For Immediate Release | March 2, 2015
In anticipation of the state’s first charter school lotteries happening this evening in Spokane, Washington State Charter Schools Association (“WA Charters”) CEO Thomas Franta issued the following statement:
“On behalf of WA Charters, I would like to commend Spokane Public Schools (“SPS”) for embracing the public charter school movement and for providing these new, high-quality public charter school options to families. SPS has established itself as a leader in public education by becoming the first district authorizer in Washington, working closely with the first two charter schools it has authorized, PRIDE Prep and Spokane International Academy, to make families aware of these new public school options.
“The public response to PRIDE Prep and Spokane International Academy has been strong and positive; both schools have had more students enroll than they can accommodate next year, making it necessary to utilize a random lottery system to select student names. While we anticipate and share in the disappointment of those families whose students’ names will not be drawn today, that these schools were both oversubscribed for enrollment is a clear demonstration of the overwhelming demand for high-quality public school options in Spokane. The need for these lotteries exemplifies the support for charter schools that is blossoming among Washington families, who understand that these are free public schools open to all students as they embrace these new school choices available to them.
“As these two schools and Washington’s charter sector grow, WA Charters looks forward to supporting high-quality charter schools and their leaders as they serve more kids across our state, particularly those who have historically been underserved and who may not have access to any other high-quality public school options.”
About Charter Schools
Charter schools are a type of public school. Like all public schools, they do not charge tuition, they are open to all students, and they are publicly funded. However, charter schools are held more accountable for showing improved student achievement. In exchange for greater accountability, teachers and principals are given more flexibility to customize their teaching methods and curriculum to improve student learning.
School & Lottery Details
The first public charter school authorized by Spokane Public Schools, PRIDE Prep aims to spark the interest of Washington’s next generation of leaders: students who imagine new opportunities, take risks, and solve problems. With individualized coaching, leadership development, and career exploration, students are immersed in an environment that inspires creativity and prepares students for college and career. PRIDE Prep will serve 6th and 7th grades only in 2015-16; the school will grow in following years to serve grades 6-12 at capacity. To learn more, visit: www.prideprepschool.org.
PRIDE Prep’s lottery will be held on Monday, March 2 from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. at the Spokane Community College, 1810 North Greene Street, Spokane, WA 99217.
Spokane International Academy (“SIA”) is the ninth public charter school to be approved to open in Washington under the state’s voter-approved charter school law, and the second charter school to be authorized in Spokane. SIA is enrolling Kindergarten, 1st, and 6th grades for 2015-16; at capacity, it will be a K-8 school. SIA will utilize the Cambridge International curriculum, intended to develop a global worldview in learners through internationally-focused activities. This rigorous academic program will be coupled with high behavioral expectations, setting students up for success in high school and beyond. To learn more, visit: www.spokaneintlacademy.org.
SIA’s lottery will be held Monday, March 2 from 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. at: Spokane International Academy, 2706 E. Queen Avenue, Spokane, WA 99217.
About WA Charters
The Washington State Charter Schools Association (WA Charters) is a statewide nonprofit organization that partners with communities to advocate for and support the startup of high-quality public charter schools, with a focus on serving academically and economically underserved communities. WA Charters focuses on four key areas of support: providing information about charter schools; supporting leaders to grow high-performing public charter schools; advocating for law and policy changes that are in the best interest of students; and providing the critical support and services to help charter schools operate successfully. To learn more about public charter schools in Washington, please visit: www.wacharters.org.