State-Tribal Education Compact Schools (STECs)
In 2013 the Washington state Legislature passed Engrossed Second Substitute House Bill (E2 SHB) 1134: Authorizing state-tribal education compact schools. The bill authorizes the Superintendent of Public Instruction to enter into state-tribal education compacts. This act exempts schools that are the subjects of state-tribal education compacts from all existing state statutes and rules regarding school districts and district boards of directors; establishes standards for teachers, staff, and curriculum; outlines admissions policies and school funding; and establishes reporting requirements on student enrollment. Compact schools are encouraged to implement early learning pilot programs. The Department of Early Learning is directed to form a working group to develop early learning pilot programs.
The Office of Native Education (ONE) provides consultation to eligible Federally recognized tribes and BIE schools located in Washington state who are interested in starting a STECs.
STECs Guidance
ONE has developed STECs guidance for the application and operation of a STEC school. A revised version is forthcoming.
STECs Application
2024-2025 Tribal Compact Application
Types of Tribal Schools
State-Tribal Education Compact Schools are operated according to the terms of a state-tribal education compact.
BIE Tribally Controlled Grant Schools are funded by the BIE and operated according to grant and (if applicable) inter-local agreement terms.
BIE Contract Schools are funded by the BIE and operated according to the terms of a contract with the BIE and (if applicable) any inter-local agreement.
Schools by Type and Contact Information
State-Tribal Education Compact
Chief Kitsap Academy (6–12)
Suquamish Tribe
Brenda Guerrero, Suquamish Education Director/CKA Superintendent
15801 Creative Dr. NE
Poulsbo, WA 98370
360-394-8566
State-Tribal Education Compact & BIE Tribally Controlled Grant
Chief Leschi Schools (K–12)
Puyallup Tribal School System
Don Brummett, Interim Superintendent
5625-52 Street East
Puyallup, WA 98371
253-445-6000
Lummi Nation Schools (K–12)
Dr. Lexie Tom, Interim Director of Education
2334 Lummi View Drive
Bellingham, WA 98226-9277
360-758-3149
Muckleshoot Tribal Schools (K–12)
Eric Wyand, Superintendent
15209 SE 376th Street
Auburn, WA 98092
253-931-6709
Quileute Tribal School (K–12)
Sarah Decker, Principal
12181 La Push Rd.
La Push, WA 98350
360-963-4100
State-Tribal Education Compact & BIE Contract
Wa He Lut Indian School (K–8)
Harvey Whitford, Principal
11110 Conine Avenue SE
Olympia, WA 98503
(Nisqually Community/Franks Landing)
360-456-1311
Yakama Nation Tribal Jr./Sr. High School (8–12)
Raynel Begay, Superintendent
601 Linden St.
Toppenish, WA 98948
509-865-4778
BIE Tribally Controlled Grant
Paschal Sherman Indian School (K–9)
Colville Confederated Tribes (Cooperative Agreement with Omak S.D.)
Waylon Michel, Principal
169 North End Omak Lake Rd.
Omak, WA 98841
509-422-7590
Current STECs
Below are the State-Tribal Compact Schools currently operating in Washington state.