Raisbeck Aviation High School presents project-based learning, industry partnerships and student outcomes to Highline board

Raisbeck Aviation High School leaders and students presented to the Highline School District board on May 7, outlining how project-based learning, community partnerships and internship pathways support student preparation for college and careers.

The presentation explained how the school’s “Highline Promise” work — knowing each student by name, strength and need — is delivered through a strong advisory program, targeted counseling, project-based learning and partnerships with aviation industry organizations. "We implement a strong high school and beyond plan along with school wide connection activities and a robust advisory program supported by our counseling team," said Marcy Wambold, founding teacher of Raisbeck Aviation High School.

School leaders and students described signature projects including the King County International Airport project and the Environmental Challenge run with Port of Seattle staff. Marco Melinaiz, community engagement manager at the Port of Seattle, described the port’s long partnership with the school and said the 2025 Environmental Challenge will kick off on May 15 and includes field trips, port-led classroom sessions and a final judging competition.

Students detailed on-campus programs and hands-on learning. "Extraordinary mean you show up every day, you do your best," student Naming said, describing the school’s Phoenix Pride culture. Emma Burgess, a student involved in Conversations and Connections, said internships and flight-related fieldwork helped her feel connected: "All of these experiences really helped me understand more, and I feel like I belong way more than I thought I would coming here alone."

Principal Therese Tipton and staff highlighted outcomes the presentation described as indicators of success: a 100% graduation rate cited by the school, strong state testing performance relative to the state average, and scholarships the presentation said total about $3,000,000 annually for a campus that graduates roughly 100 students. Staff said the class of 2024 reported that about 90–92 percent of students indicated plans for a two- or four-year program or military service.

Leaders told the board they are expanding supports for students who enter ninth grade below grade level in math, implementing IXL as an intervention for algebra courses, and planning to grow internship and mentorship opportunities for female students and students of color. Tipton said the school had secured "almost 30" summer internships with the Port of Seattle for the coming season and that the counseling and career center will continue curating postsecondary partners and internships.

Ruth Easterling, Raisbeck PTSA president, and Marco Melinaiz described community fundraising and partnership work that contributes scholarships and real-world learning opportunities. "We do appreciate that and would love to invite all of you," Easterling said, referring to the school's annual fundraising auction at the Museum of Flight.

The board asked questions about family engagement and project examples. Staff described multicultural nights, family picnics in Tukwila, and specific classroom projects — for example, a ninth-grade museum-project partnership with the Museum of Flight that integrates reading, research and presentation skills.

The presentation closed with a list of next steps including more student voice on school culture initiatives, targeted math interventions for particular student groups, expanded project work for all grades and renewed efforts to grow internships and mentors of color through industry partners. The board did not take formal action on the presentation.