The University Place School District Native American Education Program provides academic and cultural support to students with Native heritage and their families through various grants. It is run in partnership with the Puget Sound Educational Service District.

For more specific information please visit the program's web page at:

PSESD Native American Program

The Native American program consists of the following:

Title VII: This long-running national Indian Education program provides Reading and Math support to students performing below grade level.

Red Road Project: This new 4-year program is focused on college preparation. While specifically targeting 9th and 10th graders (Class of 2014 and 2015) additional support can be offered to all Native high school students.

Puyallup Tribal Grant: Thanks to a generous grant from the Puyallup Tribe, funds are available through our program to help pay for student school costs such as ASB, athletic and band fees, credit retrieval costs, school supplies, etc. (Max per student is $200 per school year and only while funds last.)

The program also supports teaching non-Native University Place students about Native culture. Upon request, we bring in Native speakers to talk to students at assemblies or classroom presentations. We can provide classroom culture presentations to any interested teacher at any grade level.

The district's Native American Coordinator works weekly at Narrows View Intermediate, Drum Intermediate and Curtis Junior High School and to other schools upon request. The coordinator works either in one-on-one or in small groups to provide academic support in reading, math, and/or counseling to increase their grades and test scores.

Here are some of the services the University Place School District's Native American Education Program provides:

• Direct service, K-12 Math and Reading tutoring
• College prep support for participating Class of 2015 and 2014 cohort
• Work with counselors to advocate for Native students and families
• Take students on a culturally relevant field trip in the spring
• Provide classroom presentations or assemblies for all grade levels
• Assistance with student & family school costs

The child or parent DO NOT have to be an enrolled tribal member to take part in the program. For information on signing up for the program or other general program questions please contact us at the phone numbers below:

Jason LaFontaine, Manager: 253-778-7963

Kelly McClure, University Place School District Director of Special Services: 253-566-5645