The topic of the new Washington Preparatory School on the property at the corner of Bothell-Everett Hwy (SR-527) and 183^rd Ave was discussed at the recent annual HOA meeting. A few days later, HOA homeowner Hans shared a recent Bothell Reporter news article about the new school.

This news article expands on the Reporter’s article. Interim Head of Washington Preparatory School Joe Kennedy was recently interviewed addressing questions many in our HOA would like to know including traffic concerns.

Students – The school will begin with students from grades 6 through 9 starting in the fall of 2019 with about 110 students. They have a temporary school facility across SR-527 at this time. They plan to add a grade each year permitting students to graduate as seniors starting in 2022. By 2024, they anticipate there will be around 500 students attending the school with about 70 staff. 80 to 85% of the students will be from the local area. The remainder will be international students. These students will be in the U.S. under the J-1 VISA exchange student program or the F1 Student VISA program.

Campus Structures – They plan to build school and support buildings on the 13.5 acre property over the next 3 to 5 years. The first 35000 square foot building will open in time for school to begin in the fall of 2019. Other structures will include dormitories finishing in 2020-21. They also plan to build a Performing Arts Center and have an athletic field that will support soccer and other intermural sport activities. No athletic field lights are anticipated.

Transportation – The school plans to have their own bus system. Entrance to the school campus will be off Bothell-Everett Hwy (SR-527) with no access from 183^rd. A new Community Transit Rapid Bus Line stop will be developed a little south of 183^rd several years from now, but most students will arrive and depart via their own bus system.

The school wants to be a good neighbor. For instance, they are willing to share their Performing Arts Center and athletic fields. Joe Kennedy alsoindicated after consulting with the school’s board, they would like to work with local HOAs in addressing any traffic concerns including a traffic signal at 183^rd and SR-527 to enhance safety around the school campus.

Washington Prep is an independent private school. Emphasis on learning will involve science, technology, engineering, math (STEM) and entrepreneurship with the goal of building tomorrow’s leaders and permit students to thrive at universities and future careers. They are accepting student applications now. For more information about the new school, visit their web site at https://waprep.org/