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
Suicide Prevention Efforts
The WA Poison Center is warning that students are using Benadryl as a sleep aid or form of self-harm. The center wants to remind parents and those who work with teens that spring can be a turbulent time as the school year nears its end and academic pressure and social...
When the Right Fit Changes Everything
There are over twenty private schools that are also approved as "nonpublic agencies." These schools often operate in one-to-one or small-group settings and play a critical role in educating and supporting students with academic, emotional, and/or behavioral challenges...
The Federal (Freedom) Scholarship Tax Credit Program
The FSTC: what it is, how it works, and why it matters. WFIS wants school leaders to be fluent in their understanding of the FSTC and in their ability to answer questions and build financial strategies around it. Is the Federal Scholarship Tax Credit a Big Deal for...
School Approval Applications
The State Board of Education is still waiting on a small number of schools to complete their annual approval applications. This step is sometimes overlooked—especially with spring break and transitions in administrative staff—but it’s essential for maintaining...
April’s PSAC Meeting
The Private School Advisory Committee (PSAC) brings together private school leaders and departments from the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI). The group serves as an advisory voice on key issues such as instructional hours, teacher...
Clock Hour Provider Applications Due by May 1
Schools that want to offer clock hours must apply to the Professional Educator Standards Board (PESB) for approval. The 2026-27 deadline for completed applications is May 1, 2026. Providers approved by PESB will be able to offer clock hours from Oct 1, 2026, through...
Waste Not Washington School Awards program for 2026-27
Applications for the 2026–27 cycle of the Waste Not Washington School Awards, a statewide program supporting school-based sustainability efforts, will open August 1. The awards recognize and fund projects that reduce waste and expand reuse, recycling, and composting...
Title Funds Update: What Schools Need to Know and Plan
At Tuesday's K12 Zoom, WFIS hosted OSPI Ombuds Sheila Gerrish to outline current information on LEAs' allowable fund transfers and consultation requirements. Local Education Agencies, more widely referred to as "Districts", may transfer money from Title II, Part A and...
Update on the Freedom Scholarship Tax Credit opportunity (formerly Federal Scholarship Tax Credit)
The Freedom Scholarship Tax Credit presents a significant opportunity for students in public and private schools. Public awareness of the program is building. Private school parents should learn more about it, and our schools can help. Washington is uniquely...
Title II Funds Shifting as District Budgets Tighten
Private school leaders are beginning to see the local impact of broader public school budget challenges, particularly in the allocation of federal Title funds. More than one district has already notified schools that it will not provide Title II funds next year,...
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 as “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, and reading and contributing to legislation to ensure private schools are considered when law is crafted and passed.