Emerson High School: Kirkland's Competency-Based Option
Some students do better with a different model. Kirkland has one, and it is open to families district-wide.
The Basics
Emerson High School is a Lake Washington School District choice high school in Kirkland, serving grades nine through twelve at 10903 NE 53rd Street, Kirkland 98033. It offers a competency-based model for students who want a different path to a diploma.
How Admission Works
Emerson is a choice school, but unlike ICS it is not lottery-based. It is open to students across the district. Your Kirkland neighborhood does not decide access, so it can pair with any home you buy in the area.
Calendar and Confirming Fit
Emerson follows the district calendar. The 2026-27 year starts August 31, 2026, and ends June 16, 2027. Confirm current enrollment steps and whether the model fits your student at lwsd.org.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Emerson High School in Kirkland?
Emerson is a Lake Washington School District choice high school in Kirkland offering a competency-based model, an alternative to the traditional neighborhood high schools. It serves grades nine through twelve and is open to students across the district, not by home address.
Is Emerson a lottery school like ICS?
No. Emerson is a choice school but is not lottery-based. It is open to district students who want its model. Confirm current enrollment steps on lwsd.org, since choice-school processes can change year to year.
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