Aviation Academy at Henderson Bay
The Aeronautical Sciences Program located at Henderson Bay will offer ALL PSD students an accelerated pathway to obtaining the foundational knowledge required for FAA certification. In partnership with the Museum of Flight's Aeronautical Science Pathway and the Tacoma Narrows Airport, this program will provide immersive, hands-on learning experiences. Students will engage in classroom instruction, simulator training, and practical experiences through local flight schools. This program will prepare students for post-secondary aviation careers, provide an alternative to Running Start, and a unique opportunity for preparations for multiple aeronautical sciences certifications.
INITIAL PROGRAM DETAILS
In partnership with the Museum of Flight, the Peninsula School District would operate an ASP Program. Aeronautical Science Pathway (ASP) is a program for high school juniors and seniors who want to become professional pilots or work within Aeronautical Sciences which could include drone operations, air traffic control, airport management, airline dispatch, or other aviation career pathways. Offered at no cost to you!
Grade Level: High school juniors and seniors
Fee: NO COST
Start Date: Fall 2025-2026 School Year
The enrollment interest process for the Aviation Academy located at Henderson Bay will run prior to March 31st, 2025. For the 2025–2026 school year, 15 slots are available for juniors and 15 for seniors. Interested students are encouraged to apply, as the waitlist will be used to fill vacancies throughout the year.
INITIAL PROGRAM DETAILS
In partnership with the Museum of Flight, the Peninsula School District would operate an ASP Program. Aeronautical Science Pathway (ASP) is a program for high school juniors and seniors who want to become professional pilots or work within Aeronautical Sciences which could include drone operations, air traffic control, airport management, airline dispatch, or other aviation career pathways. Offered at no cost to you!
Grade Level: High school juniors and seniors
Fee: NO COST
Program Hours: Daily from 3:00pm-6:00pm
Start Date: Fall 2025-2026 School Year
Students interested in enrolling in the Aviation Academy must participate in a lottery process. The lottery application window typically opens in the spring for the following academic year. Specific dates and detailed information about the application process are provided on the Peninsula School District's official website. For the most current details on enrollment procedures and timelines, please visit the program’s enrollment page.
The Aviation Academy is open to all students residing within the Peninsula School District and attending any of our comprehensive high schools: Peninsula High School, Gig Harbor High School, or Henderson Bay High School. To be eligible, students must be enrolled in Peninsula School District schools, either as full-time or part-time students. The program welcomes students from all backgrounds and encourages those with diverse academic or extracurricular interests to apply. Participants will maintain part-time enrollment at their primary high school while attending the Aviation Academy for three sections.
The Aviation Academy program runs daily from 3:00 to 6:00 PM, offering a consistent schedule that ensures students receive the full benefit of this hands-on, immersive experience. Operating after school hours allows flexibility for students outside the traditional comprehensive high school structure, including those enrolled in alternative programs or part-time schooling. Attendance is crucial for success in the program, as the curriculum is designed to build skills incrementally through active participation in daily activities. Students are expected to fully commit to this schedule to maximize their learning and development in aviation studies.
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 engaged in lab-based activities at the Vintage Airplane Museum at the Tacoma Narrows Airport, participating in field trips to the Museum of Flight, and more. These experiences are designed to create a dynamic and comprehensive aviation education for all enrolled students, regardless of their primary high school.
Transportation needs will be assessed during the registration process. Families can indicate if they require district-provided transportation, and the academy will work to accommodate these needs wherever possible.
This 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 registrar to determine if it’s feasible within their schedule.