What We’re Up To: We’re Listening!

We understand that Washington’s charter school communities, families, educators, and students have a wide range of experiences across the state depending on school model, location, and so many other factors.

Please let us know what’s going in your school community in this brief survey. Feel free to share the survey link with others.

Share your thoughts here: https://forms.office.com/r/2ztvBTwT8d

What’s Going On in the Charter Sector

Part of our mission is to support Washington’s innovative charter public schools in being successful. One way we do that is by encouraging families, schools, and community members to collectively care for our children and work for their success. Here are two unique ways families and community members can join in supporting student success:

1) Volunteer at WIHS in Bellingham

Whatcom Intergenerational High School (WIHS) is looking for community volunteers to support their intentionally small and intentionally diverse school community. Want to learn more? Email [email protected] or submit this interest form.

2) Join the Why Not You Academy School Board

Why Not You Academy (WNYA) in Des Moine is seeking dedicated individuals to serve on their school’s Board of Directors. To apply: https://tinyurl.com/WNYA-Board-Application

Leader Spotlight: Angela Thomas

We met the principal of the newest expansion to Rainier Valley Leadership Academy (RVLA), Angela Thomas, this month!

RVLA is excited to add a K-5 section to their already thriving 6-12th grade school in South Seattle for the 2024-2025 school year. The elementary school introduces the youngest scholars to Rainier Valley Leadership Academy’s anti-racist, collaborative community of critical thinkers focusing on dismantling systemic oppression through scholar leadership. They will begin the next school year in 2024 with Kindergarten and add one grade level per year up to 5th grade.

If you or someone you know is interested in learning more about their Kindergarten program, please fill out this interest form.

Legislative Session Has Begun

Quick Session Guide

An Invitation from WA Charters

With the 2023-3024 legislative session well underway, the Washington State Charters Schools Association, a non-profit school membership and advocacy organization, has a message for you:

Upcoming Community Events

Local Charter School Board Meetings

Find your Commission Authorized school here, then click on the school page for where to find information about your school’s board meeting times and agendas.

For Spokane Public Schools Authorized charter schools (Lumen High School and Pride Schools) please go here and scroll down to find your school and the link to their board members and meeting schedule.

Washington State Charter Schools Association

Saturday, May 4, 2024

The WA Charters Annual Conference at SeaTac, WA

Theme: Building the Future—Community-Powered Education

To Register: http://wacharters.org/conference/ 

Washington State Charter School Commission

Thursday, February 8th, 10:00 AM-4:00 PM

Hybrid Bimonthly Meeting at Bates Technical College Downtown Campus, 1101 S. Yakima Ave, Tacoma, WA

According to the Commission’s website: The meeting will take place in the Auditorium, located in Courtyard entrance. All attendees parking on campus are required to have a visitor parking permit on the dashboard of their vehicles.

Zoom option: https://zoom.us/j/3607255511 | Dial (646) 558-8656 | Meeting ID 360 725 5511

Agenda & Materials will be posted here.

Washington Family Engagement

A new Leadership and Advocacy course for parents begins March 2nd. Register with Washington Family Engagement now!