Deanna Blake Michie Deanna Blake Michie

Building Tomorrow's Leaders Today

It all begins with an idea.

At Dashwood Academy Prep, we believe exceptional education transforms lives. Our innovative model combines rigorous academics with comprehensive practical skills, delivered in small cohorts where every student is known, challenged, and supported.

Our Unique Educational Model:

Students enroll in both:

  • Washington Connections Academy (WCA) - Fully accredited online public school through Goldendale School District providing official transcripts, state-recognized diplomas, and transferable credits.

  • Dashwood Academy Prep - In-person enrichment, hands-on learning, laboratory sciences, Socratic discussions, and comprehensive life skills training-

  • Family is Key! -We’re putting Education Back in the Hands of Families and Community. We believe parents are the primary educators of their children, and communities should shape the educational experience that reflects their values and aspirations.

This dual approach gives families the best of both worlds — full accreditation, transformative daily education, and meaningful control over their children's educational journey.

The Majestic Dashwood Peacock, Sept. 2025. Logo by Headmaster Michie.

Core Academics

  • English Language Arts: 4 years through literature, composition, research, and communication

  • Mathematics: Through Algebra II minimum, most reaching Pre-Calculus or Calculus

  • Laboratory Sciences: Biology, Chemistry, Physics with hands-on experimentation

  • Social Studies: U.S. History, World History, Contemporary World Problems, Civics, Government

  • World Languages: Latin foundations plus modern language options

  • Arts & Electives: Visual arts, performing arts, music, career pathways

Cultural Enrichment

  • Three theater events

  • Symphony or opera attendance

  • Museum and gallery visits

  • Weekly film studies

  • Guest speakers and mentors

  • Field studies connecting classroom to world

Skills for everyday life

〰️

Skills for everyday life 〰️

Comprehensive Life Skills & Practical Education

Beyond academics, we prepare students for real-world success through hands-on training in essential life skills:

Financial Literacy & Adult Responsibilities

  • Money management and budgeting

  • How to file taxes

  • Investment basics and financial planning

  • Understanding adult roles and responsibilities

  • Professional communication and workplace etiquette

  • Resume building and interview preparation

Home Economics & Domestic Skills

  • Sewing and textile work

  • Reading laundry labels and fabric care

  • Proper cleaning methods for different materials

  • Restoration of antique furniture and vintage items

  • General homemaking and household management

  • Nutritional knowledge and meal planning

Agriculture & Self-Sufficiency

  • 4H programming and leadership

  • Land and garden management

  • Farming techniques and practices

  • Sustainability principles and practices

  • Self-sufficiency skills and food systems

  • Environmental stewardship

Health & Technology

  • Health and wellness foundations

  • Nutritional knowledge and healthy living

  • Technology competence and digital citizenship

  • Career exploration and planning

  • Physical education and fitness

Character Through Action

  • 30-hour annual service requirement for debut’s

  • Student Honor Court maintains standards through peer accountability

  • Leadership opportunities at every level ensure growth for all

  • Houses compete academically, in service, and in spirit while building community

Read More
Deanna Blake Michie Deanna Blake Michie

Multiple Pathways, Equal Value

It all begins with an idea.

Success looks different for every student. We prepare young people for diverse futures with equal respect and support:

University Path

Rigorous academics, SAT/ACT preparation, application support, campus visits

Community College

Dual enrollment opportunities, career pathway planning, transfer preparation

Technical Training

Hands-on skill development, certification preparation, apprenticeship connections

Military Service

Leadership development, ASVAB preparation, physical fitness, discipline

Direct Employment

Professional skills, interview preparation, resume building, networking

Entrepreneurship

Business basics, financial literacy, innovation mindset

Read More
Deanna Blake Michie Deanna Blake Michie

Small Cohort Advantage & Support

It all begins with an idea.

Maximum 15 Students Per Cohort

  • Every debut known personally

  • No one falls through cracks

  • Differentiated instruction daily

  • Individual conferences regularly

  • Peer relationships carefully cultivated

Don’t worry about sounding professional. Sound like you. There are over 1.5 billion websites out there, but your story is what’s going to separate this one from the rest. If you read the words back and don’t hear your own voice in your head, that’s a good sign you still have more work to do.

Be clear, be confident and don’t overthink it. The beauty of your story is that it’s going to continue to evolve and your site can evolve with it. Your goal should be to make it feel right for right now. Later will take care of itself. It always does.

Extended Learning Time

  • Academic days and weekday enrichment blocks during Fall Seasonal Term welcoming all debuts

  • Saturday sessions when needed

  • Summer bridge programs

  • Continuous intervention and acceleration

Our families working together

  • Monthly family conferences

  • Transparent progress communication

  • Parent education workshops

  • Family events and celebrations

  • These are our kids and we are a team

Seasonal Operation

  • Fall operates as a seasonal, license-exempt term (≤ three months)

  • Beginning in the new year, operates under a state school-age license

  • Pursuing State Board of Education private-school approval

State Testing Excellence

All students participate in required Washington State assessments through Washington Connections Academy, with comprehensive preparation and support from Dashwood:

  • Smarter Balanced Assessments (SBA)

  • Washington Comprehensive Assessment of Science (WCAS)

  • Pathway assessments for graduation

Our Founding Families

September 2025 marks our beginning. Founding families don't just enroll — they build. Your input shapes policies. Your participation creates culture. Your success proves the model. This year and next are our test run years! Our goal is eventually to be more than an enticement program, but a fully functioning independent school program with partnerships and staff. Currently we are a group of families working together and our headmaster is our leaders, and our admin group is unpaid and ready to inspire! They have their own credentials, their own careers. We hope this program will be a legacy we leave, making Moses Lake and other communities a better place. Space is limited. The opportunity is extraordinary.

Important Program Information

Dashwood Academy Prep operates as an educational enrichment program providing help with instruction and support. Students receive official transcripts and accredited diplomas through enrollment in Washington Connections Academy, a fully accredited public online school through Goldendale School District.

We are an independent organization with no formal affiliation with educational institutions referenced as inspirational models. All Washington State graduation requirements, standardized assessments, and official academic records are managed through Washington Connections Academy.

Non-Discrimination Statement

Dashwood Academy Prep admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students in the program. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin, disability, or socioeconomic status in administration of our educational policies and programs.

Read More
Deanna Blake Michie Deanna Blake Michie

Blog Post Title Four

It all begins with an idea.

It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

Don’t worry about sounding professional. Sound like you. There are over 1.5 billion websites out there, but your story is what’s going to separate this one from the rest. If you read the words back and don’t hear your own voice in your head, that’s a good sign you still have more work to do.

Be clear, be confident and don’t overthink it. The beauty of your story is that it’s going to continue to evolve and your site can evolve with it. Your goal should be to make it feel right for right now. Later will take care of itself. It always does.

Read More