High School
Coordinator: Cherrie Smith
15675 Ambaum Blvd SW
Burien, WA 98166
Phone: 206.433.7117
Honors classes in 9th and 10th grades, Advanced Placement classes in 11th and 12th grades and International Baccalaureate classes in 11th and 12th grades are offered in the Highline School District. The overall goals of the Challenge and Middle School programs also speak to the High School programs:
- Accelerate the rate of learning using more advanced, complex materials, and resources.
- Use instructional processes that facilitate students’ transfer of skills and knowledge across the content areas.
- Provide opportunities for individualized and flexible learning time that supports and nurtures independence and self-direction.
- Use instructional strategies and learning activities that promote creative thinking, higher level cognitive processes, and complex thinking skills.
- Use strategies that foster the development of new and original ideas and products by the learner.
- Provide support for the awareness of self, sensitivity toward others, and development of positive coping skills.
Each high school has a slightly different selection of opportunities for their students based on the needs of the students. Please review the catalogues and brochures of each school to determine the exact Honors, Advanced Placement and I.B. classes offered.
Advanced Placement: Advanced Placement refers to college courses, which are offered at the high school level. The idea of AP began at such universities as Harvard, Yale and Princeton where professors wanted to serve capable high school students. The current national AP program includes 22 subjects to challenge able and ambitious students. Each course is intended to be equivalent to its college counterpart. Also since the program is national, the policies are determined by representative member institutions. A student has the opportunity by passing national exams to earn credit or advanced placement at most of the nation’s colleges and universities as well as universities in 28 other countries. AP classes are offered at Evergreen, Highline and on the Tyee Campus.
International Baccalaureate: The International Baccalaureate program is a highly intensive college preparatory curriculum designed and monitored by the International Baccalaureate Office in Geneva, Switzerland. To receive the IB Diploma at the end of their high school studies, students must pass examinations in six curriculum areas. These tests are prepared and scored by examiners assigned by the Geneva office. In addition, the diploma candidate must successfully complete a course entitled Theory of Knowledge, prepare an original extended essay in one of the subject areas, and demonstrate involvement in creativity, action and service projects. International Baccalaureate classes are offered at Mount Rainier High School.
Criteria for Selection: Students may choose to enroll in any of the honors or advanced classes offered at the high schools that are at the appropriate grade level and skill level of the student. If a student is willing and able to embrace the demands of an honors class and he or she has not done so before it is a good idea to discuss this option with a counselor, parent and teacher to make sure that the placement is appropriate. All students are welcome!
