Finish High School
Looking to finish high school? You can complete or enhance your high school education at Highline College. Many of our programs allow you to take college courses that, with careful planning, apply toward both your high school graduation requirements and a college degree.
If you are a current high school student or if your high school education was interrupted, check out these programs:
Running Start
As a junior or senior in high school, you can enroll in college-level classes at Highline. With careful planning, these classes will apply to both your high school graduation requirements and your college degree. You may enroll simultaneously in high school and college classes, or only in college classes. The program saves you money because college tuition is paid for through Running Start. You are only responsible for books and fees.
Career Start
Are you in high school and already know what career interests you? Then Career Start may be for you. With this program, you would graduate from high school at or near the same time that you earn an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree within one of our Degree Pathways. The AAS degree helps prepare you for a career in a professional-technical field right after graduation from Highline. Similar to the Running Start program, the Career Start program lets you spend your junior and senior years of high school at Highline College.
High School Re-Engagement Programs
If you’re 16-21 years old, take advantage of ELL ExCEL, High School Success, Pathway to College to earn a high school diploma and some college credits. If you’re 21 years old or older, High School Plus or High School Completion may be right for you.
High School Enhancement
Many students come to Highline to fulfill high school graduation requirements, satisfy prerequisites for another course, begin a college degree or for personal enrichment. Through this program, you will still be enrolled in your high school, but taking classes at the college. Students must be at least 15 years old on the first day of the quarter.
Associate Degree Earns High School Diploma
Earning an associate degree at Highline College will satisfy your high school educational requirements. You will not need to complete certain exams and classes that are required by the Washington State Board of Education, such as the competency exams and U.S. History. When you apply to graduate with your associate degree, simply request your high school diploma too. Your diploma will be issued by Highline College. Additional requirements are needed for students interested in Running Start or Career Start, which are different programs that provide tuition-free college classes for students currently enrolled in high school.
CTE Dual Credit
Career and Technical Education (CTE) Dual Credit classes are taught at the high school or skills center and integrate academics with technical skills to help prepare you for advanced education and careers related to professional-technical occupations. All CTE Dual Credit courses offer high school and college credit for successfully completing the same class. These courses will be transcribed and can be utilized on Highline College’s campus for one of our technical programs, or can be used to transfer to another institution.
General Education Development (GED)
If you are 16 years of age or older, you may earn a certificate of educational competence if you pass the General Educational Development (GED) test. The GED program gives you the chance to earn your high school credential outside of school. We offer classes to prepare students who need math, reading or writing skills for success on the GED exam or preparation for college classes and programs.