Impact | Puget Sound Elementary: A Story of Collaboration at Its Core

Puget Sound Elementary (PSE) in the U.S. exemplifies community collaboration at its heart. From day one, parents, local organisations, and community members actively shaped the school’s vision. This early involvement has ensured that PSE reflects the values and aspirations of its families, creating a school that genuinely serves its community. This commitment to partnership has earned PSE global recognition as one of the Top 10 Shortlisted schools for the World’s Best School Prizes for Community Collaboration.

At PSE, collaboration goes beyond the classroom—it’s foundational to how learning takes place. The school champions Project-Based Learning (PBL), where lessons are tied to real-world contexts, keeping students engaged and invested in their education. In addition to PBL, Social Emotional Learning (SEL) plays a central role in the curriculum, ensuring students develop crucial life skills alongside academic knowledge.

Each student’s unique needs are met through dedicated “WIN” (What I Need) Time, providing tailored support and fostering a more inclusive environment. Collaboration is also a key pillar among staff. Every Friday, teachers engage in professional development, sharing best practices and refining their teaching methods together. This culture of continuous growth is supported by bi-weekly training sessions, helping staff remain on the cutting edge of education while working collaboratively to deliver the best learning experience for their students.

With 17 languages spoken among its families, PSE’s community is incredibly diverse. This diversity enriches the school but also brings communication challenges. To ensure every family feels included, PSE offers translation services, employs teachers from diverse backgrounds, and uses a platform with automated translation features. These efforts reflect PSE’s commitment to making sure every voice is heard and valued, promoting a truly inclusive environment where families can feel connected to their child’s education.

PSE’s collaborative approach has had a profound impact on its students. One success story involves a young boy who, after facing behavioural challenges in nursery, found a fresh start at PSE. Through a personalised SEL plan and close collaboration with his family, the student made remarkable progress, thriving in his new environment. The student’s behavior improved dramatically, and the family now expresses gratitude every morning. PSE has truly changed their lives. His family is so grateful that every time they come to the school they thank everybody in their way.

Another example comes from a 4th-grade student who struggled in previous schools but blossomed at PSE through consistent routines and a nurturing environment, transitioning from a struggling learner to a confident student. Initially performing significantly below grade level, the student’s potential was hindered by their circumstances. However, with the support and resources provided at PSE, he emerged as a high-achieving student by the time of graduation, finally able to showcase their true capabilities.

These stories demonstrate the transformative power of collaboration. By fostering a supportive, community-driven approach, PSE has been able to change the trajectory of its students’ lives.

Collaboration: The Foundation of PSE’s Success

At Impact | Puget Sound Elementary, collaboration is more than just a strategy—it’s the essence of the school’s identity. From the outset, the involvement of the community has shaped PSE’s ethos, while its commitment to personalised learning and professional development has built a dynamic educational model. PSE’s recognition as a Top 10 Shortlisted school for the World’s Best School Prizes for Community Collaboration is a testament to its success.

The school’s example shows how education can be transformed through collaboration, creating lasting impacts on students, families, and the broader community.