Lake Washington Technical Academy
Lake Washington Technical Academy offers eligible high school junior and senior students, ages 16 to 20, the opportunity to concurrently train for a career and earn a high school diploma. Lake Washington Technical Academy is accredited by the Northwest Association of Schools and Colleges and is a full-time special purpose high school program located on the campus of Lake Washington Institute of Technology in Kirkland, Washington. The program enrolls 350 to 400 students annually in either direct entry or Open Doors.
Is the Academy Right for Me
Based on a comprehensive evaluation, students may be referred to direct entry into the Academy. These students typically have been academically successful in their previous high school, earning a GPA of 2.4 or above and demonstrate maturity and college readiness. Students who do not meet the criteria for direct entry into the Academy may be recommended for one of our other programs such as Open Doors.
Students have access to most of the training programs and support services of LWTech. Students have the opportunity to not only complete their high school diploma but also work towards a college certificate or an Associate degree. Eligibility ends the school year a student turns 21, or upon completion of the requirements for a high school diploma or an Associate degree (whichever occurs first). Students are responsible for their transportation to and from the Academy.
Length of the school day depends on the technical program as the college offers morning, afternoon, evening and weekend classes. The average schedule is usually 7 a.m. to 1p.m., Monday - Friday. A book and tool deposit is required at the time of enrollment. All new students are required to pass a College Strategies course their first quarter.
Eligibility
Lake Washington Technical Academy accepts students 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 both the 9th and the 10th grade. All interested students must first attend a High School Options (HOP) information session.
Get Started at the Technical Academy Today!
HOP is an information session that lets you know more about our school and the programs we have available for high school students. Attending a HOP session is a required first step for enrollment in our high school. HOP sessions are limited and you must register ahead of time online or by calling (425) 739-8107.
-
Email your transcript to highschoolprograms@lwtech.edu. 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 register for the HOP.
-
It is best to have a parent or guardian in attendance at the HOP. If you are accepted into the program, a parent or guardian must be present in the registration appointment with you, even if you are 18 years old.
Write an Essay and Take an Assessment
After the HOP, you will be scheduled 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. Formal College Assessment is required for enrollment into Lake Washington Technical Academy. 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
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 an Advisor to review your documents.
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, resume, and student history.
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 will 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.
Technical Academy FAQs
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 to the Academy student's must:
- Earn at least a 2.0 GPA each quarter
- Make satisfactory progress towards high school requirements
- Meet attendance requirements
- Comply with the Student Code of Conduct and Conditions of Enrollment