Universal Design for Learning: Why the Best Learning Supports Help Everyone About 25 years ago, while pursuing my master’s degree and teaching certificate, I learned about an approach to education that felt like a lifeline: Universal Design for Learning. Like many teachers, I was thinking about how to meet the… Read more
Executive Functioning Skills: “Try Harder” Isn’t the Answer When an iron rod pierced railroad worker Phineas Gage’s frontal lobe in 1848, he survived an accident that should have killed him. But survival was only the beginning of the story. In the months that followed, people who knew Gage noticed significant… Read more
How to Choose a College Consultant Who Is the Right Fit for Your Student The college application process can feel overwhelming, even for organized students and experienced parents. There are essays to write, deadlines to track, recommendations to request, and financial details to understand. On top of that, families need… Read more
Back in 2018, we shared our excitement about a brand new teen space coming to Issaquah: The Garage, A Teen Cafe. We believed then, as we do now, that teens deserve a safe, welcoming place where they can be fully themselves, no strings attached. Today, The Garage is a vibrant,… Read more
Whether your college start is in a different state, a new campus, or at home! Some students start dreaming about college as early as middle school, or even earlier if it’s a topic that comes up often in their family. It’s a jump to adulthood, a chance to pursue academic… Read more
Space-Savers and Comfort Items for Every Dorm Room While Pinterest and Instagram will give you tons of ideas to fill your (very small) dorm room, beware the trap of being over-prepared and over-packed. Leave the inspirational quotes and framed photos at home and think about what you would take if… Read more
Pictured: Head of School, Kirsten O’Malley, English teacher, Susan Dix, Yeunsoo, Jihae (2019 graduate) and Edward Choi, History teacher, Dr. JD Wyneken A day to celebrate – proud of our 2019 graduates! One of the yearly highlights at Pacific Learning Academy is our Graduation Day, which is a truly unique… Read more
Pictured (left to right): Erica Fewel (ISF Board Chair), Kirsten O’Malley (PLA Executive Director and ISF trustee), Cornell Atwater (ISF Executive Director) Pacific Learning Academy supports the Issaquah Schools Foundation After-School Homework Labs program. AFTER-SCHOOL HOMEWORK LABS GIVE EVERY MIDDLE AND HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT ACCESS TO HELP. Did you know that every… Read more
How did we help you? ABOUT HALF OF OUR STUDENTS COME FROM WORD-OF-MOUTH REFERRALS AND WE LOVE TO SAY THANK YOU! Choosing the right fit for tutoring or 1-on-1 high school credit courses can be overwhelming. When a friend you trust tells you about their experience, you know you’re taking… Read more
How did you hear about us? ABOUT HALF OF OUR REFERRALS COME FROM CURRENT CLIENTS AND WE LOVE TO SAY THANK YOU! 90% of Pacific Learning Academy families came to us via a friend, school, or neighbor. With our Quarterly Referral Drawing, we give an extra thank you to a winning… Read more
