Our Mission

Our goals

Academic Excellence

To provide rigorous, comprehensive education that exceeds Washington State standards while developing critical thinking, intellectual curiosity, and mastery of both classical knowledge and modern skills. Every student will achieve grade-level proficiency or above, prepared for any post-secondary path they choose.

Lifelong Learners

To instill a love of learning that extends beyond graduation. Through exposure to diverse subjects, teaching students how to learn independently, and modeling intellectual curiosity, we develop individuals who continue growing, adapting, and seeking knowledge throughout their lives. We teach students not just what to think, but how to think and how to keep learning.

Student Agency & Ownership

To develop students who take responsibility for their own education and future. Through choice in service projects, leadership opportunities in Houses, and voice in their learning path, students learn to advocate for themselves, make informed decisions, and own their outcomes. We create self-directed individuals, not passive recipients of education.

A stylized emblem featuring a peacock with blue and black feathers, surrounded by green laurel leaves.

OUR VALUES

Short statements about what guides decisions at Dashwood:

  • Integrity in all actions

  • Excellence without excuses

  • Community through service

  • Growth through challenge

  • Respect for all paths

OUR BELIEFS

Core beliefs that drive your approach:

  • Every student can achieve at high levels with proper support

  • Character matters as much as academics

  • Real-world experience enhances classroom learning

  • Small communities create better outcomes

  • Families are partners in education

OUR COMMITMENT TO FAMILIES

What families can expect from Dashwood:

  • Transparent communication about student progress

  • Individual attention for every student

  • Safe, structured learning environment

  • Preparation for chosen post-secondary path

  • Support through challenges

OUR EXPECTATIONS

What Dashwood expects in return:

  • Consistent engagement during scheduled enrichment sessions.

  • Completion of service requirements

  • Support for school standards at home

  • Active participation in school community

  • Trust in the process

THE DASHWOOD DIFFERENCE

Brief summary points of what sets you apart:

  • Cohorts of 15, not classrooms of 30

  • Real teachers, not just online modules

  • Field experiences throughout the region

  • Every student known, challenged, supported

  • Preparation for life, not just tests

Experiential Learning & Cultural Enrichment

To extend education beyond classroom walls through meaningful field experiences. From theatrical productions in Spokane to opera in Seattle, from working farms to museums, students gain real-world context for their learning. These experiences build cultural literacy, connect theory to practice, and ensure every student — regardless of family income — accesses opportunities traditionally reserved for the privileged few.

Student Opportunities & Enrichment

All Dashwood Academy Prep students receive the same opportunities as students in traditional private schools. Every student has access to:

  • Advanced coursework through programs like UCLA Extension and Harvard Extension

  • Independent registration for college-level courses while in high school

  • Summer programs at prestigious institutions

  • Dual enrollment opportunities

  • Comprehensive college counseling and application support

  • Internship and career exploration programs

Students register independently for these programs with our guidance and support, building impressive academic portfolios before graduation.

Program Clarification

Dashwood Academy Prep is NOT a partnership with Washington Connections Academy. We are an independent educational enrichment program designed to enhance your child's education.

Parents choose to enroll their children in Washington Connections Academy for accredited diplomas while selecting Dashwood Academy Prep for daily instruction and enrichment. These are two separate choices that work together to provide comprehensive education.

Washington Connections Academy provides:

  • Official enrollment and record-keeping

  • Accredited diplomas and transcripts

  • Curriculum materials available to all enrolled families

Dashwood Academy Prep provides:

  • On-site enrichment instruction

  • Small group learning environment

  • College and career preparation

  • Enrichment opportunities beyond standard curriculum

  • Community and belonging

This structure ensures your child receives both accredited credentials AND exceptional daily education. We enrich what online school alone cannot provide — turning curriculum into meaningful learning through expert instruction and personal attention.