SEATTLE — At John Stanford International School in Wallingford, every student has the option to learn another language.
Liam, a third grader, is learning Japanese at school.
His mom, Peachie Aquino, emigrated from the Philippines and chose to enroll him at JSIS.
Now, after learning of the Seattle Public School District's consolidation plan to possibly convert option schools to attendance schools, Liam may be forced out of his dual language immersion program and move schools.
"They are essentially cutting access to marginalized groups to special programs that families rely on," Aquino said.
Aquino said a well-resourced school model misses the mark, especially for families like hers.
"This idea of a one-sized fixed approach does not support us," she added.
A similar situation could happen to Walton, a first grader at Thornton Creek Elementary, another option school.
"For us, it would mean Walton wouldn't get to go to school with his friends anymore, and he would lose access to the way he learns best," said Christie Matthaei, his mom.
Matthaei said the way her son learns best is expedition learning. She is hoping the district will reconsider its consolidation plan and the ripple effect it could have on other schools in the district, like Thornton Creek.
"We should be expanding the reach to communities so they are able to attend those schools. We should be opening them up bigger, not closing them down," Matthaei said.
Parents like Aquino and Matthaei came together this week to rally outside of district headquarters to try and get their message heard.
They believe the consolidation plan to close at least 17 schools "negatively impacts all students, especially those who are medically fragile, neurodivergent, or in general lack finances or support to cope with change."
"The real problem with this plan is it's all pain and no gain," said retired Seattle School Board Director Michael Debell.
Debell also has grandkids at JSIS. He knows the decision to close schools is difficult. He was part of the process in 2009 when five schools closed.
"Schools are the heart of our communities. It's where people bond. They are really, really important. The message is to be very careful and to support your schools in any way you can so that this outcome does not occur," Debell added.
Debell believes the consolidation plan and the plan to shift option schools to attendance schools will have a negative impact on enrollment.
"Seattle has already lost enrollment due to multiple factors, including families opting to attend neighboring districts. By repurposing popular option schools and restricting access based on boundary lines, the proposals would reduce enrollment further, punish well-performing schools, and alienate large portions of different ability learners," a statement sent to KING 5 from multiple parents read.
KING 5 reached out to the school district for comment and has not heard back as of Friday at 5:30 p.m.