WE EMPOWER EVERY CHILD IN OUR CARE
Welcome to Launch
We are a Seattle-based nonprofit founded in 1977 that provides effective, affordable early learning, before- & after-school enrichment, early preschool, and summer expanded learning opportunity programs for more than 800 children ages 2-12 annually — foundational years when our social-emotional and academic support help launch young lives on a trajectory of success.
OUR MISSION
Lead the charge to brilliant outcomes for the children of our community by ensuring equitable access to the highest-quality learning and care.
our values
We honor all social, economic, and cultural diversities. We welcome everyone and treat each other respectfully, fairly, and equitably.
With kindness and compassion, we acknowledge the well-being of the whole person. Our community is about achievement and the joy of doing/learning.
We continually strive to improve. We ask, evaluate, learn, and apply—to strengthen results that advance our mission.
We know that communication is key to building trust, consistency, and alignment. We listen with care and strive to be proactive, yet thoughtful.
We recognize our shared responsibility to each other, and to the children, families, and partners we serve. We are responsible for our actions, words, and attitudes.
We prioritize the physical and emotional safety of the children in our care.
What We Do
Research-Based Programs
Our current programs are anchored in 10 public elementary schools – nearly all are Title I schools – and three community centers in Central, Southeast, West Seattle, and Renton. We intentionally partner with underserved schools and communities where learning and support are most needed.
Early Preschool
The newest addition to our all-star lineup, this program is designed to provide children ages 2 to 3 with social, emotional and experiential learning opportunities to prepare them for preschool and beyond!
Play-Based Curriculum
Located at our Miller Annex location, the Early Preschool Program runs year round, Monday through Friday from 8am to 6pm. Children engage in play-based learning activities designed to foster creativity, curiousity, and development.
School Age
Our after-school programs serve children in grades K–5, with full-time enrichment programs during school breaks. The schedule allows time each day for nutritious snacks, academic work, outdoor play, and engaging enrichment activities.
Strong Relationships
Launch teachers collaborate with public school teachers to create lesson plans that maximize enrichment learning, identify student needs, and plan activities with specific learning objectives that support each child.
Play-based High Scope Curriculum
Launch uses the research-based HighScope curriculum, which provides developmentally appropriate practices that embrace the whole child and focus on building the skills necessary for a preschooler’s smooth transition into kindergarten.
Summer
Our culturally-inclusive, youth-led summer program runs for 9 weeks, Monday through Friday, from June to August. We incorporate youth voice into our themes and programming, and each week includes activities and field trips related to a specific theme.
Themes
Throughout Summer 2024, our students explored "Wonders of the World." The theme was selected and voted on by Launch students, and weekly themes included Ancient Wonders, Wonders of the Galaxy, Wonderful Bites of Seattle, and more!
Leading the Charge
Launch Impact
in Tuition Assistance provided to Launch families since 2019
in Tuition Assistance supported 76 students in the 2023 school year
of Launch families are low- to moderate-income
of Launch students are children of color (BIPOC)
of Launch families speak a language other than English at home
languages spoken by Launch families
of school-age students feel like they belong at Launch
of Launch preschoolers were Kindergarten-ready by Spring 2024
Launch locations throughout South, Central, and Southwest Seattle and Renton/Kent
Launch preschool students across Seattle and Renton
of Launch preschoolers are meeting/exceeding expectations before entering Kindergarten
of Launch school-age students felt supported by their teachers and peers
What’s Happening at Launch
