Public schools provide pathways to opportunity, but education is not one size fits all. Vancouver families benefit from both traditional public schools and Rooted School, our only local charter public high school, where I proudly serve as assistant principal. Rooted offers a tuition-free public option open to all students, providing flexibility that strengthens our broader school system.
Before joining Rooted, I taught in Vancouver Public Schools and later led equity initiatives to support students’ academic and social success. My passion for inclusive education brought me to Rooted, where we emphasize small class sizes and real-world learning. Students engage with local experts and emerging AI technology, preparing to graduate with both a college acceptance and a job offer.
As a charter public school, Rooted is subject to rigorous state oversight that allows for flexibility to serve our students effectively. However, charter public schools like ours receive less state funding and often rely on fundraising just to keep the doors open. Public school investments — whether in traditional or charter public school settings — must be a legislative priority. Education funding disparities lead to lifelong inequities. With 98 percent of students returning this year, Rooted proves high-quality education is essential to a just society. We can’t afford to wait.
