FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
About Our Program
1. What exactly is Dashwood Academy Prep?
Dashwood Academy Prep is an educational enrichment program launching in 2026. We provide in-person tutoring, mentoring, and hands-on learning in small groups (maximum 15 students).
Students maintain official enrollment in an accredited program of their family's choice (such as Washington Connections Academy, K12, or another accredited online school) for diplomas and transcripts. Dashwood provides the enrichment, support, and in-person learning experiences.
Our long-term goal: Within 3-5 years, we aim to become a fully accredited nonprofit private school. Until then, we operate as an enrichment program supporting families who choose online or alternative education.
2. How does enrollment work?
Step 1: Parents enroll their child independently in an accredited program (most founding families chose Washington Connections Academy, a free online public school through Goldendale School District).
Step 2: Families enroll separately with Dashwood Academy Prep for in-person enrichment sessions.
This dual enrollment gives students both: accredited diplomas/transcripts AND hands-on learning in small groups.
3. What ages/grades do you serve?
We currently serve grades 7-12 only. Most of our founding students are in 7th and 8th grade. We're growing with our students and will expand offerings within middle and high school grades as the program develops.
We do not serve pre-K, elementary, or K-5 students at this time. Our program is designed specifically for middle school and high school youth.
4. How much does it cost?
Currently: Our enrichment program is FREE for founding families during the development phase.
2026 launch: Tuition details will be announced. Our goal is to become a nonprofit and secure funding through grants and donations to keep costs accessible. Scholarships will be available based on need and merit.
Washington Connections Academy (or other public online schools) is free.
5. Do you provide transportation?
Families primarily arrange their own transportation through carpools or parent drop-off. We help connect families who want to coordinate carpools. Limited transportation assistance may be available in special circumstances with liability waivers.
6. What if my child has special needs or learning differences?
Our small group setting (15 students maximum) naturally accommodates different learning styles and paces. We welcome students with IEPs, 504 plans, and learning differences.
Please discuss specific needs with the Headmaster to ensure we can provide appropriate support within our enrichment model.
7. What's your schedule and location?
Schedule and location details are discussed directly with families during the enrollment process. This allows us to explain our program model and answer family-specific questions.
8. Will my child get a real diploma?
Yes. Students receive an accredited diploma from their chosen online program (such as Washington Connections Academy). Dashwood provides a certificate of completion for our enrichment program.
When we become a fully accredited school in 3-5 years, we will issue our own diplomas.
9. How do I know if Dashwood is right for my child?
Dashwood works best for students who:
Thrive in small settings with individualized attention
Are self-directed learners
Have families who value active partnership in education
Want more than online learning alone can provide
Schedule a conversation with the Headmaster to discuss your child's specific needs.
10. How do I apply?
Email community@dashwoodschool.org to request an application. Once accepted, we'll guide you through:
Enrolling in your chosen accredited online program
Starting at Dashwood for enrichment sessions
11. Can my child take classes in Moses Lake School District too?
Yes! Washington allows partnerships between enrichment programs and public schools. Students can potentially participate in specific classes, sports, or activities at their local district school while receiving enrichment at Dashwood.
Contact our Student Life Coordinator at communicaty@dashwoodschool.org to discuss options. Parents can also independently arrange partial enrollment with their local district.
Note: We do not currently have formal partnerships in place, but families can explore these options directly with Moses Lake School District.
12. What about sports?
Contact our Headmaster at headmaster@dashwoodschool.org to discuss athletic opportunities. Options may include:
Participation through your accredited online school's athletic programs
Local rec leagues and club sports
Potential partnerships with local schools (families arrange directly)
13. Is this an online program?
No. Dashwood is primarily an in-person enrichment program with hands-on learning, small group instruction, and face-to-face mentoring.
However, students maintain enrollment in an accredited online program (like Washington Connections Academy) for their official coursework, grades, and diplomas.
Think of it as: Online school for official records + In-person enrichment for learning support.
14. Are uniforms required?
Yes. Uniforms will be required for:
Community events and field trips
Service hour activities
Formal program activities
This will be fully implemented for our 2026-27 launch. Uniform assistance and scholarships will be available for families with financial need.
15. Do you have a building/campus?
We are currently in development and have designated partnerships for program space.
When we officially launch in 2026, students will have a dedicated building for enrichment sessions. Our long-term goal includes building our own campus as the program grows and transitions to a full private school.
16. What does a typical day look like?
Students work on a combination of:
Small group instruction and tutoring
Independent study time with supervision
Hands-on projects and laboratory work
Collaborative learning activities
All supervising adults complete comprehensive background checks. Parent volunteers work under staff supervision.
17. Will students have music, PE, and electives?
Yes! Our enrichment program includes:
Music and performing arts
Physical education and wellness
Visual arts
Cultural enrichment experiences
Hands-on electives
These complement the core academic work students complete through their online program.
18. Why are spots limited?
We are in our Founding Families phase - a small pilot cohort helping us develop the program. Limited enrollment allows us to:
Maintain small group sizes (15 maximum)
Provide individualized attention
Refine our model before broader launch
Build strong community foundation
Public enrollment opens with our 2026 launch!
19. What academic level does my child need?
We accept students with diverse academic backgrounds and learning styles. Our goal is to meet each student where they are and help them progress.
We value love of learning and growth mindset over perfect grades. If your child is motivated to learn and willing to work, we can support their academic journey.
20. Is community service required?
Yes. Community service is a core part of our program:
Service hours organized through student Houses
Projects benefit Moses Lake and Grant County
Coordinated by Student Life staff and parent volunteers
Builds character, leadership, and civic responsibility
Service isn't just required - it's how we build tomorrow's leaders.
21. Are cultural events like opera and symphony required?
Yes. As part of our Fine Arts and Cultural Enrichment curriculum, students attend:
At least one opera performance per year
At least one symphony performance per year
Additional theater, ballet, or chamber performances as available
Why? These experiences build cultural literacy, emotional awareness, and appreciation for performing arts - essential components of classical education.
In-person vs. Livestream: While we strongly encourage in-person attendance for the full cultural experience, we recognize that many major performances are now livestreamed.
If attending via livestream:
Students must view the performance as a group with Dashwood during scheduled program time (not independently at home)
A written reflection or analysis of the performance is required
This maintains the educational and community aspects of the experience
Livestream viewing is an acceptable alternative when:
In-person attendance creates financial hardship
Distance makes travel impractical
Accessibility needs require it
Family circumstances prevent in-person attendance
We believe the experience of live performance - the energy of the orchestra, the acoustics of the theater, the shared community experience - is significantly richer than viewing remotely. We encourage families to attend in person whenever possible and will coordinate group outings to make this more accessible and affordable.
Accommodations: We understand some students may have disabilities or circumstances making certain venues challenging. Approved alternatives (including structured livestream viewing with written reflection) can be arranged when necessary.
Families receive advance notice of all required events. Assistance available for accessibility, transportation, or financial needs.
Program Status & Future Plans
22. What is Dashwood's current status?
Right now: Parent-led cooperative enrichment program for founding families only (development phase)
2026: Official launch as a licensed nonprofit enrichment program open to the public
3-5 years (approx. 2030): Goal to become a fully accredited private school
23. What does "founding families" mean?
Founding Families are co-creators helping build Dashwood from the ground up. They:
Participate in program development decisions
Help establish culture, standards, and traditions
Receive enrichment programming during the pilot phase
Require significant commitment from both parents and students
Founding family enrollment is limited and currently closed. Public enrollment begins in 2026.
24. Can anyone enroll right now?
Not yet. We currently serve only our founding families.
Waiting list available: Email community@dashwoodschool.org to join the waiting list for 2026 launch.
25. Does Dashwood provide academic instruction?
Dashwood provides enrichment, tutoring, and supplemental instruction.
Official academic instruction, grades, and transcripts come from the accredited program families choose (like Washington Connections Academy).
When we become a fully accredited school in 3-5 years, we will provide complete academic instruction and issue our own diplomas.
26. How is Dashwood different from homeschool co-ops?
Similarities:
Small groups
Parent partnership
Flexible approaches
Differences:
We operate daily/regularly (not weekly like most co-ops)
Professional leadership and developing paid staff
Structured curriculum aligned to state standards
Clear path to becoming accredited private school
House system, uniforms, formal structure
Legal & Compliance
27. Is Dashwood a licensed school?
Currently: No. We operate as:
Fall term: Seasonal program (license-exempt under Washington law for programs ≤3 months)
Beginning 2026: State-licensed school-age program
Future goal: Full State Board of Education private school approval (3-5 year plan)
Families remain enrolled in their chosen accredited program for official academic records until Dashwood achieves full accreditation.
28. What if we need childcare?
Dashwood is an educational enrichment program, not a childcare facility. We do not provide regular childcare services.
If families need childcare outside of scheduled enrichment sessions, they should use licensed childcare providers.
29. What's your affiliation with Washington Connections Academy?
None. Dashwood Academy Prep is completely independent with no formal partnership or affiliation with Washington Connections Academy, Norde Anglia or any other programs at this time. It is establishing.
We simply recommend WACA because most founding families chose it and found it works well with our model. Families may choose ANY accredited program.
Questions? Ready to Learn More?
📧 Headmaster: headmaster@dashwoodschool.org
📧 Student Life: community@dashwoodschool.org
📱 Follow us on Instagram: @Dashwoodheadmaster | @the_prefects_of_DashwoodAP