Open Doors

The Open Doors program is for 16-20 year olds who have either dropped out of high school or on the verge of dropping out and are interested in returning to school and completing their high school diploma. Students simultaneously accumulate high school and college credits, earning their high school diploma while progressing toward a certificate or associate degree.

Students selected to participate in the Open Doors program will receive a scholarship for tuition and books.

The Open Doors staff is committed to providing the support necessary for educational success. New students join one of two learning communities, morning or afternoon which meets 4 or 5 days a week. A learning community is a group of students who take all of their Foundation courses together. In the Foundation terms, students will have an Advisor who will guide students through the college experience as an academic adviser, instructor and a mentor. They will assist students with different facets of the college experience-everything from teaching students about careers and time management to providing referrals to community resources.

During the Foundation quarter students take reading, writing, and math, plus a college strategies class where students learn how to take effective notes, study for tests, and juggle school, work, and family life. Students will also spend time on career exploration to help them focus their goals and select a program of study at Lake Washington Institute of Technology. Students are required to earn a quarterly cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher in the Foundation quarter in order to move out into the college the following quarter. Students who had little chance of even graduating from high school are earning their diplomas and succeeding in college. They are pursuing college degrees and challenging careers. In short, they are reinventing themselves for a better future!

Eligibility

We are approved as Washington State's first Open Doors Re-engagement program. The state's dropout re-engagement system focuses on providing educational options and services to older youth. Students are accepted three times per year. Enrollment is limited and students must meet certain eligibility requirements. In addition, students must be at least 16 and not yet 21 by September 1 to be considered for admission as well as have completed or attempted to complete two full years of high school (9^th and 10^th grade). All interested students must first attend a High School Options (HOP) information session.

Get Started at Open Doors Today!

Register for a HOP Session

HOP stands for High School OPtions and is an information session that lets you know more about our school and the programs we have available for high school students. Coming to a HOP session is a required first step for enrollment in our high school. You must register ahead of time online or by calling (425) 739-8107.

Come to a HOP session

Bring your transcript. It does not have to be an official transcript, but it does have to include all your high school credits that you've earned so far. If you have been homeschooled, let us know that when you call to register for the HOP.
It is best to bring a parent or guardian to the HOP. If you are accepted into the program, a parent or guardian must come to the registration appointment with you, even if you are 18 years old.

Write an Essay and Take an Assessment

After the HOP, you will schedule an appointment to take an assessment. We will also give you an essay question and information on resources to prepare for the assessment. Students must meet minimum assessment scores to indicate readiness for college classes. Students who do not earn qualifying scores are not eligible to participate and may be referred to other programs within the college, the community or within their home school district.

Build a resume and Come to an interview

After your assessment, we will review your scores. If you meet minimum, qualifying scores, you will be given a resume packet and we will schedule a time for your interview.

Acceptance or Referral

Students are matched with the appropriate program based on a comprehensive review. This review includes an evaluation of transcripts, placement scores, review of applicant essays, student history, and the interview.

Based on the comprehensive evaluation, students may be referred to direct entry into the Academy, Open Doors, GED®, or other programs within the community. This determination is based on our professional judgment to find the right program to improve a student's likelihood of success.

Special Education (IEP) Services

If you have an IEP, or 504 plan, we want you to meet with LWTech Disability Support Services to discuss accommodations that are available in the college environment. It is important to determine if the kinds of services a student would need to support their success would be available to them at LWTech prior to entry. For more information, contact LWTech Disability Support Services by email.

Open Doors FAQs

Is Open Doors right for me?

Based on a comprehensive evaluation, students may be referred to Open Doors. These students are typically behind in credits with low GPAs, have already left school without earning a high school diploma, or are still enrolled but are very likely to dropout.

If a student meets all eligibility requirements, is their enrollment guaranteed?

Eligibility determination is the first key step but does not guarantee enrollment.

What is expected of me after admission?

After admission students must:

Earn at least a 2.0 GPA during the Foundation quarters and 2.0 GPA thereafter
Make satisfactory progress towards high school requirements
Meet attendance requirements
Comply with the Student Code of Conduct and Conditions of Enrollment