Dishman Hills High School recognized for innovative teaching methods that help students thrive

SPOKANE VALLEY, Wash. — An alternative high school in West Valley is seeing the efforts of its unique approach on learning pay off for students.

A school day at Dishman Hills looks a little different than you might except. Class time is shorter, there are no lockers, and what you learn is tailored to your interests and needs.

For senior Noah Hobbs, this non-traditional style of education has been transformative.

“I feel like now since our school systems are getting bigger, everything has become a lot more uniform. Dishman gives us a lot more opportunity for individuality, especially with our personalized learning,” Hobbs said.

This fall, Dishman Hills was recognized by the National Alternative Education Association for completing a three-year professional development program.

The graduation rate at the school has more than doubled in the last ten years. It’s schools course pass rate has also gone up 31% over the last two school years. Dishman Hills’ principal Lauren House, says this is largely due to their renewed focus on personalized learning. Now, the school is working to mentor other schools through these educational practices.

“We’ve got students that have maybe struggled with attendance at their previous schools, and just seeing that relevance and making that connection for kids and getting them some choice when possible has helped,” said House.

For junior Myka Espinoza, the school has given him a safe space and a place to grow.

“Being able to walk into school knowing it is a comfortable environment already carries a lot of the weight I carried from home right off my shoulders,” Espinoza said.

There are about 300 students at Dishman Hills, most of whom come from outside the West Valley School District. Dishman Hills also serves a diverse population that includes unaccompanied youth, those in foster care, and students who are homeless.

Dishman Hills High School has an open enrollment system for families who feel like their student would benefit from alternative education. For more information, click here.