For Immediate Release | August 30, 2017
Eight schools grow and two new schools launch to serve more than 2,500 students across the state
Seattle, WA — School is already back in session at nine of Washington’s charter public schools in Seattle, Tacoma, and Spokane, and by September 5th, teaching and learning will be in full swing at all ten innovative charter public schools operating across the state this school year.
For the state’s eight charter schools that launched in 2015, this marks the third year of operation and growth (see “Sector Snapshot” below). Two brand new schools, which will each eventually serve grades 6-12, also join the sector this year: Rainier Valley Leadership Academy, part of the Green Dot Public Schools network, opens in Southeast Seattle, and Summit Atlas, part of the Summit Public Schools network, is welcoming students in West Seattle.
These two new school launches and growth of existing schools across the sector mean a dramatic increase in the number of Washington students who will be accessing a high-quality public education at a charter school. This year, ten charter schools in King County, Tacoma, and Spokane will serve more than 2,500 students. This is more than double the number of students enrolled just two years ago.
The demand for access to these innovative options is clear – hundreds more students remain on waitlists for charter schools in King County, Tacoma, and Spokane.
“We are pleased to see growth across our sector, and we are particularly pleased to see an increase in the number of systemically underserved students who are accessing these high-quality public school options,” remarked WA Charters CEO Patrick D’Amelio. “We look forward to supporting the sector through another successful school year, and planning for additional growth in future years to meet the increasing demand from Washington families for these innovative, personalized options.”
Last week, hundreds of excited students and teachers returned to class at Green Dot Destiny Middle School and Summit Olympus in Tacoma. In Seattle, Green Dot Rainier Valley Leadership Academy, Summit Sierra, and Summit Atlas also kicked off their school year last week.
Tuesday marked the first day of school for Rainier Prep in Seattle in Seattle and Spokane International Academy.
Today, SOAR Academy in Tacoma welcomes a new class of kindergartners and returning cohorts of first, second, and third graders. On September 5th, PRIDE Prep in Spokane will welcome back middle schoolers and achieve a major milestone with the launch of its high school, Innovation High.
Here is a snapshot of all ten of Washington’s charter public schools, and the grade levels they are serving now and into the future.
Regional charter school media tours in King County, Tacoma, and Spokane will be offered in late September and early October. Exact dates and tour schedules will be announced in the coming weeks. To be connected with WA Charters’ CEO Patrick D’Amelio or a school’s spokesperson, please contact Maggie Meyers at 724-263-9826.
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