8th graders at the Federal Way Public Academy are debating whether they are staying or leaving to go to another place. Most students will be staying after 8th grade, but many will be leaving for a variety of reasons.
Leaving FWPA has always been a decision for multiple families. Some families want their children to go to a high school, some want to switch because of location issues, and others for different reasons. Overall, 8th grade is the place where most families debate whether or not their kids should continue their journey at FWPA.
Isabela Sumalbag is one of the people that will be leaving FWPA. Isabela has been in this school since the very first day back in 6th grade. Isabela explained, “I want to experience a normal school, and I think I’ve already learned a lot from FWPA, such as work ethic, and I think that’s enough to carry with me through the rest of my school career.” Isabela will be leaving for Todd Beamer High School.
Next, Alexander Kulev, who has been at this school since the 6th grade, is leaving FWPA. Alexander claims, “I live too far away from this school.” Alexander has had many siblings who went to FWPA in the past, but due to distance, Alexander will be going to White River High School instead.
Lanah Ong is leaving as well. Lanah elaborates how, “I just want to experience a normal high school, but I really enjoy the overall community at this school.” Lanah will be leaving to go to Decatur High School, but she enjoyed connecting with the people at this school.
Jennifer Bui is leaving FWPA after this year. Jennifer has stayed in this school since 6th grade with the others, but will now be departing. Jennifer explains that, “I have thought a lot about this, but since I wanna do Running Start, I think I would rather spend my time at a regular high school. I feel like this school is more for people who like a smaller environment, so I feel like the experience at a traditional high school will be better for me.” Jennifer will be leaving to go to Thomas Jefferson High School, but she really enjoys how this school accepts people no matter their kind, and how well they maintain this school.
Transferring schools is sometimes needed for many reasons. People leaving FWPA is expected since that’s the process for every single school. People come, people go. Everyone needs their own environments that are fixed to best fit them in order to properly focus and continue their education journey. It takes time for people to figure out where they work best.
