Today, October 22nd, is a key deadline for parents and community leaders who wish to open a charter school under Washington’s voter-approved charter school law. Charter schools are popular with parents because they allow local educators to adapt their learning program to meet children’s needs. Notices of Intent to submit an application are due today.
So far, nineteen parent and local education leaders have filed these notices with the state charter school commission. More may be on their way because applicants have all day today to mail their Notice of Intent to the commission in Olympia.
I am aware at least one group is also planning to submit an application to Spokane Public Schools. That makes 20 groups so far that are seeking one of the eight available charter school spots permitted. Under Washington’s new charter school law, a total of forty charter schools are allowed to open over the first five years. The process has just started and already community demand is outstripping the number of available charter school openings.
Find out what's happening in Sammamish-Issaquahwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
The state commission website has information on nine of the applications, and the Spokane Review reports on the application in Spokane. Here is a quick rundown.
Name of school Community Students to be served
Find out what's happening in Sammamish-Issaquahwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Cedar River Academy Enumclaw PreK-8th grades
EYE Academy Seattle 6-12 grades
Green Dot Tacoma 6-8th grades
Pioneer School Spokane K-4th grades
Evergreen Leadership Grays Harbor, Mason, Thurston 6-12th
Cesar Chavez Yakima K-6 grades
Rainier Prep Highline 5th-8th grades
Int'l Tech. Institute Toppenish PreK-12th grades
Yakima Academy Yakima PreK-12th grades
Pride Prep Spokane,Tacoma 6th-12th grades
Word is fast spreading about the potential for children that charter schools offer. I’ll continue to post updates as the application process continues.
This report is part of WPC’s I-1240 Follow Up Project.
