Yes!
Cascade's culture is very warm and welcoming. Many of the problems that happen at neighborhood schools just don't happen at Cascade, or happen with significantly less frequency because of all the adults (staff and families) in the building watching kids to make sure they're supported. The adult to student ratio at Cascade is MUCH higher than anywhere else and most adults are happy to help any kid who needs a hand.
Many of our students need extra support and this is fine and normal at Cascade. Some kids come here to recover from a traumatic school experience and then go back to a neighborhood school after they feel recovered. Others recover and stay until the end of 8th grade because this environment works so much better for them.
Being LGBTQIA+ or disabled is not stigmatized. A kid who has a meltdown at school will not feel weird or isolated because all of our students have been there, either themselves or through supporting a friend or sibling. Needing support from special ed staff or a parent in class is totally mundane and normal.
When conflicts arise between students, our counseling and special education staff is excellent at helping kids work through their feelings separately and then together to repair any damage that has been done.
The library and counseling office are across the hall from each other at the center of our North Queen Anne Building and together they form the heart of Cascade. Lloyanne, Ann, and Debi are all amazing at making kids (and adults!) feel safe, loved, and welcome.
Principal Owen genuinely cares about every student at Cascade. He's often busy since he's in charge of all three separate programs, but he will *always* make time for a kid (or parent) who needs help.
Lucy runs the front office and knows everyone. She (they) is available to print, make copies, or unlock the school refrigerator to get a meal for you.
Aldona is our registrar and often stays behind the scenes, but she makes sure we can sign up for classes and if you need help transferring in or out of Cascade, she will make it happen. She will also come chat with you about the Mariners any time you want!
Chris is our custodian. He keeps the school clean and the facility running smoothly. He's the one to ask if you need a door unlocked! (Parents are responsible for picking up after themselves and their kids outside of class.)
And lastly, our amazing teachers (certificated and contractor) and instructional assistants are fabulous at helping kids succeed. Lab classes are especially great in terms of helping kids gain missing skills without feeling like there's anything wrong with them. Our mixed age classrooms are great at accommodating kids who are above or below average for their grades. (HC and AL qualified students can usually take certificated classes 1 or 2 grades above their official level.)
