Community Grants Program

ESWA partners with trusted, community-based organizations to help families find and choose great public schools for their children.

Through our Community Grants Program, we're working alongside local nonprofits to bring practical, family-centered school choice support directly into the places families already know and trust. 

At the heart of this work is the Washington School Finder – a free, easy-to-use tool that helps families explore public school options across Washington. 

What Community Grants Support

In our first year, ESWA is funding a cohort of community partners who are committed to helping families navigate the public K-12 education system. Together, we're focused on:

awareness

Expanding awareness of the Washington School Finder, particularly among historically underserved communities.

school

Embedding Washington School Finder into existing family-facing programs and services. 

family

Building organizational capacity so partners can confidently guide families through school choice conversations.

insights

Learning together by collecting insights and lessons that will inform future expansion of the School Finder and this grant program across King County in 2027. 

Why This Matters

Choosing a school is one of the most important decisions families make and it shouldn't be confusing, overhwelming, or limited by access to information.

By partnering with local nonprofits who know their communities best, we're helping ensure more families have the knowledge and support they need to choose a public school where their children can thrive. 

Together, we're building a more transparent, equitable, and family-centered public school choice experience across Washington.

Our Community Grants Partners

Friends of Youth
Hopelink
Korean Community Service Center
Open Doors
Refugee Women_s Alliance

Excellent Schools WA (ESWA) is bringing together educators who share an interest in innovative, community-based, equitable, and student-centered learning. This year’s conference will explore research-aligned literacy practices for teachers and school leaders driving for change and better outcomes for their kids.