Mukilteo launches Big Picture High School with project-based, internship-focused model capped at 110 students

David Zirkle, principal of Mukilteo Big Picture High School, outlined the district's new learning model during a recorded parent and student information webinar, saying the school opened in September and is designed as a small, personalized alternative to traditional high schools.

"I am the principal here at Big Picture High School," Zirkle said, and described four guiding priorities he calls the school's "North Star": student-driven learning, interest-driven learning, community engagement and project-based learning.

The program is limited to 110 students and is competency-based rather than grade- or credit-driven. Zirkle said students build individualized learning plans with the same adviser for up to four years and demonstrate learning through three yearly public exhibitions: "Families are there, staff members, community members, district office, administration is there, and the student presents what they've been working on," he said.

Students are expected to submit four pieces of writing per year and to complete multi-step projects tied to their interests. Zirkle described internships as "leaving to learn," opportunities in community workplaces or with experts that can last a few weeks up to a full year; he emphasized that internships are student-initiated and supported by staff rather than provided directly by the school.

On scheduling, Zirkle said Monday, Tuesday and Thursday operate like full school days (classes, advisory and guided project time), Wednesdays are reserved for internships and deeper project work with staff available on campus, and Fridays are an early dismissal day (11:50 a.m.). He added that the program maintains state testing requirements and issues competency-based transcripts and diplomas that the district converts to traditional credits as needed for transfers.

Families may apply now on a first-come, first-served basis through the Big Picture website; Zirkle said current eighth-graders should also register with their home high school and then submit a transfer/variance request online. Zirkle gave direct contacts for follow-up questions, including the office manager Liz Reynolds, Brenna Fulner (assistant to the executive director) and Jennifer DeSanto, the high school guidance counselor, and announced a project fair and open house planned in late April (provisionally April 23).

In a question-and-answer exchange, a parent asked whether the program fits students who are not yet self-motivated. Zirkle replied that the model supports exploration and individualized pacing, noting "it's one student at a time," and encouraged families to schedule visits with student ambassadors and advisers. He also confirmed that Big Picture students can participate in sports and many extracurriculars at their home high schools and can use ASB stickers from their home school for home events.

The webinar closed with Executive Director of Secondary Education Dr. Pat Hegarty encouraging families to reach out with further questions and Zirkle thanking attendees and reiterating contact options. The district plans to continue outreach visits to middle schools to inform families about the program.