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Below Average

#1957 of 2,225 schools in WA

Highline Public Schools Virtual Academy

School · Highline School District

15675 AMBAUM BLVD SW, Burien, WA 98166

Virtual

Enrollment

182

Student-Teacher

16.5:1

Score

4.5

Grades

Pre-K – 12th

Updated 2022-23

How this school compares

Washington schools

#128 of 173

In district

#26 of 34

Highline School District

School environment

7.9 / 10

Very strong

About Highline Public Schools Virtual Academy

Highline Public Schools Virtual Academy is a regular public school located in Burien, Washington, within King County. The school serves students from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade and has an enrollment of 182 students with a student-teacher ratio of 16.5:1. With 11 full-time equivalent teachers on staff, the academy offers personalized attention to help each student thrive.

The MySchoolScout rating for Highline Public Schools Virtual Academy is 3.9 out of 10, placing it in the 26th percentile among Washington state schools. The academic score is 2.2 out of 10, indicating that there is room for improvement in certain areas. In terms of standardized test scores, 33% of students are proficient or above in ELA/Reading, while only 16% are proficient or above in Math and 22% in Science.

While the school has lower proficiency rates compared to state averages, it continues to focus on student development through innovative teaching methods tailored to each learner's needs. Located in a large suburban area of Burien, Highline Public Schools Virtual Academy benefits from a community that values education and supports students as they navigate their educational journey.

What Parents Should Know

With an enrollment of 182 students, Highline Public Schools Virtual Academy is a smaller school where families often find a close-knit community atmosphere. Smaller settings can mean more individual attention from teachers and staff, though they may offer fewer extracurricular options than larger schools.

While current test scores at Highline Public Schools Virtual Academy are below average, the school shows strong growth metrics — meaning students are making above-average progress year over year. This upward trajectory can be a positive indicator for families who value a school's ability to help students improve, even if absolute scores haven't caught up yet.

Highline Public Schools Virtual Academy is a virtual school, meaning instruction is delivered primarily online. Virtual schools offer flexibility but require strong self-discipline and a reliable home learning environment. Parents should consider whether their child thrives with independent, technology-based learning and ask about the school's approach to student engagement and support.

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 4/4 metrics
Student Progress6.0Above Average25%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data2
Annual Change-2.14 pts/yr
Data Period2022–2024
TrendDeclining
Academics3.4Fair25%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency14.3%
Reading/ELA Proficiency33.3%
Math vs. State Avg-24.3 pts
Reading vs. State Avg-14.2 pts
Overall Proficiency24%
Expected (poverty-adj.)32%
vs. Expected-8.1 pts
Adjusted Percentile16th
College Readiness1.9Significantly Below Average30%
Graduation rates, AP course participation, and IB availability.
View breakdown
AP Participation2.2%
IB ProgramNo
Resources & Environment7.9Very Good20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio16.5:1
Per-Pupil Spending$19,077

Highline Public Schools Virtual Academy — Students at Highline Public Schools Virtual Academy score 24% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 32%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

71.4%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores WA SBA (2023-24)

Math Proficiency 15.6%
School
State
36.6%
ELA Proficiency 33.4%
School
State
51.4%

Based on 14 test records from WA state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

↓ Declining

Average proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.

2022
ELA
37%
2024
Math
15.6%
ELA
32.7%

Source: EdFacts (NCES) and state assessment data. Growth score: 6.0/10.

How Highline Public Schools Virtual Academy Compares

See how Highline Public Schools Virtual Academy performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
4.5/10
12th percentile in WA
Academic
3.4/10
3.4/10
Growth
6.0/10
Above average
Environment
7.9/10
Above average

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
71%
Teaching Staff
17:1 student-teacher ratio
11 teachers

Location

15675 AMBAUM BLVD SW, Burien, WA 98166

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Highline Public Schools Virtual Academy may also want to explore other schools in the area. North Hill Elementary (rated 8.2/10, 2.7 miles away, in nearby Des Moines), which scores notably higher. Another option is Gregory Heights Elementary (rated 7.9/10, 0.9 miles away), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Marvista Elementary (rated 7.9/10, 2.6 miles away, in nearby Normandy Park), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Burien, see our Burien schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 2.1 mi
School Distance Rating
THREE TREE MONTESSORI SCHOOL Burien 0.2 mi 7.4
Sylvester Middle School Burien 0.3 mi 5.5
Highline High School Burien 0.5 mi 3.7
JOHN F KENNEDY CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL Burien 1.1 mi 6.6
Seahurst Elementary School Burien 1.0 mi 6.5
Gregory Heights Elementary Burien 0.9 mi 7.9
GLENDALE LUTHERAN SCHOOL Burien 1.4 mi 6.1
ST FRANCIS OF ASSISI SCHOOL Burien 1.1 mi 6.3
Hazel Valley Elementary Burien 1.6 mi 4.5
Cedarhurst Elementary Burien 1.6 mi 6.8
Big Picture School Burien 1.8 mi 6.4
CHOICE Academy Seattle 1.8 mi 6.8
Highline Home School Center Burien 1.8 mi
ST BERNADETTE SCHOOL Burien 1.9 mi 6.2
Highline Open Doors 1418 Burien 2.4 mi 4.7
Marvista Elementary Normandy Park 2.6 mi 7.9
Evergreen High School Seattle 2.6 mi 5.9
North Hill Elementary Des Moines 2.7 mi 8.2
Cascade Middle School Seattle 2.8 mi 4.7
Glacier Middle School Seatac 2.1 mi 4.6

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 98166 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$112,191

Median Home Value

$785,700

Median Rent

$1,739/mo

Population

22,001

College Educated

45.5%

Homeownership

66.6%

Avg Commute

26.8 min

Poverty Rate

8.7%

Median Age

43.7

Community Profile

The community surrounding Highline Public Schools Virtual Academy has a median household income of $112,191. It is a well-educated community where 46% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $785,700, with a median rent of $1,739/month. The local poverty rate of 8.7% is relatively low. The average commute for residents is 27 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
Olympic Peninsula HomeConnection Joyce, WA 4.5
K-12 Ellensburg Learning Center Ellensburg, WA 4.6
OLYMPIC CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Port Angeles, WA 4.6
ONEWORLD NOW! Seattle, WA 4.7
Puyallup Online Academy/POA Puyallup, WA 4.7
Mount Vernon Special Ed Mount Vernon, WA 4.8

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Highline Public Schools Virtual Academy

What grades does Highline Public Schools Virtual Academy serve?

Highline Public Schools Virtual Academy serves students in grades Pre-K through 12th.

How many students attend Highline Public Schools Virtual Academy?

Highline Public Schools Virtual Academy has an enrollment of approximately 182 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Highline Public Schools Virtual Academy?

The student-teacher ratio at Highline Public Schools Virtual Academy is 16.5:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Highline Public Schools Virtual Academy rank in WA?

Highline Public Schools Virtual Academy is ranked #1957 out of 2,225 schools in WA.

What is Highline Public Schools Virtual Academy's MySchoolScout rating?

Highline Public Schools Virtual Academy has a composite rating of 4.5 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 Highline Public Schools Virtual Academy?

Based on the most recent state assessment data, Highline Public Schools Virtual Academy has 15.6% math proficiency and 33.4% reading/ELA proficiency.

Is Highline Public Schools Virtual Academy a charter school?

No, Highline Public Schools Virtual Academy is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.

Is Highline Public Schools Virtual Academy a Title I school?

No, Highline Public Schools Virtual Academy is not currently a Title I school.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Highline Public Schools Virtual Academy?

71.4% of students at Highline Public Schools Virtual Academy qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. This is a commonly used indicator of economic need and provides important context when interpreting test scores.

11 schools nearby View map →

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
Pre-K – 12th
Enrollment
182
Student-Teacher Ratio
16.5:1
Teachers (FTE)
11
Free/Reduced Lunch
71.4%
Type
regular
Setting
Large Suburb
County
King County
Data Year
2023–2024

District

Highline School District
District Enrollment
17,823
Schools in District
43
Per-Pupil Spending
$20,594
District Rank
#26 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 methodology

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