Highline is preparing students for the future they choose. One way we do this is by helping students build the digital skills and habits they may use in college, training programs and future careers.
Highline is continuing a districtwide transition to Microsoft. Staff have been learning and using Microsoft tools since fall 2024. Beginning in the 2026–27 school year, students will use Microsoft 365 tools more regularly for classwork.
Families do not need to take action right now.
What Students Will Use
Students already have district Microsoft accounts, including access to Outlook. During the transition, most classroom work has continued in Google tools. As the shift to Microsoft 365 continues, students will have more opportunities to use Microsoft tools in class.
Students will continue using district Chromebooks. Microsoft 365 works online, so students can use many of the tools on their Chromebooks just as they have used Google tools for classwork.
This change does not affect family-facing systems. Families will continue to use ParentVUE to review grades, report cards and student progress, and ParentSquare to communicate with teachers and receive school messages.
The transition will look different by grade level.
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Secondary students will begin using Microsoft Teams Classroom instead of Google Classroom. Teams Classroom gives each class a shared digital space where teachers can post class materials, organize assignments, share files and support collaboration.
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Elementary students will use Microsoft 365 tools to develop digital literacy skills. For example, students may practice typing and writing in Word, or use PowerPoint slides to show what they are learning.
Why Microsoft 365?
Microsoft 365 tools are commonly used in many colleges, training programs and workplaces. When students learn with tools they may encounter beyond school, they build practical skills that can support their future learning and career goals.
Students already use digital tools to write, create, organize, collaborate and share their learning. As Highline moves from Google to Microsoft, the focus remains the same: using technology to support active, purposeful learning.
Using Microsoft 365 can also help students become more flexible and confident with technology. The skills they build can transfer to other digital platforms they may use in the future.
Students and staff will be working in the same Microsoft system for class materials, feedback and assignments.
With Microsoft 365, students will practice how to:
- Create documents, presentations and spreadsheets in Word, PowerPoint and Excel
- Work with classmates in shared Microsoft files
- Organize class materials in OneDrive and Teams
- Communicate and collaborate in Teams
- Manage digital assignments and class resources
- Build habits for safe and responsible technology use
Learning and Collaborating in Microsoft Teams
Microsoft Teams gives each class a shared digital space. Teachers can use Teams to post class materials, organize assignments, share files and support student collaboration.
Students will also practice communication skills that are important in school and in many professional settings. This includes writing clear messages, keeping work organized, finding shared files and working respectfully with others in a digital space.
What Families Can Expect
Some students may hear about Microsoft tools this year or try them in in some classes. Next school year, students will begin using Microsoft tools more often in class.
As Highline moves from Google to Microsoft, families can expect the same commitment to student privacy, safety and accessibility. Microsoft 365 gives staff the tools to manage student accounts, protect student data and support different learning needs in one connected system.
We will continue to share updates as this transition moves forward. At this time, families do not need to take any action.