Museum of Flight and Peninsula School District Launch Aviation Academy

It used to be that high school students with an interest in aeronautical science had few options to nurture that interest. That’s changed in Washington state as the Aeronautical Science Pathway (ASP) program hosted by the Museum of Flight in Seattle is growing to now serve the Peninsula School District.

Since 2016 the Museum of Flight (MOF), in partnership with Green River College and the Puget Sound Skills Center, has hosted the ASP program, which permits high school juniors and seniors in the Seattle area to earn both high school and college credits while acquiring the skills they need to pursue careers in aviation such as airport management, air traffic control, aircraft operations, and airline dispatch.

The MOF has partnered with the Peninsula School District (PSD) to launch its new Aviation Academy. The program utilizes the ASP curriculum and serves students in the Gig Harbor and Key Peninsula area west of Seattle. The PSD Aviation Academy allows students who complete the ASP curriculum of six high school and 60 college credits at no cost. The latter is significant as an associate degree at many colleges can be earned with a minimum of 60 credits.

The MOF and Peninsula Aviation Academy instructors have developed a program that closely aligns the museum’s immersive technical education model by making the best use of local expertise and resources. For example, students enrolled in both programs receive hands-on education by touring aviation facilities at local airports and learning from pilots, technicians, and other aviation industry professionals.

“The partnership with Peninsula School District has been wonderfully collaborative and productive,” said Rob Prosch, director of preparatory programs at the Museum of Flight. “It has grown and established itself as a fantastic model of how the museum desires to partner with education agencies across Washington state.”

Krestin Bahr, PSD superintendent, also praised the partnership endeavor.

“Peninsula School District has been proud to partner with the Museum of Flight to bring this exceptional aviation program to our students,” said Bahr. “Aviation Academy gives our students an opportunity to pursue their passion for flight while earning real college credits and building the skills needed for careers in one of the most dynamic industries in the world. We are grateful for the museum’s expertise, collaboration, and shared commitment to expanding access to innovative, career-connected learning experiences.”

Both the ASP program and the Aviation Academy are taught by aviation experts certified in education.

The curriculum is largely project-based and takes advantage of opportunities for hands-on learning experiences and partnerships with the local aviation community.