Why Not You Academy

Why Not You Academy is an open, independent charter public high school district operating a single campus in Des Moines, Washington. Situated along Pacific Highway South within the suburban Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue metropolitan region, the academy serves high school students across grades 9 through 12. As an autonomous local education agency for federal programs, the school provides a focused secondary education designed to prepare young adults for higher education and career paths in a modern, suburban learning environment.

The academy cultivates a close-knit and diverse learning environment, currently educating 126 students across its freshman through senior cohorts. A vibrant student body—comprising a rich mix of Black, Hispanic, White, Asian, Pacific Islander, and multiracial learners—benefits from an impressive commitment to individualized instruction. With 16 full-time equivalent teachers supported by dedicated instructional aides and non-instructional staff, the school maintains an exceptionally low student-to-teacher ratio of roughly eight to one. This strong staffing context allows educators to offer tailored academic guidance and personalized mentorship, making Why Not You Academy a compelling choice for prospective families and an informative model for educational researchers studying suburban public charter initiatives.