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Health Education

Health Education in Seattle Public Schools

The Health Education Office of Seattle Public Schools provides health materials, support, and staff development to students, staff and families.

Mission: Our mission is to promote readiness to learn, by enhancing the social, emotional and physical well-being and safety of students so that all students can achieve their academic potential.

  • We provide pre-k-12 education and resources that honor and respect the diversity of students and their families.
  • We select and share materials that are research-based, culturally and developmentally appropriate and are aligned to Washington State standards.
  • We support curriculum projects and programs that encourage students to take responsibility for their personal health.
  • We work in partnership with students, staff, and families and welcome opportunities for community collaboration.
  • We offer education and activities that promote the equity of all students.

The Washington State Health Education Standards drive classroom content at every level. The Seattle Public Schools Health Education Scope and Sequence aligns with the State standards and is a guiding document for teachers.

Currently, Seattle Public Schools provides sexual health education beginning in grad 4, using the OSPI approved and board-adopted Family Life and Sexual Health (FLASH) curriculum. Middle school student receive sexual health content in science classes (FLASH/KNOW) grades, 6, 7, and 8 and some substance abuse prevention content (Project Alert) in 7th grade. In alignment with School Board Action, which states that health education classes required for graduation shall be offered at 9th grade, high school students receive a semester-long health class, covering a range of health content reflected in the Washington State Health Education Standards. These standards include content related to Wellness, Safety, Nutrition, Sexual Health, Social-Emotional Health, and Substance Use and Abuse.

Washington State laws governing Health Education: HIV/AIDS prevention for students in grades 4-12 (RCW 28A.230.070); mental health and suicide prevention (28A.230.095); CPR and AED instruction for high school students (RCW 28A.230.179); STD prevention, physiology, hygiene, and the effects of alcohol/abuse (RCW 28A.230.020); Medically Accurate sexual health education (RCW 28A.300.475).

Families and Staff Resources