Over the past few years, reporters from Burien.News have written many stories on education. Topics have included Highline School District test scores, outcomes of district graduates at the University of Washington, and other related topics.
This story links to and introduces several stories that are currently relevant for readers, particularly parents. Burien.News also has many reports from school board meetings and other education-related topics in the education section.
Post High School Outcomes
Two of the most important stories we’ve written are on the outcomes of Highline district grads at the University of Washington. The data about GPAs of high school grads is one of the few ways of looking at outcomes of high schools and provides important context for families, yet is never reported – except by us.
The first story is from March 9, 2023. The outcomes are poor: Highline, Evergreen and Tyee are near the bottom of the 276 high schools for which there is data, while Mount Rainier is in the bottom third. The second story was posted March 16, 2023, a week later. It provides some additional context about the sources, methodology, and challenges of following up for nearly a year to get the data from the UW when writing the first story.
Highline Performance and Test Scores
The Highline School District has only begun to focus on literacy this year after former directors Petrini and Hagos fought to have it be a major focus. But for many years, test scores have been very low. When new data is available, there will be new stories similar to these previously published.
To make sense of testing, start with this story on the background of testing from May 8, 2023.
Does Dual Language Improve Student Outcomes? Nov 1, 2024. Six of the seven lowest-performing K5 schools are dual language.
50 % of Highline Middle School Students are Three or More Years Behind On November 29, 2023, the board heard a presentation about the low test scores for middle school students.
Third-Grade Test Scores in Highline Show Continued Drops From Pre-Covid Scores - Oct 9, 2024
School Data 2024: Another Round of Disappointment - Sept 24, 2024. In spring 2017, Highline 6th graders tested academically above the State average. However, in the past seven years, the 6th and 10th grade gaps have drastically increased and 4th is still struggling. Note 6th-grade students moved to middle school in fall 2019, so this trend downward started while 6th was still in elementary.
Comparison of Highline and State 2024 Test Results: Shows Continued Negative Impacts of Covid
Highline Grad Rate: A Closer Look - Feb 20, 2024. The easily available numbers mask some frustrating realities
Newly Released 2022-23 Highline Schools Performance Data Is Disappointing - Sept 21, 2023
2025 School Levy First Reactions
The 2025 school levy will be on the ballot in November. This July 3, 2025 story includes a statement from former Highline School Board member Melissa Petrini, who's now an editor of the Highline Journal.
Budget Stories
This June 24, 2025 story includes content on the levy. See also this story from June 16.
We also covered the 2023-24 school budget on June 6, 2023.
Highline High School Transitions to Four Period Day
From May 14, discussion of information meetings and handouts.
AI Opportunities and Challenges
Board work session, story from March 13 will likely have a follow up meeting when the staff creates policy recommendations.
Traffic and Safety Reminders for Back to School
Good driving is a timeless topic. Posted Sept 3, 2025.
Burien News covered education extensively. We welcome your insights, story ideas and comments. Please email them to us at stuart@thehighlinejournal.com.
Members Discussion