The biggest strength of Highland is our community. Our motto is Every Eagle, Every Day, Every Way, because every student is important and every student belongs here.

-Susan Thomas, principal

Highland families speak over 37 different languages and we celebrate the cultures and backgrounds of all our kids! Through language classes, cultural celebrations, classroom instruction, and support for English language learners, Highland values the experiences of all kids.

-Yayoi Brown, multi-language learner teacher

Theater Production, Studio Art, Ceramics, Band and Orchestra, Guitar, Choir, Yoga, Dance... kids need more than just math and reading to reach their potential! If you want to see how amazing kids can be, come to our kid-produced musicals!

-Tori Knight, theater teacher

We have a team of mental health professionals at Highland who help our students every day. Kids can ask for help, and we also watch for kids who are struggling. We care about all our kids!

-Marie Ford, social worker

Highland has lots of clubs and sports to join, where kids can find new friends. Boys and Girls Club, Jubilee sports like football and volleyball, chess club, debate club, art club, dance club, D & D club... kids can even start their own special clubs!

-Michael Netherton, JUBILEE coach

Highland has a full-time nurse on staff, along with physical and speech therapists. We also provide dental services, a pediatrician, and mental health support through our ICHS health clinic. We want to support the whole child!

-Barbara Womack, nurse

Students lead at Highland! They can be part of our leadership class, where they organize school events like Spirit Week, or they can join the ASB to be part of student government. Their voices are important at Highland!

-Stephanie Hazen, leadership teacher

Our music program is fantastic! We have band, and orchestra, guitar, and an award-winning Mariachi band. Our choir students don’t just perform for parents: they are also a huge part of our student-run Musicals! We love music at Highland!

-Abe Luna, music teacher

We work hard to find creative ways to make the system work for every student. Whether that is through a thoughtful IEP, one on one support from our highly- trained paras, or plans developed with case managers and counselors, we believe every need is an important need.

-Thea Clarkson, resource teacher

Safety is absolutely one of our top jobs and we take it seriously. Fights don’t happen very often, but when they do, we stop them immediately and participants face serious consequences. All kids should feel safe.

-Chris Thomas, Dean of Students

Highland offers Arabic, Korean, and Hindi as part of the Bellevue School District’s innovative online Heritage Language Program. Kids can strengthen their connection to their family culture while learning a language!

-Manar Chabaan, online Arabic teacher

Math, Language Arts, Social Studies, and Science are the foundation kids need to be ready for high school and beyond. Projects like building a Rube Goldberg machine give kids a chance to be creative while they build the skills they need!

-John Jaeger, science teacher

We do video production, learn how to code computers, applied engineering, even robotics here at Highland! The classes are fun, but kids are learning real-world skills. It’s cool to see what the kids can do when they get their hands on tools!

-Brooks Anderson, Career and Technical Education Teacher

Highland hosts the school district’s award-winning Spanish Dual Language program. We were named a International Spanish Academy school by the Embassy of Spain. Students in the program take classes in both English and Spanish, growing their fluency in both languages.

-Csharon Cortes Ramirez, dual language teacher

The PACIFIC program supports students with significant developmental and intellectual disabilities by providing specially designed instruction. PACIFIC students participate in integrated classes like art and PE. Other Highland students support their PACIFIC classmates as Peer Coaches. All our students are important to our community!

-Christian Rider, PACIFIC teacher

We have a strict Phones Away During the Day policy at Highland, and we hold kids to it! It has made a huge difference in the classroom. Teachers notice a difference, and so do kids!

-Ariana Giaroli, assistant principal

Parents and guardians are a key part of the success of Highland students. Families can track grades and communicate easily with teachers using the ParentVue app. Highland hosts regular support groups and Cafecitos with Bellevue Lifespring for families. Families can also join our award-winning PTSA, named national School PTA of Excellence for 2023-2025!

-Mariela Stockdale, Graduation Success Coach

Our AVID program gives kids skills that will help them as they move through school. Note taking practice, career discussions, field trips to local colleges- we want our kids to think about the future!

-Jessica Dickinson, AVID teacher