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Although it may feel like summer is just getting underway, time is running out to consider your local public high school options before classes begin later this month. If you or your teen have concerns about attending one of the large, traditional high schools, there are more choices than many families realize. Our local districts offer a variety of free public high school programs, and in some cases students can attend schools outside their home district through the choice transfer process.
Traditional high schools are a great fit for many students, but they are not the best environment for everyone. Some students thrive in a smaller, more supportive setting. Others want greater flexibility, need to recover credits toward graduation, or prefer learning through hands-on projects rather than traditional classroom instruction. Some simply want more freedom to explore their interests, or struggle to find meaning in a conventional school schedule.
Whatever the reason, exploring options now can help turn school into a more positive experience for your teen. Families should start researching programs, discussing what best fits their student's goals, and completing enrollment paperwork as soon as possible.
Among the three largest local districts — Kennewick, Pasco, and Richland — students have 13 non-traditional public high school options to choose from.
Kennewick School District offers the widest range of choice programs. Phoenix High School is a small learning community serving approximately 60 students with three teachers. The school combines project-based learning with a self-paced model, allowing students to earn credits by completing interdisciplinary projects built around their interests, while progressing on a flexible timeline. Its size allows students to work closely with teachers and build strong relationships. Kennewick also offers Endeavor, its online high school; Legacy High School, the district's alternative program; and Mid-Columbia Partnership, its homeschool option.
Pasco School District offers two additional choices. New Horizons serves as the district's alternative high school, and Orion High School is a career and college academy where students can earn industry certifications in a variety of career pathways.
Richland School District provides three more options: River's Edge Alternative High School, Pacific Crest Online Academy, and Three Rivers HomeLink.
Students throughout the Tri-Cities can also apply to Delta High School, Tri-Tech Skills Center, or Running Start through Columbia Basin College or WSU Tri-Cities. Delta is the regional STEM high school located in Pasco. Tri-Tech is a half-day technical and career education school in Kennewick, allowing students to combine career training with attendance at another high school. Running Start allows qualified juniors and seniors to earn college credit while attending classes on a college campus, and it can be combined with several of the local choice schools.
Teachers and administrators have been on summer break, but staff members begin returning to their schools in August. Now is an excellent time to have an open conversation with your teen, research the available programs together, and find the school that best matches their learning style, interests, and goals.
Each of the high schools mentioned here have websites linked from the School District’s main page that provide information about how to enroll. With so many public school options available, every student has the opportunity to find a place where they will fit in and find their niche.
