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Commission approves scaled expansion for Impact Puget Sound Elementary, starting with sixth grade
Summary
Commissioners approved a revision to Impact Puget Sound Elementary's expansion plan to begin with grade 6 in 2026-27, contingent on policy updates, verified registrations and a preopening site visit; staff and Impact described facility plans and student-experience differentiations.
The Washington State Charter School Commission on Dec. 11 approved a revised expansion plan for Impact Puget Sound Elementary that will begin with sixth grade in the 2026-27 school year, rather than adding both sixth and ninth grades in the earlier timeline.
Staff told commissioners the school submitted a revised five-year budget and asked to house sixth graders in the existing Impact Puget Sound Elementary building for 2026-27 while continuing to secure future facilities. The commissions staff recommendation included three conditions: board-approved policy and handbook updates by July 1, 2026; verified registration of 80% of 60 budgeted sixth-grade seats by June 1, 2026; and a commission-approved preopening site visit completed by Aug. 1, 2026.
Impact leadership described how the program will differentiate the middle-school experience within the current building through renovations, revised entry points, cultural practices and family design sessions to create an age-appropriate environment. Commissioners who toured the facility praised operational and safety preparations and asked questions about how the student experience will be distinguished from the elementary program.
A motion to approve the revision was made and seconded; the commission recorded a roll-call vote approving the change with the stated conditions. Staff will monitor progress against the conditions and return to the commission for any future facility approvals tied to the full K-12 expansion.
