Now is a time for action. Review our anti-racism resources.

In the wake of recent racism-fueled violence – violence that echoes centuries of racist action across the nation and in Washington state – WA Charters is working to put together a list of anti-racist resources that may be helpful to our staff, community, networks, and sector.

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From in person to online: See how charter schools made the switch

Watch our video on how charters successfully responded to school closures.

Click here to watch.

Watch our recent webinar on how schools are planning for fall!

Co-hosted with the Puget Sound Educational Service District (PSESD) and the Center on Reinventing Public Education (CRPE), this webinar focused on sharing accessible, intentional, and equity-centered instructional practices as leaders plan for a range of back-to-school scenarios.

Watch now

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 99% 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 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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June 08, 2021

Senior Spotlight: Esther Mumbi, Summit Atlas, West Seattle

Esther Mumbi (Photo Credit: Rachel Davis) While COVID-19 brought an unexpected change to her senior year, Summit Atlas senior Esther Mumbi took the shift to virtual school in stride. In...

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June 02, 2021

Senior Spotlight: Jayla Foster, Summit Atlas, West Seattle

Jayla Foster Jayla Foster had a tough start to high school, attending three different schools and ultimately repeating her sophomore year. When she reached Summit Atlas, a new public charter...

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Charter schools are changing futures –now.

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Ashley Clark,
Summit Sierra Class of 2019

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