Redesigning High School to Prepare Students for the Future

The Promise-Keeper blog series is part of AASA's “Promise in Action” back-to-school campaign, celebrating AASA members who are delivering on the commitments they make to their school communities through courageous decisions, transparent leadership, and student-centered action.

Ninth-grader Iman Seid dreams of becoming an anesthesiologist. Her classmate, Hanai Letebo, is determined to pursue nursing. Both are part of the inaugural class of Tyee High School’s new Health Sciences Program, in SeaTac, Washington. Their voices capture what redesign is about—helping each student see and step into the future they choose.

At Highline Public Schools, we call this the Highline Promise: Every student is known by name, strength and need, and graduates prepared for the future they choose.

When we think about the future our students are stepping into, it looks nothing like the world most of us entered as young adults. The pace of change in how we work, communicate and access information is unmatched.

If we want to prepare students for their future—not ours—schools must evolve too.

That’s why Highline launched a districtwide effort to redesign middle and high schools. At Tyee High School, one of Highline’s comprehensive high schools, this vision came to life with the Health Sciences Program, which opened this fall.

A New Pathway in Health Sciences

The program prepares students for high-demand, high-wage medical careers while giving them options to pursue college degrees. It is built around three layers:

1. Career Preparation. Students will earn industry-recognized credentials and gain exposure to real-world medical careers.
2. Foundational Courses. Ninth and tenth graders take hands-on, foundational classes such as Human Body Systems, Intro to Health Science Careers, and Medical Terminology.
3. Pathway Options. In grades 11 and 12, students will choose from one of three pathways:
   • Nursing Assistant Pathway to earn a Nursing Assistant Certification (NAC).
   • Pre-Allied Health Pathway to explore careers such as physical therapy or radiology technology.
   • College in the High School Pathway to earn college credit toward a two- or four-year medical degree.

If we want to prepare students for their future—not ours—schools must evolve too.

Partnering with the Healthcare Community

Transformation requires partners. Virginia Mason Franciscan Health, a leading health system in Washington state, is anchoring the program by opening hospital doors for students to:

• Attend workshops and field trips.
• Participate in job shadowing and volunteer programs.
• Receive mentorship and professional development.
• Complete hands-on clinical training for the Nursing Assistant pathway.

These experiences will deepen learning. It will also create a pipeline of young professionals ready to serve in their own communities.

Students Leading the Way

Hanai explains her motivation simply: “I want to be a nurse so I can help people. I feel this is a good place to prepare me for my future.”

Iman traces her interest back to a middle school project on health careers in a science class. “I want to be an anesthesiologist so I can be there during surgery and help people. I hope to learn more about the health care industry and earn college credit.”

These stories highlight why redesign matters. It’s about creating opportunities that help students see and pursue futures that they choose.

Lessons Learned

What does it take to make change real? A few lessons stand out:

• Start with the students. Highline’s redesign work began with student voice—asking what they enjoy about school and what’s missing. Their input shaped the program from the start.
• Seek family input. Families bring hopes and dreams for their children. Listening to them helped ensure the program reflects their priorities.
• Invest in partnerships. Relationships with industry experts and partners ensure learning continues outside the classroom.
• Engage staff. Inviting staff to step back from “how we’ve always done it” and re-imagine moves everyone forward.

Looking Ahead

The Health Sciences Program is just one example of how Highline is redesigning schools to align with its Promise. By creating clear pathways, partnering with industry, and centering student voices, Highline is preparing young people for the many futures they choose.

The work is far from done. But every time a student like Iman or Hanai describes their dreams with clarity and excitement, it affirms that Highline is on the right track.

Highline’s redesign work will continue to be shaped by its Promise—ensuring students are prepared not just for today, but for the future they choose tomorrow.