Admissions
Schools of Choice Application Timeline for 2026-27
The application window for the 2026-27 school year opens December 8, 2025- January 31, 2026.
Timeline
- Application Opens: December 8, 2025 (We anticipate the application to open the application at 5:00 p.m.)
- Application Closes: January 31, 2026
- Lottery and Notification: March 4, 2026
- Applications reopen for schools and programs not at capacity: April 13, 2026
Some schools and programs of Choice timelines vary. Please check your school's website for more information.
High School Transitions Event
At Highline, we're dedicated to making every student future-ready. High school is a time where dreams take flight, and futures are forged. We offer a variety of secondary pathways, from maritime studies and aerospace exploration to virtual learning and neighborhood schools. We’re here to help you explore your options so that you’re prepared for the challenges and possibilities of tomorrow.
Join Us at our High School Transitions Event
- When: December 18, 2025 at 5:30 p.m.
- Location: Puget Sound Skills Center
Representatives from your neighborhood high school and Schools and Programs of Choice will share about their schools, programs and admission process. Get a clear overview of all your high school options. If something sparks your interest, you can learn more by attending a school specific information session in the month of January.
Application support will be available for students and families via breakout rooms—staff will be available to answer questions and guide you through the process step-by-step.
Maritime Information Night
Join us at our Information Night!
- Thursday, January 8, 2026 from 3:30-4:30 p.m.
- Location: 615 S 200th St., Des Moines
- Tuesday, January 20, 2026 from 6:00-7:00 p.m. on Zoom
Career Expo: Meet the Pros. Get Career Insight. Learn & Connect. For students & families interested in careers on or near the water.
- December 6, 2025 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Location: North Hill Elementary, 19835 8th Avenue South, Des Moines, WA 98148
Application Information
Applications for the 2026-27 School Year (Next Year)
We’re making a change to how families and students apply to Highline’s Schools and Programs of Choice for the 2026-2027 School Year. SchoolMint will no longer be used. Families will submit applications through ParentVUE.
Apply Existing / Re-enrolling Students
Apply Out of District / New to Highline Students
If you have not set up ParentVUE, please visit our webpage for more information on how to set up your account. For a step-by-step guide, please find printable instructions on our Help Guides webpage.
Applications for the 2025-26 School Year (Current Year)
Applications for the current year are open for schools with a rolling waitlist. To apply, create an account in SchoolMint using an email address. For a step-by-step guide, please find printable instructions here.
Who Can Apply?
Applications are open to incoming 9th, 10th and11th-grade students. (Serves 9-12)
Maritime High School is open to any student who is interested in Maritime studies, whether they live in Highline Public Schools boundaries or not. We take students from anywhere in the region. King County Metro provides ORCA cards for any Highline Public Schools. Fifty-one percent of seats are reserved for students who live within the boundaries of Highline Public Schools.
Hear Why Students Love Maritime High School
General Lottery & Waitlist Process
Space is limited. A lottery process is used when applications exceed capacity. If there are more applications than space at any particular grade level, Highline will hold a lottery including all students with completed applications.