Highline School District

The Highline School District in Washington state serves a diverse student population across 34 schools, including 17 elementary schools, 5 middle schools, 10 high schools, and 2 alternative schools. While the district faces some significant challenges, a few standout schools like Raisbeck Aviation High School and CHOICE Academy demonstrate the potential for excellence within the district.

The data reveals stark disparities in performance and outcomes across Highline schools. Top-performing schools like Raisbeck Aviation and CHOICE Academy boast exceptional test scores, high graduation rates, and strong rankings, while many other schools struggle with low proficiency, high dropout rates, and socioeconomic challenges. There appears to be a strong correlation between a school's free/reduced lunch rate (a proxy for socioeconomic status) and its academic performance, with the highest-performing schools tending to have lower percentages of students qualifying for free or reduced-price lunch.

The district's alternative schools, such as Highline Open Doors 1418 and Innovation Heights Academy, face particularly daunting challenges, with very low graduation rates and high dropout rates. Additionally, the wide range in spending per student, from under $7,000 to over $600,000, suggests potential funding inequities that may contribute to the performance gaps across the district.