SEATTLE — The Museum of Flight is now partnering with Peninsula School District to replicate its high school aviation program.
The museum has hosted the Aeronautical Science Pathway (ASP) program, developed in partnership with Green River College and the Puget Sound Skills Center, since 2016.
The program has helped hundreds of high school juniors and seniors achieve both high school and college credits and acquire the skills to pursue their dreams in aviation operations professions, including airplane and drone operations, air traffic control, airport management, airline dispatch, and other aviation operations management fields, according to Museum of Flight officials.
In an effort to replicate the program in communities across Washington state, the museum has partnered with the Peninsula School District (PSD) to launch the district’s new Aviation Academy. Using the ASP curriculum, the Aviation Academy began serving students in the Gig Harbor and Key Peninsula regions starting in 2025. Like the ASP program at the museum, the PSD’s Aviation Academy offers students who complete the ASP curriculum six high school and 60 college credits — at no cost.
The Museum of Flight’s ASP instructors and administrators have worked closely with Peninsula’s Aviation Academy to develop a program that closely aligns with the museum’s immersive Career and Technical Education model, while supporting the district to make the best use of local expertise and resources, according to museum officials. For example, airport management professionals at SeaTac International Airport (SEA) mentor and evaluate student projects at the museum, while the Aviation Academy receives similar support from Tacoma Narrows Airport (KTIW).
“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. And growth comes in unexpected ways that are mutually beneficial. For example, Peninsula hired a recently retired Navy Aviator, Commander JP Williamson, who brings his expertise and experience of helicopters to the classroom. His knowledge and enthusiasm for aviation shine when he shares them with the Aviation Academy, and when collaborating with the museum’s ASP staff.”
The Museum of Flight Aeronautical Science Pathway Program
The Aeronautical Science Pathway program is held at The Museum of Flight as an after-school program and is available to any student in Washington state. The program is geared to high school juniors and seniors who want to become professional pilots or work in drone operations, air traffic control, airport management, airline dispatch, or any other aviation operations management fields.
A dual credit Career and Technical Education program, ASP includes six college-level courses each year, with the opportunity to earn three high school credits and 30 college credits with the Green River College Aeronautical Science program, as well as readiness for acquiring industry credentials such as the FAA ground school written exam. Taught by aviation experts certified in education, the project-based curriculum leverages hands-on learning experiences and partnerships with the local aviation community, according to museum officials.
Peninsula School District Aviation Academy Aeronautical Sciences Program in Brief
The Peninsula School District Aviation Academy Aeronautical Sciences Program is offered to Peninsula School District students during the school day. The Academy offers 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 with support from the Tacoma Narrows Airport, this program provides immersive, hands-on learning experiences. Students engage in classroom instruction, simulator training, and practical experiences through local flight schools.
For more information: MuseumOfFlight.org, PSD401.net/AviationAcademy
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