Program Phases

Program Phases Chart

A 'Cohort' of students enters the Rainier Scholars’ program in the summer before their 6th grade. They receive education, guidance and assistance for the next 11 years.

14-Month Academic Program - 6th grade

Academic Award Winners
2007 Academic Achievement Award Winners Mirutse Heyesus & Afrah Eltom with Academic Director Sarah Smith
Qualified students from ethnic minority backgrounds are invited to participate in this rigorous academic phase. Each cohort consists of 60 6th grade students. Once enrolled, students participate in course work two to three years ahead of their current grade, attending the equivalent of 120 additional days of school over the 14-month program. The academic intensity of this program prepares students for placement into area independent schools as well as advanced learning programs – APP, Honors, and Spectrum – within the Seattle Public Schools.

By the 2007-08 school year we will have provided:
  • 280 students with 960 hours of additional class instruction.
  • Placement of over 90% of our students into highly capable programs in public and independent schools.

Academic Counseling and Support Services (ACSS) - 7th - 9th grades

Once placed, students receive ongoing support through the ACSS program, which consists of monthly visits from Rainier Scholars’ Academic Counselors, case management by our educational psychologist, and opportunities to participate in monthly social and cultural activities. Students attend over 50 different schools in the Greater Seattle area. Rainier Scholars supports the families of our students by serving as an advocate with parents in their children’s schools, providing translators, and linking families to other support services when needed.

During the 2007-08 school year:
  • We are providing scholars with over 600 hours of one-on-one academic counseling personalized to each scholar and school community.
  • The average GPA of ACSS students is 3.26 and over 45% are achieving a 3.5 or above.

The Access January 2008 Newsletter [PDF] - A Newsletter for ACSS and LD Families

Leadership Development Retreat
Cohort I & II students compare notes at a leadership retreat at Seattle University

Leadership Development - 10th - 12th grades

As a supplement to ACSS during the high school years, Leadership Development offers scholars workshops, career guidance and internship programs, intensive leadership retreat experiences, college prep testing and college planning services. Cohort I will be applying for college admisions in 2008-09.

In 2007-08 program services will include:

  • 30 High School Summer Internships
  • Increased numbers of summer learning opportunities through community partnerships
  • Individualized College Planning Services and meetings with College Admission Reps

The fourth phase of the program is college support. This phase is currently being developed as our scholars prepare for college admissions and the journey to college graduation.

To see our Rainier Scholars student profile for 2007-08 click here.

To see the list of colleges Rainier Scholars has been in conversation with click here.