Is RSAR the Right Choice?

 

Choosing to attend Renaissance as part of the inaugural class that graduated in 2009, genuinely changed the trajectory of my education and my life. - Becca MacLean

 

When Jameson was at RSAR, he was given the honor of acting as student director for his 8th-grade play. It was through this experience that he was able to gain confidence and belief in himself as he received encouragement from his peers.

Lisa Erskine Knopp, parent 2010

 

Even though I was very nervous coming to Renaissance, I immediately found my group and my place; through encouragement to lean into developing self-confidence in my abilities to create my art, I now hold a BFA in acting and am currently pursuing my career in film and television in LA, CA. I feel very lucky that the small environment gave me the safe space to make personal connections with my teachers and sense of belonging and discovery with my classmates. 

Julianne Farley class of 2016

Mason Williamson - RSAR Alumni

Explanation of a Choice School

Choice Schools and programs are optional schooling alternatives, created to meet specific needs and interests. They are designed to be smaller and use approaches to education different from traditional public schools. Choice Schools and programs are often housed within an existing school or on the same campus as another school.

The Right Choice for Your Child?

Here are some questions for parents to consider in determining if Renaissance School of Art & Reasoning could be a good fit for your child and your family:

• Is your child willing to participate fully in academically challenging classes and projects?
• Can your child work independently and initiate the tasks necessary for completing quality work?
• Is your child ready to participate responsibly in group projects as well as individual work?
• Is your child a good self-advocate?
• Is your child willing to participate in visual and performing arts?
• Does your child have good homework & organizational habits or willingness to improve these habits?
• Is your child ready to make new friends in a school that includes students from neighborhoods
  throughout Lake Washington School District?
• Do you understand that, in accordance with district policies, siblings do not have a preference in a Choice School admission lottery?
• Do you support the challenge to Renaissance School students to become involved citizens in their community – and that are an integral part of the learning experience for their student?
• Is your child willing to take risks to learn and to look at things differently? Are you willing to support your child in this work?
• Do you understand that Renaissance School does not offer an honors program, but welcomes a diverse student population to participate in a rigorous learning environment?
• Does your child appreciate the value of listening to other’s ideas?
• Do you understand that enrolling in Renaissance School is a commitment through 8th grade?
• Do you understand that Renaissance does not conduct traditional fundraisers throughout the year? In lieu of requesting financial support for student activities through fundraisers, Renaissance families are asked to contribute a flat sum of $250 to fund extra projects and field trips.
• Do you understand that family involvement is highly valued and needed at Renaissance? Families are asked to contribute 25 volunteer hours each year at Renaissance.

If you answered yes to these questions, your student may be a good fit for our school. Check out Renaissance School at our information night video if it is after November 8th, 2024 or call 425-936-1544 to make an appointment to visit. You are most welcome! You are also welcome to email Steph Bertholf (office manager sbertholf@lwsd.org), Martha Daman (co-lead teacher mdaman@lwsd.org) or Elizabeth Rothwell (co-lead teacher erothwell@lwsd.org) if you have questions.