The Swinomish Education Department is a tribally funded department. We work respectfully and collaboratively in partnerships with the local public school, tribal senate, other tribal departments, parents/guardians, and students. These partnerships are formed in order to ensure that our Native families and their students receive and maximize every educational opportunity offered to them. This mission and our support for lifelong student education can only be accomplished with active participation from the student and their family for academic success.
The comprehensive Swinomish Education Department serves the educational needs of our members in many different areas including the following:
Toddler and Preschool
Toddler and Preschool (1-5 years old) is a comprehensive and
seamless child development program that is intended to increase the
social and educational competence of children while also inviting
families to become part of the learning experience too. The
programs provide a safe and nurturing environment with learning
incorporated into play. Services include early childhood
development, literacy based curriculum, referral information and
support for families, transportation and nutritious meals.
Para-pros Support and Advocacy
Nine highly qualified and educated tribal Para-pros support and
advocate for our native students at the LaConner School District.
Each Para-pro is assigned to support students within their grade
band. Every Para-pro is responsible for tracking each tribal
student's attendance, grades in the core classes of Language Arts,
History, Math, and Science, and behavior if it inhibits the
student's academic success. Grades from the Middle and High school
are sent every two weeks and every parent can access their
student's grades online through the LCSD website. Every Para-pro is
available after school to help with tutoring if a student needs
additional homework support either at the school or study hall.
Swinomish Tribe in Collaboration with Northwest Indian
College
The Swinomish Tribe in collaboration with Northwest Indian College
employs a GED instructor. This instructor is available at the NWIC
Swinomish site to help students over the age of 16 who are
currently not enrolled in high school prepare for the GED test.
Swinomish Scholarships
Swinomish Scholarships are provided to its tribal members to help
them attain higher level education degrees and certifications.
Application forms may be picked up at the Social Services building
or sent to you by contacting the Programs Administrator-John
Stephens or Mary Cayou.
Attendance Officer
We have an attendance officer who supports students and families
with better attendance at school. She works diligently with the
LaConner School District by knocking on doors of students who have
missed school, offers rides to school when students miss the bus,
delivers messages to and from school in regard to attendance
issues, helps the principals, parents, and students with attendance
review meetings, and creates daily attendance reports for
departments that work with our youth.