Agencies and Committees
WFIS represents the interests of private schools on agency boards and working groups and serves as the official liaison organization for independent schools with OSPI and the Department of Early Learning.WFIS Agency and Committee News
Summer Running Start now available
The proposed WAC rule changes to expand access to the summer quarter Running Start permanently begins this summer. Students currently in 11th grade should complete a summer Running Start Enrollment Verification Form (RSEVF). Additional info is available from OSPI...
Welcome to the 2023 Wildfire Smoke Season
Seasonal wildfire smoke has started a bit earlier than expected due to smoke from large fires in central Alberta.Visit WA Smoke Blogspot for a statewide reading of current air quality conditions. The Washington State Departments of Health and Ecology guidance for...
Learn to Return & DOH webinar on May 18
Lots of congratulations were followed by clarification of what the May 11th end of the public health emergency translation by DOH means for schools. To the dismay of many, no explanation was made on why the DOH communication was not given out with more notice. Below...
DOH’s sudden sunsetting of school onsite testing
On May 12th, OSPI & DOH issued messaging abruptly nullifying school-based testing, stating that non-medical staff can no longer administer COVID-19 tests in schools as the standing order allowing this flexibility expired the day before on May 11, with the end of...
Certificate Renewal Requirements beginning July 1
All Teacher and Administrator Certificates will have new renewal requirements beginning July 1, 2023, as a result of HB 1426 and WAC 181-79A-244expected implementation of CCDEI/Equity-Based School Practices. All teachers must earn at least 15 continuing education...
2023 Private School Summer Conference
Unite the Neuroscience of Learning with the Art of Teaching The field of Educational Neuroscience is exploding, and K-12 educators can leverage new discoveries in neuroscience, growing their pedagogical practices and increasing student engagement and achievement. This...
SBE Private School Approval information & timelines
Each week schools can find an updated list with the status of approval applications posted on the Private School Approval | SBE (wa.gov) website. The list will convey whether your application is: Complete or Partial, Reviewed or pending review, and Fully Approved or...
What’s next for school-based COVID testing?
Washington State Department of Health (DOH) will supply COVID-19 rapid antigen tests to schools during the 2023/2024 school year. Information on ordering will be provided in the coming weeks. DOH and OSPI present information will present details at the Learn to Return...
Professional Development for schools using Title II
Practical Strategies for Implementing SEL Standards, Benchmarks, and Indicators OSPI is offering two webinars on strategies for better implementing SEL: Elementary Level on May 2 from 4-5pm Practice Strategies-Elementary Zoom Registration(link is external) Secondary...
Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying (HIB) Compliance Officer training
Private schools are invited to join this training to gain detailed information on the HIB requirements for public school districts in Washington state. State law, definitions, and required timelines will be discussed to provide a thorough overview of requirements and...
About our work
WFIS representatives work with State Agencies, including the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI), The Department of Children Youth & Families (DCYF), The Department of Health (DOH) and others to advocate for the particular needs of private schools.
WFIS representatives communicate regularly with WFIS leadership and member schools so that dialogue includes the needs of private schools.
WFIS works directly with the executive directors of the accreditation organizations in Washington to protect the integrity of accreditation and our schools. We refer to these leaders “Constituency Leaders” and rely on their in-depth understanding of their schools to guide WFIS’ policy decisions.
WFIS is in Olympia during the legislative session, building relationships with Legislators and their staff, collaborating with lobbying organizations with similar goals, as well as reading and contributing to legislation to ensure private schools are considered when law is crafted and when it is passed.