
How does the Alliance make a difference?
We develop, invest and partner in programs that increase equity for Seattle students.
The Alliance for Education is the only organization of its kind serving all 106 Seattle Public Schools. We work as a convener, connector and collaborator, stewarding philanthropic funding, innovation and expertise to ensure that every public school in Seattle has the community support they need. The Alliance’s work is designed to challenge systemic inequities in public schools and create a more equitable and just education system that allows all Seattle students to thrive.
Our School District
Fast Facts & Figures
50,197 Students
(School Year 2021-22)
5,955 Classroom Teachers
(School Year 2021-22)
30.65% Free and Reduced Lunch
(School Year 2021-22)
22.4% Non-English Speaking Background
(School Year 2021-22)
12.4% English Learners
(School Year 2021-22)
13.7% Special Education
(School Year 2021-22)
9.8% Advanced Learner
(School Year 2021-22)
10.4% Highly Capable
(School Year 2021-22)
4.15% Experiencing Homelessness
(School Year 2021-22)
87.2% 4-Year Graduation Rate
(School Year 2021-22)
Student Demographics
46.2% White
14.5% Black/African American;
12.5% Asian;
13.4% Hispanic/Latino;
12.5% Multi-Racial;
0.4% Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander;
0.4%American Indian/Alaskan Native;
Commitment to Racial Equity
The Office of African American Male Achievement (AAMA)
AAMA was established to reimagine and build a school system that intentionally cultivates the strength of Black boys and teens, ensuring each and every Black student recognizes their own potential and feels supported in their education.


Seattle Teacher Residency
50%
Over 50% of Seattle Teacher Residency graduates identify as people of color, compared to the district average of 20%.
Foster Award
Celebrating principals who advance racial equity and educational justice in Seattle Public Schools.

How We Invest
African American Male Achievement
The Office of African American Male Achievement was established to reimagine and build a school system that intentionally cultivates the strength of Black boys and teens, ensuring each and every Black student recognizes their own potential and feels supported in their education. By listening to the expressed concerns of Black male students, AAMA will create a framework that aligns work and practices across the district to ensure SPS has the culture, conditions, staff competencies, and community connections in place for all Black boys and teens to excel in their education.
Awards And Scholarships
The Alliance for Education gives numerous awards to educators and school leaders in the district annually showcasing the leadership of those that work tirelessly to support students, with a focus on those committed to advancing racial equity. One of these awards is the Thomas B. Foster Award for Excellence that champions Seattle Public Schools principals who advance educational justice and racial equity in their schools. Every year, two $25,000 educational grants are awarded to selected principals with over $500,000 having been awarded to the SPS community since 2000.
How We Partner
School Fiscal Services
The Alliance for Education works with school-based groups like PTAs, booster clubs and more, to effect systemic change by supporting fundraising efforts on behalf of students. By offering fiscal services, the Alliance reduces barriers, providing school volunteers and staff with the support they need to reach their goals.
Covid-19 Response
As students and teachers scrambled to adapt to remote learning during the pandemic, the Alliance for Education worked in partnership with Seattle Public Schools and engaged with community partners and donors to meet SPS families’ most critical needs.
How We Innovate
Right Now Needs Fund
The Right Now Needs Fund is a one-of-a-kind program that works at the individual school level to address the basic needs of students and families across all 106 Seattle Public Schools. The fund ensures students can fully participate in classroom activities by covering the costs of warm clothing, meals, technology access, and housing that are not included in individual school budgets, but are necessary for students to thrive.
Seattle Teacher Residency
The Seattle Teacher Residency Program rethinks the way educators are prepared for today’s classrooms by recruiting and training future teachers in a year-long apprenticeship with the goal of retaining educators that reflect the rich diversity of Seattle Public Schools. Through the program, prospective educators earn their Master’s degrees at the University of Washington, receive a living stipend, and gain mentorship, training, and support to teach students in Seattle Public Schools furthest from educational justice. STR graduates reflect the rich diversity of the Seattle students they teach, aiming to embolden and inspire all students – especially those furthest from educational justice.
Annual Report

Our annual report highlights the tangible impact of our programs, providing in-depth data and highlighting the successes of real students and educators. Our data comes from the WA Office of Superintendent of Public Education, Seattle Public Schools Department of Data Reporting, and a data-sharing agreement with Seattle Public Schools — all supplemented by our own data collection systems. Please see below and download the comprehensive report for 2022.