Maritime High School Welcomes Inaugural Class on Thursday, September 2
Unique Partnership Results in Opening of New School in Highline School District: Maritime High School Welcomes Inaugural Class on Thursday, September 2
Maritime High School provides students with hands-on, project-based learning anchored in maritime
DES MOINES, Wash. (August 30, 2021): Maritime High School, a public school for students in South King County, opens its doors on Thursday, September 2, 2021 to its first-ever class of ninth graders. The school will provide an innovative, project-based learning experience that will allow students to learn about careers in the maritime industry and marine sciences.
Maritime High School is administered by Highline Public Schools and is temporarily located in Des Moines.
The high school is the result of a unique collaboration between four local partners: the Northwest Maritime Center, Highline Public Schools, the Duwamish River Cleanup Coalition, and the Port of Seattle. The idea for the school was sparked by the region’s growing workforce gaps and the need to involve new generations of BIPOC youth. The goal is to cultivate the next generation of mariners by providing exceptional education, resources and opportunities to students who are furthest from educational justice.
Maritime High School will offer students in grades 9-12 project-based learning that will prepare them to be collaborative-problem solvers and develop 21st century science, technology, engineering and mathematics skills. Students will learn by doing, connecting what they learn in the classroom to authentic, relevant, real-world experiences – including onsite, field-based experience on maritime vessels and maritime sites along the Duwamish River.
Students at Maritime High School combine core academic disciplines such as reading, writing, math, social studies, and science with a deep dive into career opportunities within the maritime and environmental sectors. Their school experience will include mentorship and internship opportunities within areas of study such as vessel operations, marine engineering, and environmental law.
Currently, less than 3% of maritime jobs are held by women and people of color. Maritime High School aims to address this imbalance by enrolling and empowering students who are under-represented in maritime and ocean science careers. Students of color make up more than 70% of students in the residential areas closest to many of the region’s maritime industries.
Students will undertake multi-disciplinary projects and will graduate with skills, knowledge, and experiences relevant to maritime industry careers. Community and industry partners will be involved in developing the curriculum.
Maritime High School’s first day of school is Thursday, September 2, 2021. Partners, community leaders, Highline School District officials, and Maritime High School staff and students will celebrate its opening with a school assembly and small group activities between 8:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.
Learn more about Maritime High School at: https://maritime.highlineschools.org/.
