Federal grant for Washington charter schools

SEATTLE, Wash. — The U.S. Department of Education has announced it will be giving grants to six charter schools in Washington state to help them open or expand.

Five local organizations and one charter management organization are getting the financial help. The money will go to Excel Public Charter School, First Place Scholars Charter School, PRIDE Prep Schools, Rainier Prep, SOAR Academies and Green Dot Public Schools.

According to the Washington State Charter Schools Association, the money will help the schools with start-up costs including building expenses, recruiting staff and technology purchases.

The five local schools are each getting at least $200,000. Green Dot will receive $2.5 million over three years to expand its each. The charter management organization has been authorized to open a school in Tacoma in fall 2015 and a school in Seattle in fall 2016.