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King County School Health (School Based Health Centers)

A group of high school students sitting on campus having a conversation.

What began in 1989 as a modest pilot program at Rainier Beach High School is now a model for an effective school-based health care system, serving over 10,000 elementary, middle and high school students each year across King County (and part of a larger Washington State network).

Funded initially by the Seattle Families and Education Levy, King County's system of school-based health centers is now funded by the Families, Education, Preschool, and Promise Levy (managed by the City of Seattle Department of Education and Early Learning), the Best Starts for Kids Levy and King County General Funds. The State Department of Health also funds some school-based health center services. Services in King County-funded school-based health centers are coordinated by Public Health – Seattle & King County.

Mental health and academic achievement

Satisfying the social and emotional needs of students prepares them to learn, increases their capacity to learn, and increases their motivation to learn.

Physical health and academic achievement

Poor academic outcomes and high dropout rates are major concerns of educators, policy makers, and parents alike – and poor health severely limits a child's motivation and ability to learn.

School Health Program outcomes

Our program is accountable to achieve a list of outcomes for the students we serve during school years.

Health education resource library

School health staff play an important role in promoting student health. Educators can learn to create and deliver health lessons; share reliable information with students and families; and link students and families to health services.

Teen Health Center document downloads

Downloadable documents for Teen Health Center staff organized by school.

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