BIG PICTURE SCHOOL

Big Picture School is a Title I public high school that is part of the Highline School District school district, located in Burien, WA with about 180 students offering grade levels from 7th Grade to 12th Grade. A Title I school provides supplemental financial assistance to school districts for children from low-income families. Its purpose is to provide all children significant opportunity to receive a fair, equitable, and high-quality education. With about 17 teachers, Big Picture School has a student/teacher ratio of about 10:1. The national average for public schools is about 15:1. A lower student/teacher ratio is a key factor that determines how much a teacher can devote his/her time to each individual student thus improving, or reducing (in the event of a higher student/teacher ratio) the attention each student is given for their educational needs.

Big Picture School, located in Burien, Washington, is a unique, public "choice" school within the Highline Public Schools district. It distinguishes itself from traditional models by utilizing a personalized, project-based learning approach that centers on the interests and goals of each individual student. Rather than following a rigid, test-heavy curriculum, the school emphasizes "real-world" applications, requiring students to engage in internships and community-based projects that bridge the gap between classroom theory and professional practice.

The school is built upon the Big Picture Learning philosophy, which prioritizes strong relationships between students, teachers, and mentors. By keeping class sizes smaller and focusing on long-term advisory groups, the school creates a close-knit, supportive environment designed to foster student autonomy and critical thinking. It is an ideal setting for students who thrive in hands-on, self-directed learning environments and are looking for a high school experience that focuses heavily on career readiness and individualized academic growth.

For more information, contact Big Picture School at (206) 631-7700 or visit the school personally to speak with a faculty or administrative member about any specific questions you may have.