Legislative and Policy Advocacy
We work with legislators and policy makers to ensure that legislation in Olympia affecting schools and education is crafted with the particular needs of private and independent schools in mind.Legislation and Policy Updates
Medicine dispersement to students in private schools
This month Ask Nancy provides some guidance on what private schools are required to do regarding disbursement of medicine to private school students. Question: Our school does not have a nurse. How can we get staff trained to support students who need to...
Countdown to weigh in on Washington’s new high-school graduation requirements
Starting with the class of 2020, students would be required to meet a set of credit requirements and complete at least one of the following:
Pass the federal Smarter Balanced math and English tests.
Earn high-school math and English credits by enrolling in “dual-credit” courses.
Pass certain Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate or Cambridge International exams, or pass certain “transition” courses that allow students to enroll in college-level coursework.
Reach minimum scores set by the state on the SAT or ACT.
Earn a minimum score on a military-aptitude test.
Take two career technical-education (CTE) courses.
IMPORTANT Immunization Information: Changes with Annual Reporting and Immunization Requirements
Schools' Immunization Status Reporting: New Reporting Method All public and private schools, and licensed preschools and child care facilities must report the immunization status of students by Nov. 1 each year per state law (WAC 246-105-060). The method of reporting...
Free MMR Vaccine Now Available for Child Care Workers
The Department of Health is collaborating with Safeway Inc. and Albertsons Companies LLC and with the Department of Children, Youth, and Families to offer free measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccination for uninsured child care workers and volunteers. As of July...
Early Education for Children 0-6 years old
Washington State is making changes quickly: Private Schools are concerned WFIS continues to support an increase in excellent preschool options for all families wanting or needing care for their children. However, the new state regulations are forcing some...
How Private Schools Are Implementing the new MMR Vaccination requirement
From Rules to Communication and Record Tracking to Exemptions The new law went into effect on July 28 and applies to all public and private schools as well as licensed childcare centers. Here is what private schools need to know:Schools need to email or...
American Montessori Society urges educators to speak out for detained children
In a statement on the crisis at the US Border, the American Montessori Society (AMS) conveyed a plea for "The forgotten citizen. The voiceless. Our children." Timothy J. Purnell, Chief Executive Officer for AMS distributed the letter to fellow Montessori educators -...
Florida, Tennessee Pass Choice Legislation
Two states passed significant school choice bills designed to give low-income families the opportunity to send their children to private schools they might not otherwise be able to afford. Florida The Florida Legislature has approved legislation creating the Family...
Initiative 1000 ends 20 year ban on affirmative action in WA State
from Seattle Times on April 28, 2019 OLYMPIA — In a last-minute move, the Washington Legislature on Sunday night passed Initiative 1000, a measure that overturns the state’s 20-year-old, voter-approved ban on affirmative action. I-1000 repeals Initiative 200, a...
Signed in Law, School Safety Bill Includes Private Schools in Emergency Notification
Senate Bill 5514 was signed into law Friday by Gov. Jay Inslee, requiring schools to be notified when violent incidents occur nearby. For several years WFIS has strongly advocated for private schools' inclusion on this much needed policy and the state's private...
About Our Work
WFIS brings together uniquely varied educational institutions to strengthen educational quality in Washington, while serving as the advocate and voice of independent schools. The private, independently funded school community of Washington State is comprised of over 500 approved schools serving a richly diverse population of more than 85,000 students. This diversity is reflected in the full spectrum of economic, cultural, familial, educational and religious traits of our enrolled families; families whose collective dual sacrifice as responsible tax payers and tuition contributor’s saves WA state over $800,000,000 annually.
WFIS is the only statewide forum for Washington’s non-public school community. We participate in all levels of collective educational dialogs to assure our schools’ input and perspective are utilized in educational policy agenda, while advocating for private school student access to all programs designed to enhance the quality of education in our state. In addition, we seek resolution in cases where local policy application may result in double standards or inequities.
FEDERAL -WFIS will work for seamless application of the new ESSA policies and programs which include strengthened provisions for private school student inclusion in all districts within the state. Our organization also supports legislative efforts around the country to provide school choice to all children.STATE – WFIS ensures that private schools are included in state educational programs that benefit students while guarding against the infringement of government mandated policy.LOCAL – WFIS hosts and participates in events and community engagement opportunities at the local level which foster collaboration amongst schools, students and the greater community.