BACK TO SCHOOL: Summit Atlas starts classes this week

| Arbor Heights | West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

Another “already?” topic – it’s back-to-school time for one West Seattle school. Our area’s only charter school, Summit Atlas (9601 35th SW), starts classes for its ninth year this Wednesday (August 13); some students will be on campus tomorrow for new-student orientation, according to the Summit Atlas calendar. The school is grades 6-12, with more than 600 enrolled. The last day of the school year – in case the early start has you wondering – is scheduled for June 5, 2026.

We asked Summit Atlas what’s new this year:

For one, we have a new Executive Director, Ebony Harvey, who will be leading the school moving forward along with the rest of the leader team and staff which had over 90% retention again!

Atlas’s enrollment continues to increase and should be 630+ this year. Our Expeditions program continues to offer ways for young people to get out into the community and get exposure and experience to real-life pathways and preparation for college. We graduated our 5th amazing class last year and they are off doing wonderful things!!

Here’s our coverage of the 2025 graduation.

Scott August 12, 2025 (12:55 pm)

I wish they would follow the SPS calendar as we miss out on 4.5 weeks of Summer vacation.

D-Mom August 13, 2025 (2:23 pm)

Actually that’s not true. Summit goes back 3 weeks earlier, but they also get out 8-10 days weeks ahead. So it’s 5-7 days less of summer vacation, which I think is spread over more vacation time during the school year.
- Scott August 14, 2025 (1:38 pm)
  
  Sorry, your math isn’t adding up. Summit got out on June 6 and SPS got out on June 17, which is an 11-day difference. For the start dates, Summit began on August 13 and SPS starts on September 3, which is a 22-day difference. That makes a total of 33 days, which is more than 4 weeks.

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