client

Highline Public Schools

Raisbeck Aviation High School (RAHS) was conceived as a response to Highline Public Schools’ deep desire to give students access to aeronautics and aviation professions, the school’s proximity to the aviation industry, and an educational vision that melds hands-on, project-based learning with academic rigor. The new 400-student STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) school enables students to flourish through co-location with the Museum of Flight and immersion in aerospace and aviation.

The design responds to the site and program with a three-story building featuring: a grand central stairway that provides a social heart to the school, informal learning opportunities, and student display areas. Learning clusters radiate from the center stairs, each with a flexible breakout area overlooking either airport activity to the east, or boat traffic on the Duwamish River to the west. The commons and multi-purpose room work together to transform into one, two-level space enabling students to deliver formal presentations to industry partners and the student body. 

Labs are designed to support the robotics program and are outfitted with equipment, technology, and a wind tunnel to encourage a broad range of exploration. Ground floor labs promote educational partnership with the Museum of Flight by opening directly to the museum’s Airpark – an outdoor aircraft gallery where prestigious planes are exhibited. Small conference rooms support the school’s mentor/student agenda and provide private areas for discussion and exchange