literacy Work: Reading, Writing, and Success  
Snow and cloud

At this time, we plan to open schools on time on Friday, February 7. We are closely watching conditions. We want to remind you that if weather conditions require a two-hour delay on an early release day, school will be canceled for the day.

Read More about Winter Weather Update
washington mtss graphic

We are expanding Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) to ensure every Highline student receives the right support or enrichment to succeed. A new District MTSS Implementation Team is guiding this effort, working with focus schools to refine strategies before expanding districtwide next year. This year’s priorities include instructional planning, professional learning, and a strong emphasis on literacy. 

Read More about Enrichment and Support for Every Student
student reading

Students across Highline are busy reading! In the last 90 days, Highline students checked out 14,048 books using Sora, Highline’s free eBook and audiobook platform.Check out what's trending with students! Families can support a love of reading by exploring books together, listening to audiobooks, and encouraging kids to choose stories that excite them. Students can access Sora anytime through ClassLink—happy reading!

Read More about Highline Students Are Reading-A Lot
Piece of paper with money sign on it.

We are seeing an encouraging trend in student enrollment. Looking ahead, we anticipate a slight enrollment decline over the next two years, followed by growth as more housing developments are completed in our community. Our enrollment projections are critical in budget development. As we develop our budget for next year, we are seeking feedback on the most important considerations to support all students we should prioritize. Give your input today. 

Read More about Looking Ahead: Enrollment Projections for 2025-26 
three schools of choice students

Through hands-on learning and career-focused pathways, our Schools and Programs of Choice empower students to explore their passions and opt for learning communities that work for them. Whether it's exploring technology, healthcare, or internships, these programs are designed to give students the tools they need to thrive in the future they choose. 

Read More about The Power of Choice 
Annual Report Graphic

At Highline, we don’t just make a promise—we live it every day. In our new and redesigned 2023-24 Annual Report, you’ll find stories that reflect the heart of our strategic goals and our commitment to fulfilling Highline’s Promise: to know every student by name, strength and need, so they graduate ready for their future.  

The report is mobile-friendly, includes translation features, and highlights the stories that bring our promise to life. It pairs with the Strategic Plan Dashboard, highlighting our successes, opportunities for growth, and providing a tool for the community to explore data and track progress toward Highline’s strategic goals. 

Read More about Our 2023-24 Annual Report: Real Stories, Real Progress
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At Highline Public Schools, we are committed to transforming our district to ensure every student experiences true belonging and academic success within their neighborhood school. By integrating services and resources, our inclusion model supports diverse learning needs while fostering belonging. With a phased cohort approach, we expand these practices, celebrate milestones like unified sports, and improve academic outcomes. Join us in advancing inclusion for every student.

Read More about Building Classrooms Where Every Student Belongs 
books

We are strengthening literacy instruction across Highline through standards-based, culturally responsive practices rooted in the science of reading. From foundational skills in elementary classrooms to engaged reading and vocabulary in secondary schools, we are preparing students for academic success and lifelong learning. Learn how collaboration and professional development are driving this work.

Read More about Reading, Writing, and Success 

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