• Review your schedule – take the most challenging and appropriate classes for your abilities.
• Join a BHS Club! Check them out or start your own.
• Stay involved – Start or stay involved with extracurricular activities – things you do outside of school and studying such as sports, leadership, the arts, community service, internships, or working. Balance fun with academics.
• Listen to School Announcements: Or refer to the BHS Announcement page.
• Get to know all the resources and supports at school to help you be successful in and out of classes.
• Research – Learn more about college and get familiar with college terminology. Your preparation for college and career begins in your freshman year.
• Keep track & build your resume – As you get involved with extracurricular activities, create a master list or resume of the things you have done. Continue to update this list as you move through high school. Having this information in one location and organized will help you fill out college, scholarship, internships and job applications.
• Vocalize your goal – Start thinking and talking about interests and goals for the future. You will need help and emotional support throughout the entire process of college and career. By sharing your goal with others, you can get help to stay focused and get the extra guidance you need.
• Refer to the 4 Year Timeline for Applying to College.

• Counselors – Get to know your counselor and their support team. They are able to help you prepare for college and succeed in high school. Meet with them throughout your entire time in high school.
• Stay focused – Continue to do well in your courses. Keep your grades up – use any resources available to help you get the most out or your classes. Freshman year grades are important. Your freshman year supports the rest of your time in high school so stay focused.
• Continue thinking about interests and goals for the future.
• Make the end of the 1st semester a good one – keep studying and working.

• New semester – review what went well and what did not from the 1st semester and make adjustments to be successful in 2nd Semester
• Sophomore schedule. Start thinking and plan for classes for next year. Check in with your counselor.
• Time to review the High School and Beyond Plan and SchooLinks.
• Stay focused and use resources to keep grades up.
• Finish strong – Make sure you get all the help you need to succeed in classes.

• Check grades and keep working hard
• Prepare a resume – use your High School and Beyond Plan tool to help.
• Start researching summer opportunities including internships, jobs, volunteer work, summer programs, classes etc.
• Finish out your classes on a positive note
• Think about interests, goals and opportunities you want to pursue next year and make appropriate plans.

• Prepare for next year – Ask your teachers what you can be doing to prepare for your classes during your sophomore year.
• Reading list – Start a summer reading list and pick books that will help you in your sophomore classes and improve your vocabulary.
• Community Service – Begin to think about how you will complete your graduation requirement of 60 hours of service learning. Starting early in your high school career will make sure you have plenty of time to complete your hours. Remember to keep track of your hours and necessary information on your resume and when applying for scholarships too!

What Students Need to Know

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.

Attendance

• Refer to the Online Student Handbook.

Academic Information

When do students learn about credits?
Counselors meet with all Freshman to teach students about graduation requirements and start their High School and Beyond Plan. They go over this information again when students select classes for the following year. Students are encouraged to request a credit update at any time from their counselor.

What is the grading scale?
Refer to the Online Student Handbook.

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

Standardized Testing

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.

Academic Support

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.

Service Learning

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.

Health and Emotional Support

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 principalimmediately to make a report. Reports can also be made online by completing a form with the office of civil rights.

Athletics

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.

PTSA (Parent Teacher Student Association)

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.