On Monday, First Place Scholars announced that it has secured a bridge grant that will enable the organization to return to its roots as a tuition-free independent school, and remain open and serving students for the remainder of the 2015-16 school year without disruption to the education of the 106 students.
The organization said that it is committed to ensuring continuity for the 106 students attending the school, and despite the state Supreme Court’s recent ruling, will continue to be open and serving students.
“First Place Scholars provides a lifeline for hundreds of families, particularly families from underserved communities of color and families struggling with poverty, and has for more than twenty five years,” said Board President Dawn Mason. “Converting back to a tuition-free independent school allows us to return to our roots and reduces the uncertainty that exists as result of the state Supreme Court ruling so that students, teachers, staff and families can focus on student learning.”
“This stopgap measure will allow us to focus in ensuring that our 106 students feel safe and continue receiving the support and education they deserve while we work to find a permanent solution,” added Mason.
According to Mason, First Place, Inc. has served some of Washington’s most vulnerable children and families in Seattle’s Central District. When First Place Scholars Charter School opened in 2014, it enrolled a diverse group of students who come from poverty, have suffered multiple traumatic crises, and who come from communities that have historically been underserved in school.
“We are grateful to our families and advocates for their commitment to our model, and also to the Washington State Charter Schools Association, for awarding First Place Scholars a grant to help us bridge the gap in funding that has resulted from the state Supreme Court’s shocking and disappointing decision regarding charter schools,” said Mason.
