Founded in 1994 by Andy Smallman and Melinda Shaw, Puget Sound Community School stands as a beacon of unconventional education. It is located in Seattle’s Chinatown-International District. Imagine a school where curiosity drives learning. Where students help shape the curriculum. That’s Puget Sound Community School.
The school’s philosophy is simple. People learn best when they are interested. They should also be in a supportive environment. Puget Sound Community School fosters creativity. It also values diversity. The school’s approach allows learning to happen naturally. It also recognizes that everyone learns differently.
Daniel Pink highlighted Puget Sound Community School in his book Drive. He praised its radical autonomy. The school lets students create their own learning goals. Each student has an advisor. This advisor acts as a personal coach. It is very different from a conventional school.
Puget Sound Community School embraces individuality. The New York Times recognized it as a pioneer. This was in a 2017 article about gender-neutral bathrooms. The school creates a safe space for all students.
The school day runs from 9 am to 3:40 pm. Students begin with Morning Check-in. They end the day with All School Check-out.
Puget Sound Community School has a collaborative leadership model. There is an Admin Team of three directors. They work closely with the Teaching Staff. The school also has a flattened payscale for staff.
With a student-to-staff ratio of about 8:1, students receive individual attention. Puget Sound Community School serves students aged 11 to 18. This corresponds to grades 6 through 12.
Students are not given letter grades at Puget Sound Community School. They are also not required to take standardized tests. The focus is on personal growth and self-direction.
To graduate, students must complete 1000 plus community hours each year. They must also attend group activities. Puget Sound Community School requires students to attend for at least three years to graduate.
Recent class offerings include many different subjects. They are Scientific Inquiry and Self Care. They also include African American and Latinx History and American Lit. Octavia’s Brood and Sex & Health are also available.
Puget Sound Community School alumni have attended many colleges. These include Berklee and Cornish College of the Arts. They also include DigiPen and Reed College.
Puget Sound Community School is more than a school. It is a community. It encourages passion and achievement. The school challenges students to practice integrity. It also asks them to engage with the community. Puget Sound Community School encourages students to act with courage. It prepares students for life.