Seattle Academy Options Program

The Options Program at Seattle Academy provides a personalized pathway to graduation for students in grades 9-12 that allows for increased schedule flexibility and individualized planning. The Options Program is designed to serve students who need individualized curriculum, instruction, and pacing in a small group setting where independent work is completed within the school day. We provide small group, self-paced and individualized curricular courses in the core academic subject for Humanities and STEM, as well as blended learning and independent study learning experiences.

The Options Program offers a different way for students to develop core learning competencies that build upon strengths and interests while continuing to provide access to the breadth of SAAS programs. Options Program students have access to the broad array of athletic, arts, trips and travel programs and courses at Seattle Academy including college advising. Students are partners in the development of an individualized plan for academics, social engagement and participation in a wide range of activities. Students participate in the development of their path toward graduation and life beyond Upper School.

The Options Program seeks to provide an alternate path for students who:

May be highly capable but have become increasingly disengaged with school due to a need for a program that allows them to engage more actively in areas of aptitude and interest.
May be overwhelmed by the stress associated with trying to progress in an academic structure that does not serve their specific learning needs.
May need a highly individualized path and program due to a health-related concern.

Meet the Options Program Faculty

Key features and benefits of the Options Program

Small Group Classes

Students have small group classes in their core subjects, which

Offers extra attention and support
Prioritizes students' individual learning needs for greater scholastic success
Helps students meet competencies by leveraging their strengths and interests

Integrated SEL

Academic classes integrate social-emotional learning strategies, which

Encourages collaboration and reflection
Fosters self-awareness
Strengthens peer connections
Supports emotional growth in a nurturing environment

Flexible Pacing

Options classes have greater flexibility in curriculum pacing, which means

Academic work is primarily completed during the school day
Students experience a reduced workload while preserving academic skill development

Access

Students in the Options Program have access to the breadth of extracurricular and elective course offerings at SAAS, which means

Students can enroll in courses across various disciplines within the standard program
They have full access to athletics, arts, travel opportunities, and college advising

The Options Program serves a wide spectrum of students but is not intended to be a specialized learning or therapeutic school program.

If you would like more information about this program, please contact Jonathon Friedman, Options Program Department Chair.

Options Program FAQ

How do students join the Options Program?

What is the tuition for the Options Program?

How are students in the Options Program integrated in the broader SAAS community?

Options students are enrolled in a grade level advisory group and encouraged to participate in all aspects of student life at Seattle Academy including retreats, athletics, performances, clubs. We also recognize that some students prefer the smaller groups of the Options Program and can self-select to be part of an Options advisory group and participate in Options retreats and field trips instead.

What is the typical class size?

Are there different graduation requirements for the Options Program?

Options Program Graduation Requirements
Upon successful completion of the credit requirements identified below, Seattle Academy Options Program Students will graduate with a diploma from Seattle Academy that indicates that students have met the graduation requirements from the Seattle Academy Options Program.

Classes	Required Courses
English	4 Years (12 trimesters)
Mathematics*	3 Years (9 trimesters)
Science*	3 Years (9 trimesters)
Social Studies**	3 Years (9 trimesters)
World Language	2 Years and 2 levels (6 trimesters)
Arts	2 Years (6 trimesters)
Health and Fitness	2 Years (6 trimesters) (Students must complete two trimesters of Health and 4 trimesters of PE or participate in an approved outside athletic program for 30 hours per credit)
Career and Technical Education	1 Year (3 trimesters) (This can be accomplished through participation in internships or through elective courses at Seattle Academy)
General Electives	4 Years (12 trimester) additional credits
Total Minimum Required Credits	72 trimester credits (can be met if students take an average of 6 credits per trimester over the 4 years.

*A 4th year of Math, Science, History, and/or World Language is recommended for students planning to attend a selective college.

**Students must take one trimester of Washington State History and one trimester of Civics between grades 7-12.

What paths do Options students travel after graduation?

Graduates of the program have chosen different pathways. All Options students who chose to apply to college were admitted to one or more of their choices. Some of those students are choosing a gap year. Others are pursuing work or volunteer opportunities like the Peace Corps. We support students in whatever post high school pathway they choose and always aim to keep as many future pathways open as possible.