Maritime High School Recognizes the Class of 2025 as First Graduating Class
Maritime High School (MHS), a regional choice public high school in Des Moines, WA, marked a historic milestone on June 18 with the graduation of its inaugural Class of 2025. The ceremony celebrated 31 pioneering students who have become the first graduates of this innovative maritime-focused educational institution.
“I’m thrilled to congratulate this first graduating class of the Maritime High School in Des Moines,” said Rep. Adam Smith. “It’s incredible to see what these young people have accomplished at this innovative school that has prepared them for high-impact careers in high-demand maritime-related fields. It goes to show how important investments in workforce development education can be, and I’m proud that my congressional office was able to help find federal funds for this educational opportunity. I wish these graduates the best of luck in their next chapter.”
MHS Class of 2025, By the Numbers
- 15 students advancing to higher education, including two attending California Maritime Academy
- 5 students entering the maritime industry
- 11 students entering the workforce, with three taking gap years before pursuing further opportunities.
A collaborative project of Highline Public Schools, Northwest Maritime, Port of Seattle, and the Duwamish River Community Coalition, MHS’s educational approach combines traditional academics with hands-on maritime training, including off-campus learning experiences that provide real-world industry exposure.
“The Seattle region has a strong legacy of maritime careers being a driving element of our regional economy. The first graduating class of Maritime High School shows that the future of maritime for our region is one that will be accessible and inclusive to all of our local communities,” said Port of Seattle Commissioner Ryan Calkins. “The Port of Seattle would like to congratulate all of the graduates and their families on this tremendous achievement and being part of history. We look forward to you joining us as we work together to build a port for the future!”
The school offers three mastery-based learning pathways: Marine Science, Vessel Operations, and Marine Construction. In addition to experiential learning, juniors and seniors across all pathways collaborate on real-world projects, ensuring a comprehensive blend of academic and practical maritime education.
Of the 31 graduates that made up the Class of 2025, 25 students completed all four years at Maritime High School, demonstrating the school’s ability to retain and engage students in its specialized maritime curriculum while achieving a remarkable 100% graduation rate.
Among this year’s graduates was Kaylie G., who discovered her passion for vessel operations during her time at MHS. “I plan to attend Seattle Maritime Academy to pursue a career in the maritime industry as an engineer,” she shared. This summer, Kaylie will begin an internship with Washington State Ferries, demonstrating how MHS students graduate with the skills required to transition seamlessly from education to professional maritime careers.
Members of the Class of 2025 are set to embark on exciting and diverse paths this fall, with some choosing to enter the workforce directly and others pursuing higher education at technical colleges and universities across the nation, including Western Washington University, California Polytechnic State University, and Syracuse University.
For senior Logan S., the journey was full of unexpected turns, in the best way. “I originally came to MHS because I was interested in marine biology,” he said. “But MHS helped me explore other career paths—and I discovered ones I’m even more passionate about.” Logan is heading to Cal Poly San Luis Obispo to study a mix of pre-medicine (anesthesiology), entomology, and plant biology, proving that MHS is a versatile program.
MHS’s success comes at a crucial time for the maritime industry, which continues to face significant workforce shortages both ashore and afloat. Industry experts predicted a global shortage of more than 150,000 qualified mariners by 2025, and recent trends indicate this challenge persists.
The Class of 2025 is more than a group of students—it’s a symbol of what’s possible when education meets opportunity, with graduates entering the workforce equipped with the knowledge and credentials to earn $60,000 to $80,000 a year.
Maritime High School is currently accepting students entering grades 9-11. The school is open to any student who is interested in maritime studies, whether they live within Highline Public Schools boundaries or not. To learn more or apply to attend Maritime High School, visit maritime.highlineschools.org