Highline Public Schools is improving in a number of key areas, according to results from the 2009 student and parent surveys conducted by the district.

Thirty-five percent of the district's high school students participated in the survey in May.

Some highlights of the survey results include:

Eighty percent of students agreed "I am challenged in my classes," up from 53 percent in 2005 when the survey was first given to students.

Eighty-one percent of students reported "I feel safe at school," up from 65 percent in 2005.

Eighty-five percent say "My teachers have high expectations of me."

Well over half of students surveyed (58 percent) have visited a college or university as part of a school activity or field trip.

Over half (56 percent) say the primary language spoken in their home is a language other than English.

The survey also showed some areas in need of improvement. Fewer than half of the students who responded to the survey reported that "the views of different races, religions, genders or political beliefs are considered in class discussions or assignments."

Only a third of students said they had taken one or more Advanced Placement or International Baccalaureate class (college-level courses.)

This number has improved only slightly since 2005.

This year for the first time, parents were surveyed by phone. The result was a much higher response rate than in years past, with 2,700 parents participating.

The survey was done in multiple languages, so the results reflect the demographics of the district.

Because the number and mix of people taking the survey was significantly different from past years, it is difficult to make valid year-to-year comparisons. However, a number of key areas showed positive results.

Eighty percent of parents responding agreed "I am pleased with the quality of education my child receives at school."

Ninety percent said "I am treated with respect at my child's school."

Eighty-eight percent reported that someone at their child's school will address their concerns.

Eighty-three percent said "My child's school is safe."

Eighty-two percent responded that the quality of the staff at their child's school is excellent.

Parents indicated there is room to push students harder academically. Seventy-three percent agreed "My child is academically challenged every day at school."