Incoming & Prospective Students & Families
Welcome To Ballard High School!
Incoming & New Families:
Orientation Program Information 2026
Welcome Ballard Beavers!
New Students will have a Orientation on Sept. 2 with a Special Bell Schedule.
Thank you to all the Parents/Guardians ONLY of Incoming 9th Graders and New Students that were able to attend the Orientation! New Students will have an Orientation on Sept. 2 with a Special Bell Schedule.
9th Grade & New Families Orientation!
Thursday, August 27, 2026. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Events begins at 7 p.m.
Ballard High School Main Gym
Program
- Welcome and Introductory Comments: Abby Hunt, Principal
- BHS Library Information: TuesD Chambers, Librarian
- LINK Crew and 9th Grade Orientation: David Fort, Assistant Principal
- From a Student’s Perspective: Student Leaders
- Helpful Hints from PTSA: Lauren Schmidt, PTSA Parent Rep
- Information from School Counselors: Sonja Petersen, School Counselor
- Overview of Packet – Helpful Hints
- Introduction of Support Staff: Admin Team and Support Staff
Please join us in the Foyer after the program. Staff will be available to answer any remaining questions you might have.
Thank you for coming this evening and welcome to Ballard High School!
We appreciate your suggestions on improving our program handout. Please email Sonja Petersen at slpetersen@seattleschools.orgto share your feedback Thank you!
When is New Student Orientation?
New student orientation will occur on the first day of school, September 2. Please note that September 2 is not an early-release Wednesday. New students will pick up their schedules before joining a welcome assembly in the main gym and touring their classes with 11th and 12th grade LINK leaders. The first day schedule is available on the school website. The first day schedule is available on the Source.
What should my student bring on the first day of school on Wednesday, September 2?
On the first day, students should bring several pencils and pens, paper on which they can take notes, and a folder or other notebook with pocket dividers in which to collect class handouts. Throughout the day, teachers will instruct students if any materials are required for the class. For instance, some teachers may require a Composition Book to tape assignments into. Once your student receives this information from each teacher on the first day, they can gather the school supplies that they need and create an organizational system for homework. Help your student set up an organizational system so that they know exactly where to place completed work to be turned in, assignments to be completed each night, and how to put long-term projects onto their calendar or planner.
Do we need to buy a calculator?
All students in Algebra 2, Precalculus, Statistics and higher math must have access to a graphing calculator, specifically the TI-84 or TI-84+. If you plan to purchase one calculator for your high school student, we recommend the purchase of a TI-84. Algebra 1 and Geometry students need at least a scientific calculator; we use the TI-30 in class. If students are unable to purchase a calculator, there will be some available for checkout from their math teacher. Math teachers will give more information through their classrooms.
When will school pictures be taken?
September 3 and September 4 during the school day via the students’ classes. An info sheet with picture ordering details will be handed to each student as they have their picture taken. If your student is unable to attend picture days on September 3 or 4, there will be a make-up opportunity scheduled later in the fall
When can I meet my student’s teachers?
Please attend Ballard High School’s Curriculum Night on Thursday, October 8 at 6:30 p.m. During Curriculum Night, you will follow your student’s schedule, meet each teacher, and learn about each class.
Does my student have to pay the ASB Fee/Activity Card and how much is it?
Students who wish to participate in a sport or music must pay the ASB fee. Otherwise, paying this fee is not required, but it is encouraged as this allows students to receive discounts on attending sporting events, buying their yearbooks, etc. The ASB fee is $45, and can be paid online via the Source, or in the main office before school, at lunchtime, or after school. Payment of this fee is indicated by a sticker placed on the student’s ID card. (ID cards are free and automatically distributed to students a few weeks after picture day). Until student ID cards arrive, there is a digital record of the ASB fee being paid, so your student will not miss out on any discounts in the meantime. Learn more about ASB Activity Cards.
Can we get help with other school fees?
Yes, if your student qualifies for free/reduced lunch they can also get help with ASB fees, class fees, etc. Please fill out the free/reduced lunch form on the district Culinary page, and have your student see their school counselor for information about assistance with course fees, SAT testing etc.
How does Ballard HS communicate with students & families?
Refer to the Communication to Families page for all the ways Ballard High School communicates with students and families to keep everyone connected and informed.
Can students leave campus at lunchtime?
Students in grades 9 – 12 may leave campus for lunch, but they need to be back in time for their next class.
What is the best way for me to stay up-to-date with information about school events?
Visit the Ballard High School website regularly which posts news, upcoming events, and the ASB Announcements Bulletin. Also, sign up for the PTSA newsletter. This is a great way to stay up to date on important information about deadlines and opportunities. To sign up for the newsletter, or read previous and current issues, visit the PTSA page.
What are the general rules of the school?
All students will review the BHS Student Online Handbook in the first week of school which outlines school policies and procedures. This handbook is posted on the school website.
Is there a dress code?
Detailed information is listed in the Online Student Handbook. In general, if there is a concern about decency or messages on clothing, the assistant principals will speak with the student about this concern and might ask them to change clothes or send them home.
Are cellphones or electronic devices allowed?
Students may not use their cell phone during class time.
Does each student get a locker and when do they get one? Do they need to share? Lockers are distributed on the first day of school when students pick up their official schedule. Each 9th Grader should be able to have a locker and not need to share. However, this sometimes takes a few weeks to settle out at the beginning of the year as we adjust our rolls to reflect students who have moved over the summer or who do not require a locker. If your student has not been assigned a locker by the second week of school, your student should check with custodian Young Wong in the Commons regularly to see if a locker has become available.
Can students drive to school?
Yes, but students cannot park in the staff parking lots or in designated Ballard Pool parking spots. Students must park on the street. If your student drives to school, please help remind them of parking rules and etiquette, so BHS can maintain positive relationships with our neighbors.
If I have a question about transportation to school, such as bus passes, whom should I contact?
Call the Seattle School District transportation office at 206-252-0900. If you have a question more specific to Ballard High School, please call your student’s assigned assistant principal.
When and where is the first PTSA meeting?
The first general PTSA meeting is September 10, 2026 at 7 p.m. and will be held in the BHS Library. Please be sure to sign up for communication from the PTSA for announcements and further information.
If I want to get involved with PTSA right away or if I want to volunteer for school projects, whom should I contact?
Contact the PTSA volunteer coordinator Lauren Schmidt at volunteer.ballardhs@gmail.com for volunteer information.
Is there a fee to join PTSA?
People interested in joining can do so online on the PTSA page (membership must be renewed each year). Membership is $25/person (student membership is $10). Scholarships are available.
Where can I find out about upcoming PTSA activities?
We encourage you to sign up for the PTSA newsletter, which lists important announcements regarding PTSA, school activities, and the Daily Bulletin. You can sign up and find more information on the PTSA webpages.
We Have Open Key BHS PTSA Roles Open Each Year
Ballard HS relies heavily on parent volunteers to help provide the best possible experience and opportunities for all students…even more so now! Find out more about your BHS PTSA and how you can help just by becoming a member and how the PTSA supports your student, staff, teachers and families too! Read PTSA Newsletters and sign up for the PTSA Weekly Newsletter to stay informed, and refer to our What Does the PTSA Do page as well.
How many credits are needed to graduate?
24 credits are required for graduation for every student at Ballard High School.
How much credit does each class earn?
Students earn .5 credit for each semester class. A student with a full schedule who passes all their classes would earn 3 credits per semester, and a total of 6 credits per year. Therefore, a full schedule for all four years of high school would yield 24 total credits.
Can students earn high school credit for a class taken in middle school?
Yes. If a student took a high school level course (Algebra 1, Geometry, Algebra 2, or world language) in an SPS middle school, that credit will automatically be populated to their high school transcript. Students who took a high school level class in a private school should talk to their school counselor about including it on their high school transcript. Students have until the end of their junior year to take a middle school credit they do not want off of their high school transcript. Students can see their school counselor for more information.
What is a Quarter and a Semester?
A Quarter is nine weeks. A Semester is two Quarters, or an 18-week grading period. Semester grades are the final grades that are posted on the transcript. Quarter grades are not posted on the transcript. First semester ends January 27, 2027. There will be no school on January 28, 2027 (the day between semesters). Second semester begins on January 29, 2027.
If my student does not pass one of his/her classes, will summer school or credit retrieval be needed?
Yes. Because students need to earn 24 credits, every credit is needed in order to graduate in 4 years. Have your student see their school counselor to discuss credit retrieval options.
When do students learn about credits?
Counselors visit 9th grade classes to teach students about graduation requirements and start their High School and Beyond Plan – SchooLink. They go over this information again when students select classes for the following year. Students may request a credit update at any time from their counselor.
What is the grading scale?
A, A-, B+, B, B-, C+, C, C-, D+, D, E.
An E counts as zero points in the GPA average.
What is considered a passing grade?
A grade that is a 60% or higher (D) is considered a passing grade.
What are Seattle Public Schools’ grading requirements?
- SPS educators will provide biweekly check-ins with students and families for students at risk of earning an Incomplete, No Credit, or a failing grade.
- SPS educators will allow retakes and assignment revisions to the extent possible. Please see your student’s course syllabus for further details.
- SPS educators will not give any grades lower than 50% on any assignment or assessment even for a missed assignment.
Do Honors and AP classes count for extra points?
Honors and AP classes receive points for the purpose of class rank only, but this does not affect the GPA.
Where can I find information about course offerings and special academic programs?
Please see the Online BHS Course Catalog on our website under the “Academics.”
Which state tests will my student take and when?
Students take the Smarter Balanced Assessment (SBA) in English Language Arts and in Math the spring of their 10th grade year. Students will take the Washington Comprehensive Assessment of Science (WCAS) in the spring of their junior year. Ballard HS testing information is on the BHS Assessments Overview. Additional information can also be found on the OSPI website.
What other standardized tests might my student take at Ballard?
Students will have the opportunity to take the PSAT/NMQT in October of their Junior year. SPS offers an SAT exam for Seniors in the fall during the school day. If your student takes an AP class, AP testing occurs in May (must preregister & prepay in fall). An overview of Ballard’s Testing Schedule can be found on the BHS Assessment Overview page.
What are “The Source” and “Schoology” and how do I access them?
The Source is an online progress report system available to students and parents/guardians. On the Source you can monitor attendance, view grades and assignment completion, see historical grades and standardized test scores and pay school-related fees. In addition, teachers have Schoology pages for their classes which contain additional details like class assignments, a calendar, and messages to students and parents. Students and families can access and/or create a login for the Source and Schoology pages through the Ballard High School website (select “Student Family Portal” at the top of the page.)
How often should I check the Source?
Most teachers update the Source approximately every two weeks. You are welcome to check as often as you feel necessary, but you may see the most accurate data if you check the Source every two weeks. If you wish to monitor attendance closely, you can check the Source more frequently.
How can I help if my student is struggling in a class?
When your student is struggling, problem solve with them at home first. Brainstorm how to improve their performance, such as how to make better use of homework time, keeping a daily planner for assignments, and finding a quiet place for homework. Help your student set up an organizational system for where to place completed work to be turned in and assignments to be completed each night. Help them create a system for putting long-term projects into their calendar or planner. Encourage your student to speak to their teachers and ask for assistance and/or to see their teacher for extra help outside of class time. If the student tries these things and is still struggling, encourage your student to reach out to their school counselor for additional help.
How do I contact a teacher?
E-mail generally works best. E-mails can be accessed directly on the Source (select the teacher’s e-mail) or on the Ballard website Staff list. If you do not have internet access, call the Main Office at 206-252-1000 and ask to be connected to the teacher’s voicemail.
How quickly should I expect a response from an E-mail or a voice mail to school staff?
You can typically expect a response within three school days. Teachers are teaching most of their working day and may have limited time to return emails. If you do not hear from a school staff member within this time, e-mail or phone again, and feel free to contact your student’s assistant principal for assistance.
What tutoring resources are available?
Please look for announcements on the school website and library pages.
What is Service Learning and how many hours are required for graduation?
Service Learning is unpaid/volunteer work done by students in their own time for a non-profit agency or organization, preferably in an area of interest to the student. 60 hours of Service Learning are required by graduation.
Do hours completed the summer before 9th grade count?
Students entering 9th Grade may submit 15 hours of service learning from the summer between 8th and 9th Grade.
How can my student find meaningful Service Learning opportunities?
The Ballard website has a Service-Learning page (under the “Resources” tab) that lists volunteer opportunities as well as the documentation form to be submitted once hours are completed.
If my student is ill, what do I do to excuse the absence?
Send an E-mail to ballardhs.attendance@seattleschools.org, or a note bearing your signature, phone number, reason for absence, and dates of absence with your student the first day they return to school. Absences must be excused within three days. Refer to the BHS Attendance page for more information.
If my student will be ill for many days, how can I access homework?
The best way to access homework if your student is ill is to check teacher Schoology Pages and the Source, and/or for your student to e-mail the teachers directly. Contacting a fellow student for homework assignments can be helpful as well.
How does attendance impact student learning?
Students are less likely to pass a class if they miss too many instructional days or if their absences are unexcused and therefore they cannot turn in make-up work for credit. Per state law, students who are excessively truant, meaning 20 consecutive days of unexcused absence, are dropped from Ballard High School.
What does my student have to do in order to play a sport?
Complete sports paperwork via FinalForms, online and submit by the deadlines stated in the paperwork. The ASB Activity Card and sport fees have to be paid at the time the paperwork is submitted. A current sports physical is required. Physicals are good for two years, but physical information from middle schools does not follow a student to high school. Students either need an updated physical or a copy of a physical done within the last two years to submit with their paperwork. The physical form must have the date of the exam and state that the student is cleared to participate in sports. Students must also be academically eligible to participate in sports, including passing at least 5 full credit classes with at least a C average. Students should check with their coaches early and often to make sure they meet these eligibility requirements. More athletics information can be found on the BHS Athletics Overview.
If our family qualifies as low-income, can we get assistance for this fee?
Yes. If your family qualifies for free/reduced lunch, the fees are reduced. See your sports paperwork for details.
Are there free sports physicals available?
Yes. The Ballard Teen Health Center in the Commons offers free sports physicals (and immunizations as well). Please call 206-584-3177 to schedule an appointment.
Whom should I contact with questions about sports paperwork?
Please contact the Ballard HS Athletic Secretary at 206-252-1000.
What is the Ballard Teen Health Center?
The Ballard Teen Health Center is located in the Commons and is a collaboration between Ballard High School, Public Health-Seattle/King County, and Neighborcare Health. Staff includes a nurse practitioner, a mental health counselor, and a patient-care coordinator. Students may be seen by appointment. Services are free. The Teen Health Center is committed to helping adolescents achieve wellness and success in all aspects of life. Information is available in the Teen Health Center and online under “Resources.”
If I am concerned that my student may be depressed or need emotional counseling, whom should I contact?
Contact your student’s school counselor, your family doctor or the Teen Health Center.
If my student has a health-related problem such as a chronic illness, injury, or severe allergy which might affect my student at school, whom should I contact?
Please contact Beth Guynes, School Nurse: eaguynes@seattleschools.org
If I have a general concern but do not know whom to call, whom should I contact?
Please call your student’s school counselor. School counselors can help determine which person would best be able to help you.
If I am concerned that my student may be using drugs or alcohol, whom should I contact?
Please contact your family doctor for referrals so as to maximize insurance possibilities. You may also call the school nurse or the Teen Health Center for a referral list of local agencies that provide drug testing, counseling, and out-patient or in-patient referrals.
If I am concerned that my student is being harassed or bullied, including cyber-bullying or social media, whom should I contact?
Harassment and bullying are serious issues and are not to be tolerated. Please contact the student’s assistant principal immediately to make a report. Reports can also be made online by completing a form with the office of civil rights
Incoming Students: Update Your Calendars
Explore Our Website
Stay Connected & Informed
Explore our Prospective/Incoming Families page as well as the rest of our school website for information about Ballard HS. Families and Students, learn more about how Ballard HS keeps families in the know on our How We Communicate with Families page and all the ways our BHS Students can informed on the Stay Connected page.
For a listing of our staff visit our Online Staff Directory. To learn more about our school visit our About page and for ways to know how you can get involved refer to our Get Involved page too! Information for Incoming Freshman students is also available on the Freshman Overview page. Learn about upcoming events for new students and families and find out all about our BHS PTSA and how you can get involved!
Ballard HS Quick Links
Learn All About Ballard High School!
How Ballard Communicates with Families
BHS Daily Bell Schedules
Learn About Our Performing Arts
Principal Emails and News
Learn About Athletics
Incoming Students and Families Resources
Ballard High Lip Dub 2026!
Our school community came together to showcase the many different clubs, academic programs, and activities, and we are thrilled to share the finished product with you. ~ Principal Abby Hunt
Open Enrollment for School Choice at SPS
Students are assigned to their attendance area school based on where they live. Families may request a different school through School Choice. Refer to the district Student School Assignment for more information. Visit the district School Choice and Open Enrollment page for district enrollment information.
Enrollment Key Dates
Refer to the district enrollment resources for families and students for more information as well as the district enrollment news posts.
- May 31, 2026: Waitlist Closure
- All waitlists for the School Year 2026-27 will dissolve at the end of May 2026.
- June 1 – Aug. 31, 2026: Non-resident applications will be accepted.
Not Attending Ballard HS? Let Us Know
Complete these steps. Step One: Email registrar Erin Hayes at emhayes@seattleschools.org. Include the parent/guardian’s name, student’s full name and date of birth, your phone number, and the name of the school your student will attend instead of BHS. Step Two: To withdraw your student from the SPS District, please visit Not Attending and complete the online form.
Can’t Find What You Are Looking For?
Email me with tips on information you would like located here or better ways to support your searches on the Ballard HS website. Diane Taylor, BHS Website Editor at dmtaylor@seattleschools.org Thank you!
As of August 28, 2026