Average
#1095 of 2,225 schools in WA
Top 49% in state
Big Picture School
High School · Highline School District
440 S 186th St, Burien, WA 98148
Enrollment
238
Student-Teacher
13.2:1
Score
6.4
Grades
6th – 12th
Enrollment
238
Student-Teacher
13.2:1
Score
6.4
Grades
6th – 12th
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
In Burien
#5 of 10
public schools
Washington high schools
#185 of 476
In district
#14 of 34
Highline School District
School environment
9.5 / 10
Exceptional
About Big Picture School
Big Picture School is an alternative high school located in Burien, Washington, serving students from sixth to twelfth grade. With a student body of 238 and a student-teacher ratio of 13.2:1, the school provides personalized attention that supports its diverse learning community. Teachers work closely with students across various subjects, including English language arts, math, and science.
Academically, Big Picture School ranks in the 45th percentile among Washington state schools, indicating there is room for growth but also an environment where student development is a priority. In particular, proficiency rates are highest in ELA/Reading at 50% and Science at 50%, while Math proficiency lags slightly behind with only 24%. Despite these challenges, the school continues to foster an engaging and supportive educational experience.
Situated in a large suburban area, Big Picture School is part of a community that values education but may also face some socio-economic disparities. The school's alternative approach aims to meet the needs of students who thrive in more flexible learning environments.
Score Breakdown
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Big Picture School — Students at Big Picture School score 34% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 44%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
51.3%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores WA SBA (2023-24)
Based on 16 test records from WA state assessments. About our data
Proficiency Trend
↓ DecliningAverage proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.
Source: EdFacts (NCES) and state assessment data. Growth score: 5.3/10.
How Big Picture School Compares
See how Big Picture School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has declined from 32% (2019) to 22.1% (2024). Reading/ELA proficiency has declined from 62% (2019) to 46.3% (2024).
Location
440 S 186th St, Burien, WA 98148
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Big Picture School may also want to explore other high schools in the area. Maritime High School (rated 7.2/10, 1.1 miles away, in nearby Des Moines), which scores slightly higher. Another option is CHOICE Academy (rated 6.8/10, 0.1 miles away, in nearby Seattle), which scores slightly higher. Additionally, JOHN F KENNEDY CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL (rated 6.6/10, 2.8 miles away), with a very similar rating. For more schools in Burien, see our Burien schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 2.9 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| CHOICE Academy Seattle | 0.1 mi | 6.8 |
| Highline Home School Center Burien | 0.1 mi | — |
| North Hill Elementary Des Moines | 0.9 mi | 8.2 |
| Maritime High School Des Moines | 1.1 mi | 7.2 |
| Marvista Elementary Normandy Park | 1.0 mi | 7.9 |
| Sylvester Middle School Burien | 1.5 mi | 5.5 |
| THREE TREE MONTESSORI SCHOOL Burien | 1.7 mi | 7.4 |
| Highline Public Schools Virtual Academy Burien | 1.8 mi | 4.5 |
| Highline High School Burien | 2.0 mi | 3.7 |
| Gregory Heights Elementary Burien | 2.0 mi | 7.9 |
| ST PHILOMENA SCHOOL Des Moines | 2.4 mi | 6.4 |
| Madrona Elementary Seatac | 2.0 mi | 6.6 |
| JOHN F KENNEDY CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL Burien | 2.8 mi | 6.6 |
| Mount Rainier High School Des Moines | 2.7 mi | 6.0 |
| Seahurst Elementary School Burien | 2.7 mi | 6.5 |
| ST FRANCIS OF ASSISI SCHOOL Burien | 2.5 mi | 6.3 |
| Midway Elementary Des Moines | 2.8 mi | 3.3 |
| Bow Lake Elementary Seatac | 2.1 mi | 4.1 |
| McMicken Heights Elementary Seatac | 2.3 mi | 6.0 |
| Pacific Middle School Des Moines | 2.9 mi | 3.3 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 98148 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$86,994
Median Home Value
$576,400
Median Rent
$1,837/mo
Population
10,399
College Educated
28.2%
Homeownership
50.3%
Avg Commute
26.3 min
Poverty Rate
6.8%
Median Age
34.9
Community Profile
The community surrounding Big Picture School has a median household income of $86,994. It is an area where 28% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $576,400, with a median rent of $1,837/month. The local poverty rate of 6.8% is relatively low. The average commute for residents is 26 minutes. Source: U.S. Census ACS 2022 5-Year Estimates.
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| Brewster High School Brewster, WA | 6.4 |
| Davenport Senior High School Davenport, WA | 6.4 |
| Liberty High School Spangle, WA | 6.4 |
| Marysville NWESD 189 Youth Engagement Marysville, WA | 6.4 |
| Stevenson High School Stevenson, WA | 6.4 |
| Tonasket High School Tonasket, WA | 6.4 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Big Picture School
What grades does Big Picture School serve?
Big Picture School serves students in grades 6th through 12th.
How many students attend Big Picture School?
Big Picture School has an enrollment of approximately 238 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Big Picture School?
The student-teacher ratio at Big Picture School is 13.2:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Big Picture School rank in WA?
Big Picture School is ranked #1095 out of 2,225 schools in WA.
What is Big Picture School's MySchoolScout rating?
Big Picture School has a composite rating of 6.4 out of 10 on MySchoolScout. This score combines academic performance, student growth, and school environment into a single score. Equity data is shown separately for context.
What are the test scores at Big Picture School?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, Big Picture School has 23.8% math proficiency and 49.6% reading/ELA proficiency.
Is Big Picture School a charter school?
No, Big Picture School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Big Picture School a Title I school?
No, Big Picture School is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Big Picture School?
51.3% of students at Big Picture School qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. This is a commonly used indicator of economic need and provides important context when interpreting test scores.
Neighborhood Context
- City Safety
- High (3,853/100K)
FBI UCR 2024. City-level (Burien). Data >1 year old.
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- 6th – 12th
- Enrollment
- 238
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 13.2:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 18
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 51.3%
- Type
- alternative
- Setting
- Large Suburb
- County
- King County
- Phone
- (206) 631-7700
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
District
Highline School District- District Enrollment
- 17,823
- Schools in District
- 43
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $20,594
- District Rank
- #14 of 34
How We Rate Schools
Every school receives a composite score from 1 to 10 based on four pillars: Academic Performance (50%), Student Growth (20%), Equity (15%), and Learning Environment (15%). Scores are built from publicly available data including standardized test results, enrollment figures, and school climate indicators.
Read our full methodologyRelated reading
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