Ballard High School

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Incoming/Prospective Students & Families

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How we Communicate with Ballard Students & Families Refer to the Communication to Families page for all the ways Ballard HS communicates with students and families to keep everyone connected and informed.

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Missed the Incoming 9th Grade Parent/Guardian Orientation?

Stay Connected! Opt Into the BHS PTSA Newsletter

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Welcome Incoming Freshman Families to Ballard HS! Did you know you need to sign up for the Ballard HS PTSA Newsletter? 

Learn about upcoming events for new students and families, Ballard Athletic paperwork deadlines, and find out about our BHS PTSA and how you can get involved! Sign Up Today. Freshman Parent/Guardian Program and helpful resources and notes below for all Incoming Students & Families.

Freshman Parent Orientation Program 24-25

9th Grade Family Orientation!

Thursday, August 29, 2024 at 7 p.m.
Ballard High School Auditorium

Program

  • Welcome and Introductory Comments: Abby Hunt, Principal
  • Introduction of Support Staff: Admin Team and Support Staff
  • Information from School Counselors: Sonja Petersen, School Counselor
    • Overview of Packet – Helpful Hints
  • Welcome from BHS School Nurse: Beth Guynes
  • Helpful Hints from PTSA: Interim PTSA President Kim Flin
  • Welcome from Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: Ellen Butzel and Jinoo Mattila PTSA sub-committee
  • LINK Crew and 9th Grade Orientation: David Fort, Assistant Principal
  • From a Student’s Perspective: Student Leaders
  • Welcome from BHS Librarian: TuesD Chambers

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.org to share your feedback.  Thank you!

When is New Student Orientation? New student orientation will occur on the first day of school on Wednesday, September 4 (not an early release). Students should arrive in the Commons to pick up their schedules before joining a welcome assembly and touring their classes with 11th and 12th grade LINK leaders.

What should my student bring on the first day of school? 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. The student should also bring lunch or money for lunch on the first day. 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.

No Supply List: Ballard Students please bring a three-ring binder with paper, pencil, pen and highlighter on your first day of school. There is no school-wide supply list. Teachers may give students a class syllabus including any supplies or fees associated with that class.

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 5 and September 6 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 5 and 6, there will be a make-up opportunity during lunch on September 19.

When can I meet my student’s teachers? Please attend Ballard High School’s Curriculum Night, Thursday October 10 at 6:30 p.m. This is an open house during which you will follow your student’s schedule, meet each teacher, and learn about each class.

How much does school lunch cost? Lunch is $3.50 and breakfast is $2.50, unless your family qualifies for free/reduced lunch. This year, SPS has launched MySchoolBucks, an online platform that will allow families to pay for school meals (was PayPams). Please note: Any funds remaining on a students meal account from the 2023-24 School Year will be automatically transferred over to the new system. Parents can send money to school with the student to deposit into their account. You can get more information about culinary services (and prepay online) at SPS Culinary Services.

How do we sign up for free/reduced lunch? Paperwork for free/reduced lunch will be included in Start of School forms and is also available in the main office. Please return hard copy applications to the Ballard HS lunchroom. You can also access this application online at SPS Culinary Services. Students who were on free/reduced lunch last year in a Seattle public school must fill out a new form each year, but prior eligibility will be carried over for the first month of school. There are additional benefits available to students who qualify for F/R lunch, such as help with some school fees, so if you do qualify, it is good to submit the form even if the student does not plan to eat school breakfast or lunch.

Does my student have to buy an Activity Card and how much is it? Students who wish to participate in a sport or music must buy an Activity Card. 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 Activity Card is $35. The Activity Card fee 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. Student ID cards will arrive a few weeks after picture day. Until student ID cards arrive, there is a digital record of the Activity Card fee being paid, so your student will not miss out on any discounts in the meantime. Learn more about 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 have your student see their school counselor for assistance with course fees, SAT/ACT testing, etc.

Can students leave campus at lunchtime? With signed parent or guardian consent and administration approval, 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 Daily 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, visit the PTSA page.

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.

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 will be posted on the school website.

Is there a dress code? Detailed information will be listed in the Student Handbook. In general, if there is a concern about decency or messages on t-shirts, the assistant principals will speak with the student about this concern and might ask them to change clothes or send them home.

Are cell phones or electronic devices allowed? Students are not to use their cell phone during class time without teacher permission.

Does each student get a locker and when do they get one? Do they need to share? Whom does my student contact if they do not get a locker? Lockers are distributed the morning of the first day of school when the student picks 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 because we are adjusting 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 opened up.

Can students drive to school? Yes, but students cannot park in the staff parking lot by the tennis courts, in front of the school in the Visitor parking spots, or in designated Ballard Pool parking spots. Students must park on the street.

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 Thursday, October 17, 2024 at 7 p.m 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 Joy Das Gupta at volunteer.ballardhs@gmail.com for volunteer opportunities.

Is there a fee to join PTSA? Membership is $15/person. People interested in joining can do so online on the PTSA page. There will also be a membership form sent home in the PTSA packet the first week of school. 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 issues 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 for students in the Class of 2028 (incoming 9th graders)? 24 credits are required for graduation for every student at Ballard High School.

How much credit does each class earn? A student earns .5 credit for one semester in each class, so a student who takes 6 classes each semester can earn 3 credits per semester, to total 6 credits per year. Therefore, if students take a full schedule of six classes every year and pass all classes all four years, they would graduate with 24 credits.

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 28, 2025.

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 meet with all ninth graders to teach students about graduation requirements and start their High School and Beyond Plan. We 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.

Does an E count in the GPA? Yes. An E counts as zero points in the GPA average.

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.

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.

Where can I find information about course offerings and special academic programs? Please see our Course Catalog. The Online Course Catalog is on our website under the Academics tab.

Which state tests will my student take and when? Students in the class of 2028 will 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. Additional and updated information can 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. An overview of Ballard’s Testing Schedule will be available in early October, and can be found on the following BHS Assessment Overview.

What are “The Source/PowerSchool” and “Schoology Pages” and how do I access them? The Source/PowerSchool is a progress report system on which teachers can choose to post grades and assignments for their students and parents to see. Students and parents can use the Source from home to monitor the student’s attendance and completion of assignments. In addition, teachers have Schoology Pages for their classes which often hold updated class assignment information, materials, and messages to students and parents. The best way for students to access and/or create a login for the Source and Teacher Schoology Pages is through the Ballard High School website and select “Student 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? The goal is to help your student learn problem-solving skills, to give them the confidence that they can solve their problems on their own in the future. Talk with your student. Brainstorm with them what they could do to improve their performance, such as making good use of homework time at home, keeping a daily planner for assignments, and finding a quiet place 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 into their calendar or planner. Encourage your student to speak to the teacher to ask for assistance in figuring out why they are not doing well. The student should also seek tutoring either from the teacher or from another source. If the student tries these things and is still struggling, the parent may choose to e-mail the teacher to gain insight into what might be helpful. The student can also speak with their school counselor and the parent may choose to call the counselor for assistance.

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 voice mail.

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 so may not be able to return your e-mail until the following day or two. If you do not hear from a school staff member within this time, e-mail or phone again, and please feel free to contact the principal or 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 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 the time of graduation.

Do hours completed the summer before 9th grade count? Students may fulfill up to 15 hours of their service learning graduation requirement during the summer between 8th and 9th grade as long as it meets the criteria set by the school.

How can my student find meaningful Service Learning opportunities? Ballard HS maintains a Service Learning bulletin that contains a monthly list of Service Learning opportunities. This bulletin can be found on the BHS website Resources Tab.

If my student is ill, what do I do to excuse the absence? Send an e-mail 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. The student must turn in this note to the Attendance Office within three days if the absence is to be excused.

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 the Schoology Pages and the Source, and/or e-mail the teachers directly. Also, encourage your student to contact a fellow student for homework assignments.

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? Fill out sports paperwork via FinalForms, online at and submit by the deadlines stated in the paperwork, including proof of insurance and physical. The ASB Activity Card and sport fees have to be paid at the time the paperwork is handed in. Paperwork will not be accepted without the fee payment. A current 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 hand in with their paperwork. The physical must have the date of the physical and say they are 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 are meeting these eligibility requirements. Detailed information on all of these requirements is included in the Sports Paperwork Packet. More athletic information can be found on the Athletics pages.

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 206-781-6400 to schedule an appointment.

Whom should I contact with questions about sports paperwork or to get the contact number of a coach? Please contact the 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 Swedish Medical Center. Staff includes a nurse practitioner, a mental-health counselor, and a patient-care coordinator. Students may be seen by appointment. Services are free. The THC 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 the Resources Tab.

If I am concerned that my student may be depressed or need emotional counseling, whom should I contact? Contact your family doctor for a possible referral. You can also contact the Teen Health Center or your student’s school counselor.

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. There is also a chemical dependency counselor at Ballard once a week.

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

SPS Parent Consent Forefront Suicide Prevention and the JED Foundation Survey

Dear Ballard High School Families,

Seattle Public Schools has partnered with Forefront Suicide Prevention and The JED Foundation to enhance our efforts to support the mental health and well-being of our students.

As part of this effort, six district high schools are participating in JED High School Program delivered by Forefront, a 3-year program that provides high schools and districts with expert support, evidence-based best practices, and data-driven guidance to protect student mental health and prevent suicide.

Students and staff at our school are being surveyed to inform Ballard High School’s strategic planning process and subsequent actions. We believe that this survey can provide all students with a voice. Student input is critical to improving student well-being, academic success, and social connectedness; we hope that families will choose to opt their students in to this assessment.

If you would like for your student to participate in the survey, please fill out this consent form by October 11, 2024. You may provide your consent using this form: Ballard JED Consent Link

Student responses will be kept confidential and secure, and will not be connected with their name, email, or any other information that identifies them. If you allow your student to participate, your student may choose to skip questions or stop participating at any time. The survey typically takes around 30-45 minutes to complete.

For study-related questions, please email the principal investigator Dr. Michelle Mullen at HSStudentSurvey@jedfoundation.org. Feel free to reach out to James Leutzinger, jmleutzinger@seattleschools.org Assistant Principal at Ballard High School for more information.

Sincerely,
Abby Hunt, BHS Principal
Sonja Petersen, BHS School Counselor


Just Released BHS Lip Dub 2024!

After 10 years, we are excited to present the 2024 BHS Lip Dub Music Video! Filmed June 3rd, 2024.


Prospective Families? Learn More About Ballad HS on Our Website

Explore this 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.

High Quality 2 Color BHS Crest
Registration for New or Incoming Students

Visit our Course Registration Timeline for new or incoming students to Ballard High School.

Online Course Registration

SPS Enrollment Process

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 TBD

Key dates to be posted as soon as they are released.

Not Attending Ballard HS?  Let Us Know

Complete these steps. Step One: Email 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. Thank you.


Prospective Student & Family Information

Information and Resources for Students

Refer to the BHS Freshman webpage for information and resources for Ballard HS Freshman students and families. Transfer students can also refer to their grade level resource page.

What makes Ballard High standout above the rest?

There are lots of great options for high schools in Seattle Public Schools, but of course we think that Ballard is the best place for your student to flourish. A fundamental component that we emphasize from the first day of school is becoming involved and engaged at Ballard. We know what 1600 students can seem daunting, so we are committed to providing endless opportunities for students to make the big feel small. This can be through joining a Program or Pathway, it can be through Sports, our Performing Arts or one of our more than 75+ student run clubs.

The most important thing that your Freshman can do is to find their community through one or more of these options and this will only be more important as we return to in-person instruction. We know that students that are involved at Ballard High School do better at Ballard academically, socially, mentally and physically. Make sure this is part of the conversations that you are having with your student as the school year approaches.

Registration Timeline New Students

Registration for new or incoming students begins mid-April after school assignments have been released by the district. Refer to the Course Registration page as well as take a look at our Online Course Catalog for more information.

Do you have a Course Catalog?

Yes, the Ballard HS Online Course Catalog lists courses and descriptions arranged by department. The district Registration Guide includes Graduation Requirements, Pathways, High School & Beyond Planning and more. The purpose of the Ballard HS Online Course Catalog and the District Course Registration Guide are to familiarize students and parents with information about school procedures, curriculum, graduation requirements, and post-secondary planning. Courses offered at Ballard HS are aimed at challenging students; we encourage all students to pick an area to push themselves by opting into courses that will help prepare them for the rigors of career and college. Our counselors meet with students annually to track progress towards graduation requirements

Do You Have a Student Handbook?

Yes! Refer to our Online Student Handbook for more information about Ballard HS. The handbook is intended to support the success of each student at Ballard High School. The information included in the online handbook is useful over the course of the coming school year. Of most immediate importance will be the information regarding academic expectations for graduation, student behavior at school and the requirements governing attendance. Policies and procedures are subject to change. Notification of any changes will be communicated to students, parents, and guardians.

How do I request that my student be assigned to Ballard High School for next year?

All student assignments are done centrally at the Seattle Public Schools’ John Stanford Center for Education Excellence. The most up-to-date enrollment information can be found at the district website.

Understanding SPS School Choice and Assignment

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 Enrollment and School Choice pages for more complete details.

Once we are assigned to Ballard HS, when will my student choose their Freshman classes?

In April the Seattle School District will give Ballard High School the names of all students assigned to us for next year. We will then email registration information to all incoming new students/families. Students at SPS middle schools will choose courses online via their Source page. Out of district students will complete a Course Selection Form.

My student receives Special Education Services. What is the registration process for my student?

Once students have been assigned to Ballard High School in April, we will reach out to all incoming families. We host an Open House in the BHS Library for parents who would like to meet with the Special Education Department regarding their student’s schedule and options for 9th grade.

What are the required 9th grade classes?

Typical Freshman Schedule at Ballard HS

  1. Intro to Literature and Composition
  2. World 1 (semester)
  3. Math: based on student’s 8th grade course
  4. Science: Biology. All 9th graders will be taking Biology or Biotech Biology
  5. Health* and PE, or Music, or elective course such as Digital Film, Intro to Engineering
  6. World Language or other elective

* Health is a required, one-semester 9th grade course. If you are taking music or another year-long course and therefore do not have room in your schedule, you may delay taking health until a later year if necessary.

What Honors or AP courses are available?

Please refer to the Course Catalog in the Academics section of our website for all current course offerings. In addition, our School Profile, located under the About Our School tab, lists this year’s AP, Honors and College courses in the High School course offerings.

How is placement in grade 9 math or world language determined?

Students should consult with their current Grade 8 teachers regarding the appropriate next level in these subjects. Students should meet any course progression recommendations as stated in the Course Catalog, but a placement test or specific letter grade is not required. Students select the courses they think are appropriate for them in consultation with their families. If you have questions regarding course placement, please contact the World Language Dept. Chair: Eileen Yardley emyardley@seattleschools.org, or the Math Dept. Chair: Janine Logsdon jmlogsdon@seattleschools.org.

Is World Language required?

World Language is required for admission to most four-year colleges and universities. Students planning to go to a four- year college or university after high school should take at least two years of a single world language (for instance, Spanish 1 and Spanish 2; French 1 and French 2; Japanese 1 and Japanese 2).

Summer Service Learning Hours for Freshman

Summer hours that students complete that meet the service-learning requirement can be counted toward the 60-hour graduation requirement, except for incoming freshman who can claim only 15 service learning hours in the summer before they start at Ballard HS.   

Do you have a Counseling Center?

Students are assigned to BHS Counselors by the first letter of their last name. Our Counselors work with students to help them develop strategies for success in academics, social skills, and in considering their post-high school plans and career options. BHS Counselors encourage students to become aware of their individual strengths, develop methods for dealing with difficulties, setting goals, and to make good choices. 

Counselors also help students deal with social and emotional issues. Please visit the Counselor Schoology page for more information as well as the additional family resources on the Counseling Dashboard: Applying to College, as well as, Post HS Options, posted College Visits & Events, as well as Counseling News, and more!

Do you have a Course Catalog?

Yes, the Ballard HS Online Course Catalog lists courses and descriptions arranged by department. The district Registration Guide includes Graduation Requirements, Pathways, High School & Beyond Planning and more. The purpose of the Ballard HS Online Course Catalog and the District Course Registration Guide are to familiarize students and parents with information about school procedures, curriculum, graduation requirements, and post-secondary planning. 

Courses offered at Ballard HS are aimed at challenging students; we encourage all students to pick an area to push themselves by opting into courses that will help prepare them for the rigors of career and college. Our counselors meet with students annually to track progress towards graduation requirements

Do you have a Health Center?

In addition, to our BHS School Nurse, Ballard HS has a Teen Health Center operated by Swedish and is staffed full time by a Nurse Practitioner, Mental Health Counselor, and a Chemical Dependency Counselor who all provide the services (and more) that your family doctor provides in a teen-friendly setting including vaccinations and sports physicals! For more information about the Ballard Teen Health center visit Teen Health Center page. 

Do you offer any Performing Arts?

Yes! Ballard HS provides one of the most complete high school music programs in Seattle – offering instruction in voice, wind and string instruments spanning jazz to classical. The Theatre Program consistently presents best-in-class plays and musicals. Learn more on our Ballard Performing Arts page and watch our Winter Concert 2023 Series!

What music classes are available to Freshman, and are auditions required?

Please refer to our Course Catalog for all of the course offerings in the Music Department. Please visit the BHS Performing Arts website for more information or the Performing Arts page on the school website. Below are the specific musical groups available to Freshman, including information regarding auditions. To schedule an audition, please e-mail the Director listed under Contacts. Auditions begin in late April.

Courses Available to Grade 9:

  • Concert Band: Open to all incoming 9th grade band students. Middle school band experience or instructor permission required. No audition required.
  • Symphonic Band: Audition required for incoming 9th graders. Middle school band experience or instructor permission required.
  • Wind Ensemble: Audition required for incoming 9th graders. Middle school band experience or instructor permission required.
  • Jazz Bands: Audition required for both jazz bands. This is an additional before-school class. Concurrent enrollment in a large ensemble class is required.
  • Percussion: Open to all incoming 9th graders with middle school band percussion experience, or by audition. Symphonic Orchestra: Open to all 9th grade string players. Middle school orchestra experience or instructor permission required. No audition required.
  • Chamber Orchestra: Audition required for incoming 9th graders. Middle school orchestra experience or instructor permission required.
  • Symphonic Orchestra: Open to all 9th grade string players. Middle school orchestra experience or instructor permission required. No audition required.
  • Treble Choir: Open to upper soprano and alto voices all in grades 9-12. No Audition required.
  • Concert Choir: Open to lower tenor and bass voices in grades 9-12 (see Ms. Rowley for voice placement). Open to upper soprano and alto voices in grades 10-12 by audition.

Contacts: Mr. Jay Gillespie, Director of Bands; jrgillespie@seattleschools.org, Mr. Dan Valdez, Director of Orchestras; dmvaldez@seattleschools.org, Ms. Courtney Rowley, Director of Choirs; chrowley@seattleschools.org

What Athletics and Club Sports are offered at Ballard HS?

Ballard HS 3A Metro League: Ballard HS has part of the 3A Metro League. The purpose of the Metro League organization is to maintain and conduct a program of amateur sports competition and to promote and preserve a wholesome atmosphere of good fair play among its participating and member schools. Learn more on the Official Metro League WA Website Note: BHS Football is in the Metro Tier 1 – Mountain Division. Also get updates on the MaxPreps site.

Club SportsBoys LacrosseGirls LacrosseUltimate Frisbee BUF, and also Ballard Unified Basketball (a partnership between Ballard High School and Special Olympics of WA.) are a valuable part of Ballard HS but are not WA Interscholastic Activities Association (WIAA) sanctioned sports. Team funding comes from players, families, and donors, instead of SPS and WIAA. Scholarships are available. Club sports signups are not via FinalForms, but on team websites.

View additional Ballard HS Athletic and Club Sport information is available on our Ballard HS Athletics page.

What ASB Clubs are available?

Ballard HS Associated Student Body (ASB) Clubs are a great way to get involved. Ballard HS has over 70 clubs available for students! If you can’t find a Club that fits your interests, start your own! More information is available on our BHS Clubs page. In addition, follow updates on Instagram: @ballardstudentlife and @ballardhighasb

Do You Have a PTSA?

We have a robust Parent, Teacher, Student Association (PTSA). Consider becoming a BHS PTSA member, an advocate, or volunteer. Visit the Volunteer Opportunities to see how you can help out at Ballard HS no matter how big or small. The BHS PTSA is run by volunteers that donate their time to help promote and support the social, emotional, and academic well-being of all students. You can make a difference! Learn more about our Ballard HS PTSA.

What is LINK Crew?

Ballard HS has a LINK Crew Program which is a national high school program that welcomes freshmen and makes them feel comfortable throughout the first year of their high school experience. LINK Crew trains members of the Junior and Senior class to be LINK Leaders.

Getting a diverse group of leaders from all corners of Ballard High School is vital to creating a group that will engage all members of school. As positive role models, LINK Leaders are motivators, leaders and teachers who guide the freshmen to discover what it takes to be successful during the transition to high school.

Administration
Abby Hunt: Principal
James Leutzinger (A-F): Assistant Principal
David Fort (G-N): Assistant Principal
Jody Shuman (O-Z): Assistant Principal

School Counselors
Sonja Petersen: A-Deg
Maya McKenzie: Deh-Kar
Tom Kramer: Kas-Pes
Gail Olson Laing: Pet-Wat
Katie Huguenin: Wau-Z

Support Staff

Laura Lehni: ASB Advisor/Activity Coordinator
Eric Ensign: Athletic Director
Jana Pitman: Fiscal Specialist
Cal Hartmann: Administrative Secretary
Alice March: Attendance Specialist
Bethany Nielcen: Athletic Secretary
Carol Bristol: Counseling Secretary
Katie Huguenin: Testing Coordinator (AP, PSAT, SAT)
Eric Ensign: Testing Coordinator (State Testing)
TuesD Chambers: Librarian
Cindy Nitz: Speech and Language Pathology
Lan Dang: Ballard Beaver Café Manager
Young Wong: Head Custodian
Erin Hayes: Registrar
Dwayne Mattis: Security
Jeremy Beckwith: Security
Sailau Tuitele: Teen Health Center
Elizabeth Guynes: Nurse
Graham Foster: Occupational Therapist
Jen McLuen Physical Therapist
Mackenzie Fee: Social Worker
Melissa Hoang: Psychologist

Email addresses for our staff are on our online Staff Directory.

As of August 28, 2024


Ballard High School Performing Arts

The Ballard Performing Art (BPA) Music and Theatre Department is lauded throughout the Northwest and beyond for its high level of musical and performance excellence and supported by the parent run Booster Club. 

Ballard HS provides one of the most complete high school music programs in Seattle – offering instruction in voice, wind and string instruments spanning jazz to classical. The Theatre Program consistently presents best-in-class and now virtual plays and musicals.

The Ballard HS Music Program has gained regional and national acclaim for its outstanding ensembles and inspired performances. The Music Program includes over 300 students who participate in three concert bands, three concert orchestras, one concert choir, two treble choirs, percussion ensemble, two jazz bands, one jazz choir, fiddle ensemble and multiple chamber ensembles. Performances are held in the Earl Kelly Performing Arts Center.


Ballard HS Choirs

Learn more about all the things that happen in and around the BHS Library with Teacher-Librarian TuesD Chambers.


Virtual Tour of the BHS Library

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!

Updates as of September 29, 2024