The state Senate on Thursday passed Senate Bill 5496, which gives private schools the same ability to offer online school programs as public schools. Locally, the bill, prime-sponsored by Sen. John Braun, R-Centralia, would help schools like Centralia Christian School and St. Joseph Catholic School.
“Right now public schools have the ability to provide online programs through the 12th grade. This bill would grant private schools in Washington state the same capability,” Braun said. “Parents should have choices regarding their children’s education, and this bill allows more options.”
Parents in rural areas with transportation issues will also benefit from the bill, according to Braun.
“There are families living in rural areas of my district who would like to send their kids to private school, but do not have enough time to travel great distances to the school every day. This bill gives them the option of placing their children in a private school through an online curriculum,” he said.
Senate Bill 5496 passed with a unanimous vote.
