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Aviation Academy

Logo for Aviation Academy, Peninsula School District, featuring an airplane.

We're expanding! ENROLL NOW!

plane with enroll now textBIG NEWS FOR Aviation Academy!

Due to student interest and continued community support, Peninsula School District is expanding the Aviation Academy for next year!

This means that ALL waitlisted students are being admitted to the incoming cohort, and we now have room for more students to join.

If you are interested, please email cte@psd401.net.

We are incredibly grateful for the partnerships, community support, and student enthusiasm helping this program continue to grow. The future of aviation is taking off in PSD!

The Aviation Academy located at Henderson Bay

The Aviation Academy offers 11th- and 12th-grade students an accelerated pathway into aviation careers and postsecondary education. In partnership with Green River College and with support from the Museum of Flight, Tacoma Narrows Airport, and local aviation organizations, students engage in rigorous classroom instruction, flight-simulator training, industry field trips, guest presentations, and authentic flight experiences.

During the Academy’s first year, 31 students completed Year 1 and earned their wings, students earned 735 college credits valued at more than $111,000 in family savings, and 45 FAA certifications were achieved through the Private Pilot Written and Part 107 drone pilot exams. Nineteen students also earned Green River College’s Basic Aviation Knowledge certificate, while 15 participated in flight training at Tacoma Narrows Airport. With 100% of eligible students continuing into Year 2 and 11 juniors on track toward associate degrees in Aviation Dispatch or Aviation Management, the Academy is building a strong, accessible pathway from high school to college and the aviation workforce.

Infographic detailing the Year 1 highlights of the Peninsula School District Aviation Academy, featuring statistics and achievements.

Program Updates:

Aviation Academy newsletter with information about events and programs. 

✈️ Spring Update from the Aviation Academy! ✈️

It has been an exciting spring season for Peninsula School District’s Aviation Academy! From hands-on industry experiences and flight training opportunities to student leadership, partnerships, and expanding enrollment opportunities, our students continue to soar toward their future goals in aviation and aerospace.

This spring newsletter highlights recent adventures, student accomplishments, industry collaborations, and exciting opportunities still ahead for our program.

📣 Be sure to check out the full Spring Newsletter update and see what’s taking flight in the Aviation Academy!

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Frequently Asked Questions

  • The Aviation Academy is designed to prepare students for careers in the aviation industry, from piloting planes to maintaining aircraft, and everything in between.  The program’s courses allow juniors and seniors the flexibility to also take classes at a traditional high school or Running Start to complete their schedule.

  • We share a space with Henderson Bay High School.  This flexible model allows students to enroll in a combination of classes, including Running Start, or traditional high school, and the Aviation Academy.  Because of the program design, we are often able to accomodate students from homeschool or other districts as well as those within the Peninsula School District. Contact us for more information about your specific situation at cte@psd401.net.

  • Our curriculum consists of 12 classes over two years, as well as time in our flight-simulation lab, multiple field trip locations, and a myriad of gues speakers.


    Year 1
    Aircraft Systems
    Aviation Weather
    Private Pilot Ground School
    Aviation Law
    Aviation History & Careers
    Uncrewed Aerial Systems / Drone Operations

    Year 2
    Aviation Human Factors & Safety
    Aerodynamics
    Air Traffic Control
    Airport Planning & Management
    Airline Operations & Management
    Airline Dispatch & Operations
     

  • The program is open to any 11th and 12th grade students interested in exploring a career in aviation.  It includes everything from drone certification to private pilot ground school preparation to learning about airport management. 

  • No, the Aviation Academy is open to all students within the Peninsula School District who attend any of our comprehensive high schools—Peninsula High School, Gig Harbor High School, or Henderson Bay High School. While the program's home location is in the lower level of Henderson Bay High School, it is not exclusive to students from that school.

    The Academy provides hands-on, immersive learning experiences that extend well beyond the classroom. Students will spend a significant portion of their time at field trip locations,  engaging in flight simulator and lab-based activities. These experiences are designed to create a dynamic and comprehensive aviation education for all enrolled students, regardless of their primary high school.

  • In district transportation needs will be assessed during the lottery and registration process. Families can indicate if they require district-provided transportation, and the academy will work to accommodate these needs wherever possible.

  • Yes. The number of classes you can take depends on scheduling and the student’s total full time enrollment. Students interested in combining these opportunities should work with their school counselor and the academy team to determine if it’s feasible within their schedule. Contact us at cte@psd401.net if you have any questions.

  • Starting in 8th grade, students can add the Aviation Academy to their Course Planner in SchooLinks. In 9th and 10th grade, we encourage students to maximize every opportunity to meet their graduation requirements.

  • We’d love your support!  Email us at cte@psd401.net