Frequently Asked Questions

The design of each project includes specific learning goals and standards in specific subject areas. Over the course of the year, projects address a full range of learning across subject areas and reflect students’ interests and strengths.

Project Based Learning (PBL) is a teaching method in which students learn by actively engaging in real-world and personally meaningful projects. PBL connects students to authentic, relevant learning experiences both in and out of the classroom that focus on deep content knowledge and mastery of skills that are applicable to both their lives and careers outside of the classroom.

Some PE credit is earned by equivalency through our Outdoor Recreation and Leadership course. Art credit must be earned elsewhere.

We do not offer language classes. As a CTE pathway, many students are able to waive their language credit requirements.

We use standards-based instruction and assessment. Student performance is assessed according to four-point rubrics aligned to the essential standards of the course. We also assess students according to their habits and attitudes toward learning and leading, which helps provide a more complete picture of their growth.

Staff will work with a student and family to address any needs or concerns that might help a student stay at WELS. If the decision is to leave, the school will support the transition to a different school by communicating with the receiving school to interpret the transcript.

Waskowitz Outdoor School is our "home away from home." Much of our field time is spent there. Additionally, we partner with various community organizations, so our projects might take us to local urban forests or parks and other locations around the region.

Yes! Students will regularly be outdoors, in all weather (especially when at Waskowitz!). Staff will work with students and families to ensure all are well equipped for a full range of outdoor weather.

Safety is embedded in the curriculum. Teachers teach responsible use of tools and equipment, as well as sanitation practices.

Regular updates about schedules and locations will be posted and communicated with students and families.

Transportation off campus will be by school bus, van, or sometimes public transportation. Students will be issued an Orca card.

We do not assign specific homework. However, any work students have not completed during the school day becomes homework. Students always have the option to edit and resubmit work to improve their scores.

WELS centers student voice and therefore changes slightly every year. We seek to empower young leaders and thereby expect them to take charge of their learning community.

No. 

Basic funding comes from Highline Public Schools. Additional funding comes from grants, donations, and other sources.

Our WELS program is successful when students enter college or a career of their choosing. Our program evaluates and reports objective measurements of success in three main areas: increased attendance rates, increased credit attainment, and increased graduation rates. We ensure such successes through our progression of leadership development through outdoor experiences that culminate in challenging wilderness expeditions.

An advisory board supports the program reflecting a wide array of industry partners, providing a consistent connection. The program will partner with specific organizations on projects to provide in-depth learning.

Students are eligible to participate in Tyee High School sports. Learn more about athletics in the Tyee Athletics web page.

Yes. Students are eligible to participate in all Tyee High School extracurricular clubs and activities. 

Learn more about Tyee clubs and extra curricular activities.