Washington State Charter Schools Association

Registration is open! Join us October 10th at Cedarbrook Lodge for the 9th Annual WA Charters Conference — Unfinished Business: Securing the Future Our Students Deserve. Whether you're an educator, advocate, or family member, this is your space.

Secure your spot today → www.wacharters.org/conference

At Rainier Valley Leadership Academy, entrepreneurship is embedded in the school's DNA. RVLA connects scholars with community partnerships, entrepreneurship opportunities, and internships, while building the leadership and emotional intelligence skills that translate directly to future careers. For students in one of the most diverse zip codes in the country, this school is opening doors to economic opportunity and a path to leadership.

WA Charters Intern spotlight: Khi'lani

“Advocacy, in my view, means standing up for yourself and others and confidently expressing your needs and beliefs. It is about using your voice to create change, even when it feels difficult. Throughout history, advocacy has played a powerful role in shaping society. “

Read her full blog post on our website. Link in bio.

At Spokane International Academy, students explore language, culture, and global perspectives starting in kindergarten — building the creative and cross-cultural fluency that powers careers in arts, media, and creative industries. By 8th grade, students have the opportunity to travel to a Spanish-speaking country to experience the language and community they’ve been building since day one. 🎨

Rooted School Vancouver envisions a future where every student graduates with the skills, confidence, and opportunities to pursue financial freedom. Students work alongside real industry experts on real-world projects, building the technical and soft skills that empower them to chart their own path. Starting in 9th grade, students can compete for paid internships with local technology partners and earn industry credentials before they even graduate. This is what STEM education looks like when it's built around students' futures.🔬

At Rainier Prep Public Charter School in Seattle, students build the academic foundation and community values needed to pursue careers in healthcare, public service, and beyond. For the third consecutive year, Rainier Prep has earned state recognition for outstanding student growth — a reflection of their core values in action: equity, belonging, and academic excellence.

With 96% students of color and 80% from limited-income families, Rainier Prep proves that a great public education opens doors to every career path — including the ones our communities need most.

Washington's charter public schools are free, public, and open to all — and this week we're shining a spotlight on the students, educators, and communities that make them great.

Teachers are magic, and charter public school teachers prove it every single day. They show up for every student, meet every learner where they are, and build communities where students don't just survive — they thrive.

Happy Teacher Appreciation Week to every educator across Washington's charter public schools. We see you and we appreciate you. ✨

"Being part of this internship showed me that students like me can actually make a difference in the policies that affect our schools and our communities." — Samantha Sanchez, WA Charters intern

Every gift keeps this opportunity alive for students like Samantha. Give now: https://www.wagives.org/organization/WACharters