FAQ

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1. What exactly is Dashwood Academy Prep? We're an enrichment program that provides in-person instruction for homeschooled students. Your child's official enrollment is through Washington Connections Academy (online public school), while we provide the hands-on teaching, support, and enrichment in small groups of 15 students maximum.

2. How does the dual enrollment work? Parents enroll their child in Washington Connections Academy online (free, public school through Goldendale School District). This provides the accredited diploma and official transcripts.

3. What ages/grades do you serve? We currently serve grades 7-12, though most of our founding students are in 7th and 8th grade. We're growing with our students.

4. How much does it cost? Our enrichment program is currently FREE for founding families. Washington Connections Academy is also free (public school). Our goal is to become a nonprofit school and secure funding through grants and donations rather than burden families. Scholarships will be available as we develop.

5. Do you provide transportation? Families primarily arrange their own transportation through carpools or parent drop-off. Limited transportation assistance may be available in special circumstances (liability waivers required). We help connect families who want to coordinate carpools.

6. What if my child has special needs or learning differences? Our small group setting naturally accommodates different learning styles and needs. We welcome students with IEPs, 504 plans, and learning differences. Discuss specific needs with the headmaster to ensure we can provide appropriate support.

7. What's your schedule and location? For safety and security reasons, specific schedule and location details are discussed directly with the Headmaster after enrollment to share plans for your debuts enrichment program.

8. Will my child get a real diploma? Yes. Students receive an accredited diploma from Washington Connections Academy (public school). Dashwood provides a certificate of completion for our enrichment program.

9. How do I know if Dashwood is right for my child? Dashwood works best for students who thrive in small settings, need individualized attention, and whose families value partnership in education. Schedule a conversation with the Headmaster to discuss your child's specific needs.

10. How do I apply? Complete our application at, which you can get by sending an email compliance-admissions@dashwoodschool.org. Once accepted, we'll guide you through enrolling in Washington Connections Academy and starting at Dashwood.

11. Can My child take classes in the Moses Lake School District at the same time? Yes, there are partnerships this online and homeschool programs and enrichment programs that make this possible so please teach out to our student life coordinator and communications rep at communcaiotns@dashwoodschool.org.

12. What if my child wants to do sports? Reach out to our headmaster at headmaster@dashwoodschool.org.

13. Is this an online program? NO, not at this time. Parts of it are online. And depending on how things go over the next year, that could change.

14. Are uniforms mandatory? Yes, for the most part we will have uniforms when we do things in the community, go on fieldtrips or do our service hours.

15. Is it true there is not a building for this Program? NO, we have desiccated building partnerships. We hope to build a beautiful campus in the coming years as the program goes.

16. Is it true that there is descanted quiet independent work? Yes, and at that time the headmaster will be working on a project so it is important that students work on their projects and listen well to volunteer parents and other teachers. All supervising adults are cleared via background checks; volunteers are supervised.

17. Will the students have music and PE? Yes, the students will have music and other specials available.

18. Why are spots limited? This is our Founding Families debut, and success of the program has not been determined. It is important to see how this year goes to set goals and expectations or the future. Students are chosen based on a number of reasons and one of them is their resilience and ability to adapt to change. With the uncertainty of such a program we need kids who will adapt well into our current setting with the ability to bounce back if things change.

19. What grades does your child need to get in? We accept students with a diverse background. Grades are reflected in that choice. Our expectation is that your child will work from where they are to where they NEED to be in their time with us. Life long learning and the love of it is what we are looking to build.

20. Will my child be expected to do volunteer work as part of coursework? Yes, we do have community service that we will organize and this is expected to be done with their House/class. This will be organized by our Student Life and Community administer and parents.

Disclaimer:

IMPORTANT PROGRAM INFORMATION

Disclaimer: Dashwood Academy Prep is a new enrichment program created in response to current challenges within the Moses Lake School District. As a developing program, our future structure will evolve based on community needs and participation. Dashwood does not provide regular child-care services and does not assume responsibility in lieu of the parent. Programming is educational enrichment. If families need child care, they should use licensed providers.

Leadership Plan for 2026-2028: Our founding Headmaster has been accepted to Teach for America for 2026-2028. During this period:

• She will identify qualified leadership to maintain operations OR partner with another private school whose staff would provide temporary oversight

• She will continue serving as Headmaster remotely, handling communications, funding, grants, fundraising, and student activities

• If circumstances change with TFA, she will remain with Dashwood full-time

• Upon completion of TFA service, she will return with additional credentials and experience to further develop our program

What This Means for Families:

• The enrichment program continues uninterrupted

• Quality instruction maintained through careful transition planning

• Consistent communication and support throughout

• Flexibility to adapt as needed

Dashwood runs a Fall Seasonal Term as an independent educational enrichment program, operating under Washington’s seasonal exemption (no more than three months within any twelve-month period). Beginning in the new year, sessions operate as a state-licensed school-age program to allow supervised drop-off while we pursue full private-school approval. Families remain enrolled in their chosen school (e.g., Washington Connections Academy) for accredited records.
Dashwood is not yet an SBE-approved private school. The seasonal term is license-exempt under state law; later terms are offered under a state school-age license for safety compliance.

Our Commitment: This program exists to provide an alternative for families seeking different educational options. Success requires collective commitment and understanding that we're building something together. Families may make educational choices that best serve their children, including returning to traditional school and rejoining us later.

By enrolling, families understand they are joining a developing program that requires patience, participation, and flexibility. Together, we will create meaningful education for our students.

For questions about program continuity, contact headmaster@dashwoodschool.org