The Clarkston School District Opens New School With Emphasis On Parent Partnerships - 09/03/20

Clarkston, WA - With an emphasis on meeting the needs of students and families in Southeast Washington, the Clarkston School District has received approval from the State of Washington to open a new, comprehensive, K-12 school.  The new public school, Clarkston Home Alliance will have a focus on working with families who have traditionally home-schooled their children or who are interested in the option of home-based learning with the parent being the primary instructor.  

The initial approval from the state limits enrollment to families living in the Clarkston School District boundaries with rare exception.  According to district Assistant Superintendent Troy Whittle, “up to 10% of the enrollment can come from students outside of the district, but with a first year cap of 40 students in the program, that’s only four kids from neighboring districts who can enroll.” According to Whittle, the initial approval for the program was limited to primarily in-district students because of the additional time it takes to get a multi-district approval.  “We hope and expect that Clarkston Home Alliance will meet the needs of our families and the program will blossom into one that can be expanded to all families in the region who wish to participate” said Whittle.  

The district has hired Heights Elementary Teacher Michelle Nicholas as the instructor for the program. Families who participate will work with Mrs. Nicholas on a menu of options that could include a state approved digital curriculum, or more traditional choices that work for the needs of families.  “We want this experience to provide families a partnership with the Clarkston School District where they get flexibility and choice while we provide curriculum, support, enrichment activities, and a state approved high school diploma” explained Nicholas.  

Superintendent Thaynan Knowlton is enthused about adding another school to the district.  “We want parents who are home-schooling their kids to know that we are here to support them. As a student in our newly formed Clarkston Home Alliance, I think you can have the best of both worlds—a flexible educational experience with support and guidance from our caring staff.”

Enrollment is currently open and will remain so until the cap of 40 students for the first year is met.  Please contact Michelle Nichloas at 509-769-5533 or nicholasmi@csdk12.org or Julie Reitz at 509-769-5539 or reitzj@csdk12.org with any questions.