From Highline College to Community College and Back

Highline Community College was one of the first community colleges in the state and the first in King County. In July 1961 The Highline School District was given authority to operate a two-year college, then named Highline College. The state owned 80 acre site in Des Moines was selected as a good location for the two-year college. Prior to opening in September 1964 classes were held at Glacier High School. The formal dedication of the Campus was on January 31, 1965. Following the Washington State Community College Act of 1967, Community College District Number 9 was formed encompassing the Highline, Federal Way and South Central (Tukwila) School Districts. The school was renamed Highline Community College. The center of the campus contains many unusual buildings including a unique theater/classroom. The campus reflects it's Native American style through "copper" bulletin boards, hand carved totem poles, Northwest Native Art Logos and the Thunderbird mascot.

On July 1, 2014, the school was renamed Highline College, returning to its original name. The 2014 change coincided with Highline's expansion beyond traditional two-year programs, including authorization to offer Bachelor of Applied Science degrees.