Review of four charter schools finds they meet requirements for supporting at-risk students

A new performance audit of four public charter schools across Washington found they identified and served at-risk students appropriately, including working with English language learners and homeless students.

The Office of the Washington State Auditor reviewed processes in place at Catalyst Public Schools in Bremerton, Innovation High School in Spokane, Pinnacles Prep in Wenatchee and Rainier Prep in Seattle. All four used many leading practices to identify and serve at-risk students: 

• All four schools provide opportunities for effective small group learning settings.
• All schools effectively communicate and engage with parents and families, but one may benefit from strengthening engagement with non-English-speaking families.
• All schools use early warning indicators to help identify and serve at-risk students, but two could improve their processes.
• All schools promote collaboration between general education teachers and specialists.
• All schools are in various stages of adopting a multi-tiered system of supports for students.
• Three schools offer extended learning opportunities outside regular school hours.
• Three schools promote a culturally responsive learning environment.

In addition, parents and students interviewed by auditors described positive experiences of support for their children and other at-risk students.

There are areas in which the schools could improve, and the audit recommends they develop more detailed policies to provide greater assurance that school activities will be carried out as intended. Additionally, results from the four audited schools cannot be projected to the 17 charter schools operating in the 2024-2025 school year.

“While this report is not a close examination of all charter schools, it nonetheless offers examples of approaches that could serve at-risk students in Washington’s charter schools and traditional schools alike,” said State Auditor Pat McCarthy.

The full report and summary material can be found on the State Auditor’s Office website at: Evaluating How Charter Schools Identify and Support At-Risk Students.

Media questions: Assistant Director of Communications Adam Wilson, Adam.Wilson@sao.wa.gov, 564-999-0799.