Open Doors

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Do you want to start college or a professional program at LWTech, but you're not sure you're ready? 

Open Doors provides preparation and support for students who may not want to immediately jump into college classes. The first part of that support is a Foundation quarter, where students take classes to specifically prepare them for college. From that quarter on, students have a dedicated academic advisor to give individualized support and help navigate college systems.

After the Foundation quarter, students enroll in a college program of their choice to pursue an Associate's degree, or in classes to complete their HS diploma. Reminder: completing an Associate's degree earns you a high school diploma automatically! 

  • You attend college for FREE; saving yourself comparable yearly tuition:

    • $12,000 at University of Washington 
    • $50,000 at Seattle University 
  • Low student to advisor ratio 
  • Low student to faculty ratio 
  • Jump directly into college classes and an adult learning environment  
  • Access to scholarships, tutoring programs, and other resources

Throughout their time in the program, students have access to specific resources: 

  • Personalized and dedicated advising
  • Scholarship opportunities
  • Loan library of required books, tools, and technology
  • At least 3 tutoring resources:
    • TRIO 
      • Provides academic and support services to students who are low-income, first generation, or students with disabilities. 
    • Learning Lab 
      • Drop-in tutoring from certified tutors, staff, and faculty. 
    • Supplemental Instruction
      • Class-specific tutoring from college professors.
    • Office Hours 
      • All professors offer hours outside of class for one-on-one time with students.  

  • Rigorous courses with college level content  
  • Academic support to guide success in college courses
  • Explicit instruction in college skills: 
    • Course and system navigation  
    • Communication skills
    • Time management
    • Accessing college and community resources  
    • ...and more!
  • Access to an established, community-based mentoring program  
  • A chance to explore programs and careers 

 

Get Started at Open Doors Today!

Students must meet certain eligibility requirements. 

  • Students must be at least 16 years old  by September 1st of the school year.
  • Student must not older than 21 by September 1st of the school year.
  • Eligibility ends when you earn a HS diploma or Associate Degree, or when you no longer meet the age requirements.
  • At risk of not graduating on time or recommended for program by your high school counselor.
  • What if I’m not eligible? Check out High School + (HS+)

Lake Washington Technical Academy accepts students for Fall, Winter, or Spring quarter.

All interested students must first attend a High School Options (HOP) information session. 

Register and Attend a High School Options (HOP) Session

  • HOP is an information session that lets you know more about our school and the programs we have available for high school students. 
  • Attending a HOP session is a required first step for enrollment in our high school. HOP sessions are limited and you must register ahead of time online.
  • It is best to have a parent or guardian in attendance at the HOP. If you are accepted into the program, a parent or guardian must be present in the registration appointment with you, even if you are 18 years old. 

Submit Application via Skyward

  • After attending the HOP, you will receive the the link to create an account to access the application. You'll need to submit the New Student Online Enrollment (NSOE) application via Skyward in order to move forward with enrollment.
  • If you’re looking for those forms or need help with them; look for the email we sent you from highschoolprograms@lwtech.edu, email highschoolprograms@lwtech.edu, or call front desk 425.739.8107.

Take Assessment Tests

  • After your NSOE application is processed, you will receive an instructions email to set-up your accounts and take the English and Math assessment on Canvas.

Review

  • Based on the evaluation, students may be referred to direct entry into the Academy, Open Doors, GED®, or other programs within the community.
  • This determination is based on our professional judgment to find the right program to improve a student's likelihood of success.

Meet an Advisor and Get Registered

  • After the review and when all required documents are received, we will reach out to schedule a 1-hour registration appointment.
  • The student, a parent/guardian, and LWTA Advisor will meet and finalize enrollment.

Attend Mandatory Orientation!

Come to Class!

Don't forget this very important step!

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions

We will want you to meet with LWTech Disability Support Services to discuss accommodations that are available in the college environment. It is important to determine if the kinds of services a student would need to support their success would be available to them at LWTech prior to entry. For more information, contact LWTech Disability Support Services by email.

Based on an evaluation, students may be referred to Open Doors. These students are typically behind in credits with low GPAs, have already left school without earning a high school diploma, or are still enrolled but are very likely to dropout.

3-5 days a week, mornings or afternoons to allow for work time.

Our school provides multiple formats for learning including: hybrid, hyflex, online, in-person. 
  • Traditional: Classes 100% in person; homework may be online
  • Hybrid: Class meets in person, but less frequently; key materials and/or lectures online
  • Hyflex: Class sessions meet simultaneously online and in person; students may choose whether to join class virtually or in person
  • Synchronous: class meets simultaneously online for lectures and activities, as with traditional or Hyflex classes
  • Asynchronous: students set their own schedules for viewing lectures and activities online; courses may be either self-paced or with deadlines 

Eligibility determination is the first key step but does not guarantee enrollment.

After admission to the Academy student's must:
  • Earn at least a 2.0 GPA during the Foundation quarters and 2.0 GPA thereafter
  • Make satisfactory progress towards high school requirements
  • Meet attendance requirements
  • Comply with the Student Code of Conduct and Conditions of Enrollment