New Hillyard charter school will teach using international standards

A charter school offering a curriculum with an international focus and learning Spanish starting in kindergarten is set to open this fall in the old St. Patrick’s School in Hillyard.

Before that September start there’s much work to be done: piles of books, abandoned religious items, empty desks and outdated computers left behind in the former Catholic school must be removed to make room for the Spokane International Academy’s initial class.

Though it may resemble chaos, the school’s director, Travis Franklin, sees opportunity.

“We have to do this,” said Franklin, a former Mead teacher.

Spokane International Academy is to be a K-8 school – the second charter authorized by Spokane Public Schools after voters approved charter schools in 2012.

The school will use the Cambridge curriculum that teaches English, math, science and social studies using an international scope. It is designed to encourage students to take what they learn and apply those lessons to world events.

Students also will start learning Spanish in kindergarten. The goal is for students to become proficient in the language as they prepare for a school-funded trip to a country in Latin America during the eighth grade.

Franklin has three primary goals for students: Instill a desire and curiosity to pursue higher-level classes in high school, nurture habits of mind that encourage flexibility, persistence and being open-minded; and developing global competence, a thorough understanding of how the world works.

School hours will be from 7:45 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 7:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday. Students will eat breakfast together at the school.

The school’s board president, Andrea Simpson, who is World Relief’s resettlement program manager for refugees, is thrilled with the charter’s mission.

“Global competency is so important. Having a school that wants to help in that cultural competence is good for Spokane and good for kids,” Simpson said. “There’s a population that this school will serve very well. It’s good to have schools of choice and a school that will help level the playing field for some students.”

The decision to use the 1914 brick St. Patrick’s School was based on its location in Hillyard where the population is more diverse and students have higher needs. Franklin also hopes to help preserve the building.

Spokane International Academy will open with kindergarten, first- and sixth-grade students to start, eventually growing to nine grades. There are 140 slots available and students will be chosen by lottery. Already, 120 students have registered, Franklin said.

The city’s first authorized charter, a college preparatory school called Pride Prep, will open this fall at 811 E. Sprague Ave. Its model includes seven years of a foreign language, extra math and science, a nine-hour school day and an extended school year. Lessons will be taught through a combination of online and in-class instruction.

Both charters are free public schools.

“Families should not have to pay to have a choice,” Franklin said.