Schools
SCHOOLS – WELCOME GUIDE
NOTE: This information was pulled from the Washington State OSPI and school district websites as of 2/5/25.
WHAT WASHINGTON STATE LAW SAYS…
Discrimination in schools: (WA State - RCW 28A.642.010): Discrimination in Washington public schools is prohibited based on race, creed, religion, color, national origin, sexual orientation including gender expression or identity, veteran or military status, the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability.
Washington State’s Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction’s Gender Inclusive Schools Policy can be accessed here: Gender-Inclusive Schools. All school districts were required by Jan. 31, 2020 to adopt or amend, if necessary, the policies and procedures that, at a minimum, incorporate all the elements of the Washington State School Directors’ Association (WSSDA) model “Gender-Inclusive Schools” policy and procedure, 3211/3211P.
KING COUNTY
SEATTLE PUBLIC SCHOOLS
LGBTQ+ Support Resources - Seattle Public Schools
The Seattle Public Schools Health Education Office provides resources to the district with the aim of creating and sustaining safe, supportive school environments. The district has robust LGBTQ programs and several Board policies in place to help protect transgender students, including names, pronouns, anti-harassment, anti-bullying, affirmation and inclusion.
There is a “Know Your Rights” section on the district website for trans and non-binary students, – Know Your Rights: Trans and Nonbinary Students - Seattle Public Schools
The district’s Rainbow Families Mailing List provides updates about annual LGBTQ+ Families events, panel discussions/focus groups, and parent education nights.
There are Gender-Sexuality Alliances in all comprehensive high schools and most middle schools. Some elementary schools include Rainbow Clubs. UTOPIA Washington also offers their MANA Youth Program at Chief Sealth and Cleveland High Schools.
Seattle School Contact:
LGBTQ+ Support
Sam Cristol
Project Program Coordinator
secristol@seattleschools.org
206-252-0882
EASTSIDE PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Eastside School District LGBTQ Policies
PFLAG has compiled extensive information on the LGBTQ+ policies and procedures of the eastside school districts including Bellevue, Issaquah, Lake Washington, Mercer Island, and Northshore. You can access links to these schools’ policies on the PFLAG website link above.
SHORELINE SCHOOL DISTRICT
The district includes the OSPI gender inclusive schools policy on its website, no other information provided. https://app.eduportal.com/documents/view/857597
Section titled “The district includes the OSPI gender inclusive schools policy on its website, no other information provided. https://app.eduportal.com/documents/view/857597”Shoreline Gender-Inclusive Schools Coordinator
Section titled “Shoreline Gender-Inclusive Schools Coordinator”Chhoun Mey, Executive Director of Equitable Leadership, Pedagogy, and Family Engagement
18560 1st Ave NE, Shoreline WA 98155
206-393-4775
chhoun.mey@ssd412.org
RENTON SCHOOL DISTRICT
Gender Inclusive Schools Policy posted on website:
Gender Inclusive Schools - Renton School District 403
The District’s Gender-Inclusive Schools Coordinator is:
Vickie Blakeney, Director of Student Support,
425.204.2429
300 SW 7th Street Renton, WA 98057.
KENT SCHOOL DISTRICT
There is no mention on their website of any LGBTQ+ resources or programs. There is one reference to LGBTQ students in the counseling section: Guidance & Counseling | iGrad
AUBURN SCHOOL DISTRICT
Emphasis on cultural diversity, no mention of additional transgender or LGBTQ resources other than standard State law. There is one LGBTQ group listed with other district affinity groups here:
Affinity Groups - ASD Cultural Celebrations
FEDERAL WAY PUBLIC SCHOOLS
The Office of Equity includes the state gender inclusive schools policy. There is no information on additional school support, student groups or other school-based resources.
Welcoming and Belonging for All Scholars, Staff, and Families Supporting Gender Inclusive Schools
ENUMCLAW PUBLIC SCHOOLS
The district’s main website does not contain any information about LGBTQ resources. However the gender inclusive school policy is posted under district policies – https://core-docs.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/2730/ESD/2072486/3211.pdf
https://core-docs.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/2730/ESD/2072488/3211P.pdf
HIGHLINE PUBLIC SCHOOLS
District website features a section on outside resources for LGBTQ+ students and gender inclusive school policies. LGBTQIA+ Resources - Highline Public Schools
TACOMA PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Tacoma Schools provides LGBTQ+ information on their website here:
Equity and Inclusion Resources - Tacoma Public Schools
Per the website, gender support and name change requests are directed to the individual school counselors. No further information is provided. The district’s anti-discrimination policies mostly address racism, there is some mention of gender identity and expression.Policy Details Page - Tacoma Public Schools
CENTRAL/EASTERN WASHINGTON
The central and eastern parts of Washington State tend to be more politically conservative, there are significantly fewer LGBTQ+ school-based programs. There may be specific schools that have student clubs or activities supporting the LGBTQ+ community.
SPOKANE AREA SCHOOLS
There is little information online about gender inclusive or LGBTQ+ resources on the school district’s website. A very small number of high schools included LGBTQ+ clubs such as Gay-Straight Alliance.
YAKIMA/TRI CITIES SCHOOLS
There is no information on the Yakima School District’s website other than the State anti-harassment policy and the Gender-Inclusive Schools policy.
The Kennewick, Pasco and Richland school districts do not include any information on their website about LGBTQ+ resources or groups, other than the State anti-harassment policy and Gender Inclusive Schools policy.