As we conclude our third quarter, students in all grades have engaged deeply in hands-on learning, industry collaboration, and real-world maritime experiences. This quarter has been a powerful demonstration of what Maritime High School is about, from building boats to designing piers and career spotlights.
9th Grade: Boatbuilders and Scientists
Our 9th-grade students have just completed their boatbuilding unit—and yes, the boat is finished! Well, the construction that is. Maritime High School and Northwest Maritime partnered with the Center for Wooden Boats, and Ducky Kimball of the Center for Wooden Boats led the project. Ducky’s expertise not only helped the students accomplish the boat build but also highlighted another maritime career path that is easily within our students’ reach. One of the project’s highlights was a student-led vote to choose the final design for the vessel, giving them ownership of the construction and creative direction of their work. From drafting blueprints to picking up power tools, our youngest mariners have learned what it takes to bring a vision to life.
Looking ahead: In the fourth quarter, they’ll trade hammers for life jackets as they board our training vessel, Admiral Jack. Students will get hands-on field experience studying water quality in the Duwamish River and see their classroom knowledge come to life on the water.
(These photos include students throughout the boatbuilding process, either filing down wood or taking measurements from the rail. Also pictured is the winning boat design, which will soon be painted on!)
10th Grade: Waterfront Visionaries
Tenth graders recently wrapped up their ambitious Pier Projects, where they reimagined Seattle’s waterfront through the lens of accessibility, sustainability, and fun. After spending time on the piers, interviewing the public, and meeting with industry professionals, students proposed designs that reflect innovation and community needs. Students visited Mithūn, a multidisciplinary design firm headquartered in Seattle, with offices in San Francisco and Los Angeles. At Mithūn, students had only a short time to design pier mockups with their groups and then build them as a practice run for the entire pier project they would undertake on the Maritime High School Campus. Students unveiled their finished pier with teachers and industry professionals on March 26th.
Coming up: This spring, they’ll head aboard the Admiral Jack, using Blue Robotics’ remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) to explore underwater environments and pollutants in the Duwamish River. This project is made possible by the King County Wastewater Treatment Division. Students will also earn CPR and First Aid certifications with NWM staff—valuable skills that will benefit them as they continue their maritime journeys.
(These photos show 10th-grade students presenting on the Seattle waterfront and their trip to Mithūn. Also pictured are two pier designs they created on the Mithūn field work experience.)
11th & 12th Grade: Internships, Industry, and What’s Next
Our upperclassmen continue to impress with their leadership and professionalism.
11th Grade: Students just completed an intensive 11-week internship with the Port of Seattle. Throughout the experience, they worked directly with professionals in the Port’s maintenance terminal and produced videos highlighting the wide range of maritime careers available in that sector. These projects strengthened their communication and media skills, providing valuable insights into potential careers. Check out their videos.
12th grade: Students are nearing the finish line of their time at Maritime High School. As they prepare to take the next step, we’re thrilled to share that two of our seniors have been accepted to and have committed to continuing their maritime education at California State University Maritime Academy. We couldn’t be prouder of their accomplishments and ambition.
Looking ahead: We’re excited to see what the rest of the year holds for our juniors and seniors as they continue to grow, explore, and shape the future of maritime industries.
(Pictured above are students engaging in their internships at the Port of Seattle Maintenance Terminal. Pictured from left to right are Chloe P. and Ryan B., two of our students headed to Cal Maritime upon graduation from Maritime High School.)
From shop floors to the Seattle waterfront and the deck of Admiral Jack, our students immerse themselves in their learning experience, creating not just projects but also a sense of purpose. Stay tuned for more updates as we approach a strong finish to the school year!