Every student is welcome in the Kent School District (KSD). It is important for our teachers, school administrators, and district office staff to create safe environments that offer care, compassion, and mutual respect.
"Our students are at the center of everything we do. We prioritize their safety, well-being, and education. By working together with families, educators, and the broader community, we will keep the focus on our students and schools by providing a supportive and inclusive environment."
Superintendent Israel Vela
KSD will continue to align our core values of equity, excellence, and community in support of our students and families.
We will maintain a welcoming environment for all children with celebrations such as KSD Welcomes the World Day.
We will uphold our practice that a child’s immigration status has no impact on their educational program in KSD.
We will maintain a student’s constitutional right to equal access to education, regardless of a student’s or parent’s immigration status.
We understand that a student’s rights are protected by the Constitution and a student’s right to access public education cannot be taken away by the president, the state, or federal legislators.
KSD will continue to enroll students regardless of immigration status, and without discrimination based on race, religion, or national origin.
Privacy is Protected: Your privacy, and that of your child, is a priority. By law, we are required to protect this information, including citizenship status. This is a fundamental right under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), and we take it seriously.
Education for All: Every child has the right to learn and grow, regardless of citizenship or immigration status. In our district, we do not ask for or collect information about citizenship as part of enrollment. Your child is welcome and valued here, always.
Respect and Confidentiality: Our staff members are here to support your children and you. Our staff members are not allowed to ask about or discuss a student’s or family’s citizenship status with anyone unless explicitly authorized to do so, and even then, with the utmost sensitivity.
Safe and Inclusive Environment: Discrimination or mistreatment based on real or perceived citizenship status has no place in our schools. We strive to make every classroom a space where students can feel safe, seen, and celebrated.
Trust in Reporting: While school staff are mandatory reporters for issues related to abuse or neglect to ensure student safety, reporting a student or family’s immigration status is not part of that responsibility.
Guidance Without Judgment: We encourage any family with questions or concerns about privacy or legal rights to seek out trusted legal resources.
We are committed to providing a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment for every student, family and staff member, no matter the background, story, or circumstances. Our goal is for every child to walk through our doors feeling valued and respected. To affirm this commitment, there are many Kent School District policies and procedures in place.
Currently, public schools within the state of Washington, including Kent School District, are guided by the Washington State Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) Immigrant Students' Rights to Attend Public Schools.
There are counselors available to support students and we partner with Hazel Health, a free mental health services provider. Visit the Hazel Health website to learn more and sign up.
