Bezos Academy Preschool Comes To Renton In 2022

RENTON, WA — Renton has finalized a deal to welcome Washington's eighth Bezos Academy preschool next year, approving a 15-year lease at the North Highlands Neighborhood Center. The schools are part of the Amazon founder's "Bezos Day One Fund," and are billed as a tuition-free, "Montisorri-style" preschool option for low-income families.

The Amazon founder announced the opening of the first Bezos Academy in nearby Des Moines in October 2020. Renton's will operate at the North Highlands Neighborhood Center after renovations are complete, with a target to start welcoming preschoolers sometime next year.

"Finding quality and affordable preschool programming is difficult for many of our families, and COVID has increased that challenge," said Renton Mayor Armondo Pavone. "Adding the Bezos Academy is an investment in our children by providing them quality programming during their critical development years."

According to the city, families earning up to 400 percent of the federal poverty line — which equals $106,000 for a family of four — are eligible to apply. The Bezos Academy plans to share an opening date and details about how to apply early next year. Students will be selected by lottery from a list of eligible applicants.

Learn more about the new school on the Bezos Academy website.