The Wenatchee School District (WSD) has announced proposed plans to relocate Valley Academy to the former Columbia Elementary School campus. The district presented a proposal to the school board during their regular meeting on Tuesday, January 14, 2025. The move, projected to take place in the summer of 2025, aims to address growing interest in alternative learning experiences, provide a suitable facility for the expanding Valley Academy program, and maximize the use of district facilities.
Columbia Elementary School closed in June of 2024 due to declining enrollment. Since then, the district has thoughtfully evaluated options for the facility, engaging in conversations with stakeholders and community partners to determine the best path forward.
“The proposal to relocate Valley Academy to Columbia Elementary stems from a multifaceted evaluation process,” said Kory Kalahar, Superintendent of Wenatchee School District. “We have carefully considered our financial and enrollment goals, the needs of our students and families, and the potential for the Columbia building to continue serving as a valuable community asset.”
The relocation will provide Valley Academy with numerous benefits, including:
- A larger facility to accommodate the program’s growing enrollment, which has risen from 170 to 220 students in recent years.
- Enhanced learning spaces, such as dedicated art and music rooms, science labs, a library, a gymnasium, and a cafeteria with a kitchen.
- Improved infrastructure, including ample parking, safe pick-up and drop-off areas, and outdoor green space.
The move will also allow Valley Academy to expand its offerings to include 9th and 10th grades, providing a bridge between 8th grade and Running Start for students seeking alternative pathways to higher education. This expansion is projected to further increase enrollment to 270 students.
The district’s plan for Columbia Elementary includes:
- Relocating Valley Academy to the main building.
- After initial occupancy by Valley, the district will seek proposals from community partners and other WSD programs for the remaining space.
This approach aligns with the district’s commitment to:
- Utilizing the facility for WSD programming
- Maintaining the site as a community asset
- Growing enrollment
- Honoring Columbia’s history
The district proposal includes the option of selling the Valley Academy building on North Wenatchee Ave. Funds from the sale would go into the district’s capital projects fund to assist with future district-wide building repair and maintenance needs.
The WSD will continue to provide updates on the relocation proposal over the next several months.
Valley Academy is a K-8 parent-partnership program in the Wenatchee School District. It offers a unique educational experience that blends homeschooling with traditional classroom instruction.