What We Do
Our mission: Powerful Schools reduces the academic achievement gap by creating strong partnerships with public schools to help children thrive. Through literacy, arts, after-school and leadership programs, we ensure all children succeed both in and out of school.
Powerful Schools is redefining student success at some of Seattle & S. King County's most economically and racially diverse schools. We unite a community — teachers, tutors, parents and neighbors — to transform each local public school to vibrant learning centers..
No other nonprofit in the region takes our holistic approach to programs:
Powerful Readers | Powerful Writers | Powerful Arts | Powerful Learning Centers = Community Schools
Passionate professionals and volunteers are able to:
- effectively catch up struggling students
- turn schools into vibrant community schools
- foster excitement for learning
- narrow the achievement gap
How? Powerful Schools is seamlessly integrated into the classroom, often invisible to parents. We're able to look at each child individually and create custom learning experiences. (One teacher in a large classroom just can't do that alone.) We support families and extend the learning day through Community Schools. Our success is a combination of grassroots enthusiasm, high expectations, proven methods and dedication.
The results are exciting.
Powerful Schools partners with a number of public schools in neighborhoods throughout S. Seattle, Beacon Hill, Tukwila, and Highline. Our award-winning nonprofit also partners with School Districts to coach teachers across the region. It is a national model for improving the way schools serve students and their communities.
Since 1991, Powerful Schools has been fundamentally changing the way kids learn and the way teachers teach.
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Our story
In 1989, parents and principals in Seattle's Rainier Valley began talking about how their schools were failing them – and what they'd change if they could.
The conversations grew louder and more urgent. A door-to-door survey gathered people, ideas and enthusiasm. Within two years, seeded by the city's Neighborhood Matching Fund, Powerful Schools was born. It began as a coalition of four schools (Hawthorne, John Muir, Orca @ Columbia and Whitworth) and two community organizations (the Mount Baker Community Club and the Columbia City Revitalization Committee).
Today, Powerful Schools serves more than 4,000 children a year at schools throughout Seattle & S. King County. Parents tell us they select a school based on whether Powerful Schools is a partner there.
We believe:
- All students can succeed in school with the right combination of quality programs, focused resources and community support.
- Effective teaching, engaged parents and supportive communities are critical to academic success.
- Literacy skills provide the foundation for success in all disciplines.
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- Integrated arts programs promote critical thinking skills and make curriculum accessible to students across different cultures and learning styles.
- Powerful Schools programs give students the skills and confidence to express themselves effectively within a supportive and enthusiastic community.
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