Rising Star Elementary PTA

Rising Star Elementary serves 327 scholars in South Seattle. Our students bring diverse strengths and cultures to our school, yet many face obstacles to academic success. With 71% of students qualifying as low-income and a large number learning English as a second language, access to resources like tutoring and afterschool enrichment is often out of reach. COVID-related school closures only widened these educational gaps, as many students lacked internet access or had to share limited connections with family members.

Research shows that small-group and one-on-one tutoring can help close these learning gaps. As The Seattle Times noted, "Research emphasizes the efficacy of high-dosage, one-on-one tutoring in

addressing learning gaps." We also know early intervention is crucial: students who fall behind third-grade reading levels are four times more likely to drop out of high school."

This is why the Rising Star Elementary PTA is committed to offering free, high-quality tutoring and enrichment programs for students who need academic support. Our program currently runs only three

days a week and includes snacks, engaging activities, and targeted one-on-one or small-group tutoring sessions. With the right support, we know our students can thrive.

However, sustaining this program costs over $50,000 annually. Rising Star PTA receives limited financial support. We’re reaching out to the broader community to help us ensure this program will continue for the academic year 2025/2026.

Our school has been showing progress in grades with the tutoring pilot program held last academic year. In the 2024/2025 academic year, Rising Star tutoring program had a 90% attendance rate with over 100 students enrolled.

 

Here is an idea of how our tutor program was successful:

1 st Grade (22 students enrolled) 18% reading below grade level in Fall. 0% reading below grade level in Spring.

2 nd grade (18 students enrolled) 33% reading below grade level in Fall. 0% reading below grade level in Spring.

3 rd Grade (21 students enrolled) 48% reading below grade level in Fall. 26% reading below grade level in Spring.

4 th Grade (22 students enrolled) 54% reading below grade level in Fall. 28% reading below grade level in Spring.

5 th Grade (19 students enrolled) 42% reading below grade level in Fall. 39% reading below grade level in Spring.

With the PTA's support and a strong academic staff we know that securing the tutoring and afterschool programming will be the extra help our students need. The funds raised will go towards extending the learning and enrichment of the aftercare program. 

Any donation, big or small, helps us move closer to our goal. Thank you for supporting our students’ success!