Is EAS the Right Choice for my Child? Leaving your neighborhood school is a major decision for families. Here are some important factors to consider….

EAS as a Choice School A small school setting is only one aspect of a Choice School and should not be the primary reason for applying to EAS. Families choose EAS specifically for its: – Environmental focus and curriculum integration – Multi-grade classes – High academic expectations, – Parent involvement, – Community stewardship, and – Emphasis on personal development, teamwork, and leadership skills, through challenging classroom and outdoor experiences.

Expectations of EAS Students 6 th Graders entering EAS are starting their junior high experience a year early. In order to be successful at EAS, students must be ready to make new friends and apply themselves to a challenging academic environment.

EAS students need to be highly organized to manage a complex schedule and high academic expectations.

Class Structure and Schedule The school year is divided into 3 Trimesters and 6 instructional blocks. Students alternate between 2 sets of teachers for their core content. In a typical school week, students have: – 5 hours of math and Spanish – 3 hours of art or fitness – 6 hours of Language Arts/Social Studies – 6 hours of science – 2 hours of elective classes

Academic Challenge All students are expected to meet or exceed district and state standards in all areas and maintain no less than a 3.0 (B) in all classes. To advance to 9 th grade students must meet the standard to show mastery (3.0 minimum) of 6 th – 8 th grade curriculum. Projects and studies involve extensive research, writing, presentations, and use of technology.

Minimal Skill Requirements Students will perform tasks in all classes that include application of a variety of skills: Writing multi-paragraph compositions and fully developed sentences and paragraphs. Extensive word-processing and use of a “jump- drive” to save and transport digital work. Reading comprehension of fiction and informational material. Strong math computation and recall of facts.

Projects and Teamwork Project work in all classes demands responsible participation, cooperative behavior, and consistent follow-through.

Scientific investigations take place both in and outside of the classroom. Science is emphasized at EAS.

Students are held accountable for their learning in the classroom and for activities and projects outside of the classroom.

Study skills, Homework, and Personal Organization Students must maintain organized binders and daily assignment planners. The average daily homework time is 1.5 – 2 hours – sometimes more. Good homework habits are essential!

Class Size EAS is subject to the same student-teacher ratio as other LWSD schools. To offer a full range of courses, our class sizes range from 30 – 36.

Social Life Students at EAS come from neighborhoods throughout Lake Washington School District necessitating additional driving or carpooling for some social events.

Leadership Skills are developed and emphasized throughout a student’s four years at EAS.

Adventure Education Students spend three weeks each year away from home on outdoor learning adventures.

Community Stewardship All students participate in three 4-day Community Stewardship sessions each year. Students earn a class grade through the fieldwork they do and the follow-up presentations they give to the rest of the school.

Funding and Supporting EAS Extended Projects and Curriculum Families contribute $ per child per year in lieu of other fundraisers. Teachers write grants wherever applicable.

All EAS parents are expected to fulfill a Family Participation Commitment of 25 hours per year. Parent volunteers are essential to the success of our school programs. All students benefit from the involvement and participation of our parent community. The majority of these hours need to be filled during the school day.

In accordance with district policies, siblings do not have preference in the admission lottery. EAS admits 30 – 33 new 6 th graders each year. Students who do not make the lottery can opt to remain on the wait list for possible openings during their 6 th or 7 th grade years. These openings, however, are rare.

Special Services The EAS schedule, field studies, and week-long trips limit the availability of daily services students can receive from the Finn Hill Jr. High Special Services team. During the first hour of the school day, students on an IEP for writing or math can receive services at Finn Hill instead of taking Spanish at EAS.

Does my child want to attend EAS? EAS must be a choice that involves the student. Students who are not interested in attending EAS will not be happy or successful.

Thank you for your interest in EAS. Please direct specific questions to a staff member or parent docent.