New High School Programming Update, Week of May 11, 2026

With construction now underway, program planning for Issaquah School District’s newest high school is accelerating. Set to open in the fall of 2027, the New High School will build on the district’s strong tradition of excellence and innovation and expand opportunities for students through future-focused, career-connected learning experiences. Alongside existing innovative programs such as Gibson Ek High School, the new campus will continue to advance new ideas and learning models that can positively impact students across the district.

Pathways connect learning to the world beyond school, helping students build skills, explore interests, and take meaningful steps toward their future. We are excited to announce the school’s first pathways: Robotics and Engineering; Entrepreneurship; and Health Sciences.

The school will be open to students from across the district, with both full-time and part-time enrollment options designed to expand access and flexibility for students at different points in their high school journey.

What we know so far:

Program decisions are taking shape. Here’s what we have confirmed:

• Career Connected Pathways: Engineering & Robotics and Entrepreneurship Pathways will be offered in the opening year for students in grades 9-11, full-time or part-time. A Health Sciences Pathway pilot will be available for students in grades 11-12.
• Open Enrollment: Students may attend full-time, graduating from the New High School with the first commencement in 2029. This class will be made up of juniors who attend the school starting in Fall 2027. Part-time students will graduate from their home high school.
• Activities and Athletics: Students will participate in clubs, activities, and athletics at their home high school. The new school may also offer clubs and programs of its own.
• Transportation: Transportation will be provided from across the district, including midday shuttles to and from each comprehensive high school.

 

What is still being designed:

This school is being designed through an ongoing process of innovation and collaboration. While foundational elements are in place, many aspects of the student experience will continue to evolve through core team planning, community engagement, prototyping, and co-design such as:

• School Identity: The school’s name and branding
• Student Experience: Schedule structure, interdisciplinary structures, and student agency
• Student Support Systems: Mentorship and student support systems
• Learning Model: Interdisciplinary coursework, project-based learning, credentials, and more
• Community Partnerships: Industry partners and real-world learning opportunities
• Operational Design: Learning environment layouts and technology integration

 

Timeline of what’s ahead:

• May 2026: Staff core team applications open
• June 2026: Founding staff core team identified
• September-October 2026: School naming process begins
• October 2026: Community co-design event
• November 2026 through February 2027: Ongoing program design and refinement
• January 2027: Student enrollment applications open
• August 2027: School opens

 

Visit our new webpage:

We’ve launched a dedicated page for the New High School where you can learn more, explore the program, and sign up to stay connected. The site will continue to grow as decisions are made. Here is your first look: New High School.

If you missed last week's announcement about construction updates, it's available on our website.