EVERETT, Wash. – Today, the City of Everett announced a 10-year lease agreement with Bezos Academy to open a tuition-free, Montessori-inspired preschool to open fall 2022. This project came to fruition following consultation with multiple civic agencies and community organizations.
“I couldn’t be more thrilled for this opportunity to partner with Bezos Academy and bring quality, tuition-free preschool to our Everett community,” said Cassie Franklin, mayor of the City of Everett. “Everett has a shortage of preschool options – especially for low-income families and families experiencing homelessness. This program will help bridge that gap and make a real difference for many in our community. I’m grateful for this transformative investment Bezos Academy is bringing to Everett.”
“Since we started, we’ve been looking for an opportunity to serve the children and families in Everett,” said Mike George, president of Bezos Academy. “We’re excited to have found a great partner in the City of Everett who is making it possible for us to open a tuition-free preschool in a such a remarkable building.”
The Bezos Academy preschool will be located at Everett Station, at 3201 Smith Ave., Everett. The school will feature three classrooms to serve up to 60 students. The school will follow a full-day, year-round schedule, and is slated to open in fall 2022.
Families earning up to 400% of the federal poverty limit with children aged 3-4 are eligible to apply. Foster children and children of households experiencing homelessness are given priority admission status. More information and an application to the lottery-based selection process will be posted at bezosacademy.org once the school opening date is set.
About Bezos Academy
Bezos Academy is a non-profit organization that is building a network of tuition-free preschools. Our preschools offer year-round, full-day programming, five days a week, for children ages 3-5 years old from low-income families. Bezos Academy also provides students with all necessary educational supplies and services to set each student up for success, including Montessori materials, books, arts and crafts, field trips, and meals. For more information, visit bezosacademy.org.
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