Highline Big Picture is a small school in the Highline School District in Burien, Washington, that is part of a network of Big Picture schools all over the United States. The high school opened in 2005 with 2009 being the first year with a graduating class.
Serving 233 students in grades 6-12, Big Picture School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in Washington for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 15-19% (which is lower than the Washington state average of 41%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 50-54% (which is approximately equal to the Washington state average of 53%).
The student-teacher ratio of 14:1 is lower than the Washington state level of 17:1.
Minority enrollment is 71% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is higher than the Washington state average of 53% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Facts (26-27)
- School Type: Alternative school
- Grades: 6-12
- Enrollment: 233 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 14:1
- Minority Enrollment: 71%
- Graduation Rate: ≥80% (Btm 50% in WA)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: 15-19% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 50-54% (Top 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 40-44% (Btm 50%)
- Attendance Zone: Big Picture School serves the northeast part of Seattle, WA, covering an area of approximately 1.2 square miles. Most families can expect a typical drive of 5-10 minutes to the school, with an average distance of 0.8 miles from the school to the edge of the attendance zone, extending up to 1.4 miles at its furthest point.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), WA Dept. of Education
School Overview
Big Picture School's student population of 233 students has grown by 6% over five school years.
The teacher population of 17 teachers has declined by 5% over five school years.
School Type
Grades Offered
Grades 6-12
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
233 students
Total Classroom Teachers
17 teachers
Year Founded
2005
School Calendar
School Motto
Building skills for real-world careers
School Rankings
Big Picture School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 2,088 schools in Washington (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Big Picture School is 0.75, which is more than the diversity score at state average of 0.69. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#1476 out of 2088 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
15-19%
41%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
50-54%
53%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
40-44%
49%
Student-Teacher Ratio
14:1
17:1
American Indian
2%
1%
Asian
9%
9%
Hispanic
37%
27%
Black
7%
5%
White
29%
47%
Two or more races
16%
9%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
≥80%
83.8%
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)32.2%
34.7%
Eligible for Free Lunch
38%
39%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
12%
9%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Sports
Colors
Various Colors
School Mascot
Big Foot
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), WA Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Big Picture School's ranking?
Big Picture School is ranked #1476 out of 2,088 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Washington.
What schools are Big Picture School often compared to?
Big Picture Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like International School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
15-19% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 41% WA state average), while 50-54% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 53% WA state average).
What is the graduation rate of Big Picture School?
The graduation rate of Big Picture School is 80%, which is lower than the Washington state average of 83.8%.
How many students attend Big Picture School?
233 students attend Big Picture School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
37% of Big Picture School students are Hispanic, 29% of students are White, 16% of students are Two or more races, 9% of students are Asian, 7% of students are Black, and 2% of students are American Indian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Big Picture School?
Big Picture School has a student ration of 14:1, which is lower than the Washington state average of 17:1.
What grades does Big Picture School offer ?
Big Picture School offers enrollment in grades 6-12 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Big Picture School part of?
Big Picture School is part of Highline School District.
School Reviews
5 10/10/2025
The learning is interest-based, and each student must attain an internship every school year. The parents are very involved in student grading and evaluation. The students work closely with mentors, peers, advisors, and parents. Unfortunately the budget is unevenly spread by the school district so this school lacks a cafeteria.
2 10/10/2025
Big Picture is a great alt to everyday run-of-the-mill learning. Student interest-based learning. Lacks basic teaching of common core studies. Allows students to run around town on bus system without parent consent or adult supervision...
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