Charter sector response to COVID-19

All charter public schools in Washington state are following the proclamation from the Governor to close all K-12 schools no later than March 17 until April 24. Each school has been actively communicating transition details to their students, families, and faculty. See our COVID-19 page for more information.

Free and open to all students

Charter public schools do not charge tuition or have special entrance requirements. They are open to all students, and built on the belief that every child should have excellent education, regardless of their background or ability.

Charter schools are public schools

Like traditional public schools, charter public schools are held to state academic standards, require teacher certification and are overseen by Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction and the State Board of Education. By law, Washington’s charters are operated by non-profit, non-religious organizations.

Innovative, inclusive school models

Charter public schools have more flexibility than traditional public schools to innovate and personalize learning for students. Washington’s charter schools offer inclusive special education practices, exciting STEM opportunities, and robust mentoring programs.

Higher levels of accountability

In exchange for flexibility, charter public schools are held to higher levels of accountability. They must show that students are achieving academic success in order to continue operating, and charter public school boards are subject to state and non-profit financial audits.

A focus on educational equity

Washington’s charter school law is unique for its focus on serving systemically underserved students and communities. Washington’s charter public schools serve a majority of students of color and a majority of students from low-income households.

Free. Public.
Innovative. Accountable.

Every child deserves an excellent education that fits their unique needs, interests, and learning style. Washington’s charter schools offer families additional free, high-quality public school options, because one size doesn’t fit all students.

Washington’s charter public schools offer innovative, personalized learning models, and they are delivering promising academic results, high levels of parent satisfaction, and 100% high school graduation rates.

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We are the Washington State Charter Schools Association

We are an ADVOCACY organization. We know that one size does not fit all learners, so we partner with schools, parents, and communities to promote policies that support all public school students.

We help GROW the number of high-quality public school options in our state by helping visionary leaders design, launch, and lead innovative and gap-closing schools.

We help SUSTAIN a high-quality charter public school sector by providing key technical assistance and resources to operating schools, including policy and advocacy leadership, governance support, professional learning communities, and more.

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There are a growing number of high-quality charter public school options in communities across Washington.

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March 13, 2020

Statement on Governor’s Proclamation to close K-12 schools

All charter public schools in Washington state are following the proclamation from the Governor to close all K-12 schools no later than March 17 until April 24. Each school has..

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March 24, 2020

FAQ: Washington Charter Public Schools, COVID-19 Frequently Asked Questions

We recognize school closures related to COVID-19 are extremely difficult for students, staff, families and the community and that you’ll have questions. Below are answers to some questions you may...

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February 12, 2020

Charter schools are public schools and deserve more equitable funding

Editor’s note: Today’s guest editorial originally appeared in The Columbian. Editorial content from other publications and authors is provided to give readers a sampling of regional and national opinion and does...

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Charter schools are changing futures –now.

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Ashley Clarke,
Summit Sierra Class of 2018

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