Puget Sound Community School

(Note: It is not illegal to descriminate when the organization operates without federal funds or Grants.) PSCS does not acccept Asperger students. I received an honest and direct letter stating this fact, after we were invited to visit (Yes, they knew beforehand). Student is 14, 8th grd. w/3.8 gpa attending minstream classes in public school. Exhibits minimum to none neurological physical reactions (i.e.tics),great eye-to-eye contact, initiating conversations with impecable manners and engaging smiles. Independent decision making was interpreted as "missing social cues." Student is self-directing, successful local artist, currently attending basic course in animation, musical acting camps, with strong interest in Robotics. Student is also a considerate non-conformist. Not a fit for PSCS. School offers wonderful non-stress, less structured, less-demanding environment. Teachers try to be creative with courses,(think Oprah's book club and Lego/Aztec). Does not apper to provide "next-level" courses for gifted. Great place for a regular kid trying to find their direction in a calm, safe environment, surrounded by like-minded individuals. Asperger's=stress. Skip this one.
—Submitted by a parent

If you are looking for the best 'non-traditional' school, one that really knows how to get kids to love school and love learning, PSCS is it! My son attended public school most of his life and I never saw any passion to learn like I have at PSCS. He is becoming a very mature, confident teenager who has focus on his path in life. The director and staff are amazing people who actually 'LOVE' teaching and enjoy touching the lives of children which is severely lacking in our public schools today. There is true sense of the word 'community' among the students which is such a great advantage as they move on into the real world. For anyone who is considering sending their child to this school, I recommend reading one of Alfie Kohn's books which explains the philosophy of PSCS which will explain the numerous advantages of a 'progressive education'.
—Submitted by a parent

My son began attending here after 9 years in the public school system. My decision to enroll him in PSCS came after watching his self-confidence erode as a result of the poor school culture he experienced at his junior high school, and watching his attitude toward learning become negative and cynical. But PSCS was the cure! Never have I seen him so excited about learning and actually WANT to go to school! His self-confidence and maturity have soared, as well. THIS is the educational model that kids need. I cannot say enough great things about PSCS. I only wish there were more schools like this!
—Submitted by a parent

PSCS is an innovative, cutting edge school that is preparing students to become leaders who can make a difference in our ever changing world. It is a unique and rare oasis in an educational desert which support kids to be fully and express who they are. My son loves it and is thriving there.
—Submitted by a parent

Puget Sound Community School is both a school FOR the community and a school that operates as a community. The student-centered and student-driven curriculum is emergent, pertinent and promotes lifelong interest in learning. Students can learn at their own pace while experiencing the reality of fully engaging with their peers and the staff. Out of building learning is highly valued. The teaching staff are superb. Her two years at PSCS prepared our daughter for her next step on her educational path.
—Submitted by a parent

PSCS is a hands-on, experiential learning environment where students learn to think for themselves, and then do for themselves. Our daughter gained the confidence to start creating the future she had always wanted but thought was beyond her... now she knows she can live what she dreams.
—Submitted by a parent

PSCS was a fantastic opportunity for my daughter. I am delighted and profoundly grateful for the education she received and the community she interacted with.
—Submitted by a parent

Every school in America should be run like PSCS: 3:1 adult/student ratio, student-directed learning, real-world scenarios, mind/body wholeness, nurturing and safe environment, high ratings from colleges. There's no mystery to great education.
—Submitted by a parent

PSCS is an excellent model of how excellent schools should be run. My daughter excelled there, and became a critical thinker. The public school she went to did not provide or allow this kind of independent thinking to be explored. I can't recommend PSCS hightly enough.
—Submitted by a parent

As a parent of a currently enrolled student I can only say I wish I had know about PSCS earlier. My son was really struggling on all levels in public school, but now he has truly come alive. Not only is he on fire in exploring his own passions, but he's also so much more open to new ideas. The humanistic approach they take with each individual student is inspiring. Students are truly honored for who THEY are in a completely safe environment, surrounded by a phenomenal community. It's the school I wish I could've gone to...and so grateful we discovered it for my son.
—Submitted by a parent

P.S.C.S. is more than a great school, it is a community. In 2001, I moved to Seattle in order to send my daughter to PSCS. I think that 'respect' is one of the beat aspects of the school. Students respect one another and the faculty/staff, and the faculty/staff respect the students. What a supportive and unique atmosphere for growing and learning.

This school honors self directed learning, focusing on emotional skills as well as intellectual skills. The students feel safe. the ratio of student to teacher averages 3 to 1. They have an opportunity to be involved in community projects and learn how to relate to each other respectfully. I am both a gragrandparent of a studnet there and a volunteer teacher.teacher theregrandparetn of

PSCS is a wonderful school. Warm, available and supportive staff, imaginative and creative agenda, and a place where our family values of inclusion and the importance of community are extended and practiced. I'm so grateful for this school!
—Submitted by a parent

PSCS teaches kids to be people, respected and respectful, able to make good choices, to make and follow decisions, to take responsibility and to speak for themselves. When spending time at this school, you find young people who will look an adult in the eye and engage with confidence, not hiding nor avoiding contact. And they learn for the love of learning. What could be better?
—Submitted by a parent

PSCS is a community of individuals where respect and integrity are the priority, inspiration and curiosity are the journey, and passion and humanity are the outcome. As a student, it is a place where I feel I belong, a place where I feel supported in pursuing what I love. It has given me the tools I need to own my education, and to make learning a life practice. All in all, PSCS is a community that has helped me discover the importance of choosing life, of choosing happiness.
—Submitted by a student