Mission: The Center School (TCS) provides a rigorous academic program that integrates academics, the arts, and technology. The collaboration between community partners, students, staff, and parents leads to meaningful learning experiences that will empower students to achieve their goals and develop as responsible community members.

Description: This small school offers a stimulating educational environment that includes a rigorous, standards-based academic program in the humanities, mathematics, science, and Spanish, enriched through partnerships with organizations at Seattle Center. As part of the school district’s transformation effort, TCS reflects best practices based on current educational research. The curricular focus, in addition to the core academic program, is narrower then otherwise found in large comprehensive high schools. During the 9^th grade all students complete an exploratory experience in art, dance, music, drama and digital arts, as well as an introduction to interdisciplinary studies. As they progress through the program, students choose a pathway – literary, visual, or performing – and develop mastery in one. In-depth work in the arts in the third year will take the form of more individualized work in seminar settings, including an introduction to the internship experience. In addition to continuing advanced studies in core subjects in the 11^th and 12^th grades, students will participate in internships with partner organizations in and around Seattle Center. Students will be expected to demonstrate mastery of core subjects and their art pathway to a panel as part of a final graduation assessment.

In a block schedule format, students are actively engaged in the learning process throughout the day. This extended period of time enables teachers to maximize student/teacher interaction in the classroom, an indication of our student-centered focus. The schedule also allows for common planning time for teachers, which has resulted in greater consistency in instruction and evaluation of student work, partnerships with arts organizations, and more communication with parents. The academic program is challenging, thus requiring a high level of self-discipline and dedication towards producing high quality work; however, the atmosphere is also personalized as teachers help students become well prepared for success in whatever post-secondary endeavor they choose.

While a strong academic focus is imperative, unless the school setting is personalized and the staff knows the students well, this cannot be fully realized. Teams of core teachers remain with a group of students for two years, which facilitate enduring relationships. To support the emphasis on personalization, Advisory groups of 12-16 students meet four times a week, during which Personal Learning Plans are used to advise students about academic planning and personal growth. To foster a strong school culture, "community" meetings are frequently scheduled to recognize students and teachers, observe student presentations, listen to invited speakers, make announcements, and address issues of common concern.

We opened with the vision of establishing close partnerships with arts organizations that would serve to enrich students’ education. These collaborative efforts exceeded our expectations in the first year. To date, we have worked with Seattle Rep, Seattle Center, EMP, Pacific Northwest Science Center, Pacific Northwest Ballet, Seattle Opera, Shakespeare Company, and Children’s Theatre. As the program expands so will these productive relationships. While much remains to be done to make TCS the best that it can be, we take satisfaction in knowing that we are on our way to creating a wholesome and productive learning environment for students and teachers.