To the editor:
As a mother of two boys and a longtime resident of Burien, it’s important to me that our community’s children get the high-quality education they deserve. For many, this means attending one of the wonderful, local, district-run public schools, like my youngest son does. For some, like my fifth-grade son, this need is being met by a neighborhood public charter school, Rainier Prep.Through my work at the White Center Community Development Association as an Early Learning Connector and Family Success Partner, I often see families entering our community who are only beginning to learn English, or whose children need extra help to get used to their new community. Because Rainier Prep is smaller than many neighboring district schools, teachers are better able toindividualize their lessons, so each student has a learning plan that fits their needs, goals, and learning styles. This extra attention has helped my son achieve incredible progress.Before attending Rainier Prep, my son wasn’t reading at grade level. It will take time to get him up to speed, but his teachers at Rainier Prep are giving him the tools and individual attention he needs to catch up with his peers. They also check in regularly with me to discuss my son’s progress.After what Rainier Prep has done for my family and our community, I’m calling on the legislature to find a solution that keeps public charter schools open in our state.

Hanh-Tam Thi Nguyen
Burien