Capital Campaign

Who is APL, and who does it serve? 

Academy for Precision Learning (APL) is a Seattle-based nonprofit K-12 school dedicated to affirming the agency and dignity of neurodivergent students through highly individualized, inclusive, and evidence-based education. Our unique model serves students with a broad range of sensory, social, language, and behavioral needs, students who are often underserved or overlooked by traditional public and private schools. At APL, every student is seen, valued, and supported in their academic, social, and emotional growth. 

Why is APL so special? 

Our approach centers on small class sizes (3–7 students) and a 1:4 faculty-to-student ratio, ensuring each learner receives personalized attention. We provide sensory-friendly spaces, a team of specialized educators and therapists, embedded speech, occupational, and behavioral therapies that address the whole child. Strong community support from families, alumni, and stakeholders is integral to our mission of providing a comprehensive continuum of care for neurodivergent youth in Washington state. 

As a certified non-public agency (NPA) through the Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI), APL partners with 10 school districts to subsidize enrollment for students whose needs cannot be met elsewhere. Other families pay tuition to access our transformative, inclusive environment. Yet, the need for specialized education is growing rapidly— 1 in 36 children are now diagnosed with autism, according to the CDC. And particularly in these times, equity in access for neurodivergent people remains an imperative. 

Recognized for our equitable, affirming approach, APL serves students with a range of neurodivergent profiles, led by neurodivergent educators. Since 2007, we’ve remained committed to inclusiveness, supporting families through scholarships, district contracts, and fundraising. 

What is the purpose of this capital campaign? 

Affirming Education: The APL Campus Campaign is a two-phase campaign. Phase one, launched in March 2025, moves us into our new facility in August 2025. It continues now to apportion the capital improvements necessary for the 2025-2026 school year. Phase two, beginning mid-year 2026, provides operational support and covers building occupancy costs. Phase two is devoted more toward improved experiences of our students, broadened regional advocacy impact.  

Why is this project necessary now? 

APLs U-Heights and Roosevelt campuses are a 15-minute walk apart. Uniting APL under one roof will eliminate spending on operating costs across two facilities. This will also save time for staff, educators, and families while streamlining educational and therapeutic programs.  

A single campus fosters expanded inter-age learning, enhanced community-building, and role modeling. Opportunities will be expanded for individuals in project-based learning and collaborations, including potential sensory gardens, recreation areas, and partnerships with local businesses.  

APL will be better positioned to lead model neurodivergent education, amplify student voices, and lead advocacy and partnerships within the broader community.  

How will APL impact the greater community and civic space? 

• Support for neurodivergent education strengthens society by delivering a more educated workforce and talent pool, reduces stigma for the broader neurodivergent community, and creates social justice—keys to APL’s vision. 

• A permanent, purpose-built home fills a vital gap in inclusive education, attracts families and professionals to Seattle, and foster innovation in human-centered learning. A new, unified building would bring an expansion of services, creating more jobs in education and clinical fields within the local economy. 

• A more inclusive talent pool. Neurodivergent conditions like ADHD, autism, and dyslexia can provide valuable workplace strengths, such as focus, analytical ability, and pattern recognition. With proper accommodation and support, neurodiverse employees drive innovation and performance. We prepare our students to thrive on their future path. 

• Destigmatizing difference with inclusive K-12 education reduces stigma and promotes social integration, helping build a more equitable society where all cognitive and behavioral profiles are valued. 

• Social justice helps neurodiverse students thrive. APL reduces unemployment and reliance on social services, preventing future inequities and supporting community stability. We also collectively take a stand for the values that we hold for the Seattle area as a place of inclusion and possibility. 
   

Will this campaign affect annual giving or other fundraising efforts? 

The Capital Campaign separated from the annual campaign, meaning a portion of Phase One and Phase Two campaign goals are exclusive of annual operational expenses. The annual campaign will continue to engage donors wishing to support our ongoing work. 

Fees from the Seattle School District, tuition costs, and other income still leave an income gap of $7,000 per student. Our annual campaign allows us to meet that need.  

We hope capital campaign visibility will amplify awareness and interest in our unique school and the important, affirming education model we deploy.  

Who is leading the campaign? 

Laura Barringer, Head of School, is leading the campaign with the partnership of our Board of Directors. Board member Claire Horton is the campaign chair, and the venerable educational advocate Paula Smith is serving as our Honorary Chair. is serving as our Honorary Chair. 

What is the benefit for the students and the community? 

We will streamline our educational and therapeutic programs starting with the 2025-2026 school year. The unified camps will foster inter-age learning, community building, and role modeling; it also expands opportunities for individualized, project-based learning and collaborations, including potential sensory gardens, recreation areas, and partnerships with local business.  

APL is better positioned to model and advance innovative neurodivergent education, amplifying student voices, and leading advocacy and partnerships within the Northwest community.  

What is the overall fundraising goal? 

The overall goal is $3M: $2M for Phase One and $1M for Phase Two. 

The Affirming Education capital campaign is separate from our annual fundraising goal. Affirming Education is focused on major gifts of $5,000 or larger toward the new building and renovation needs. Smaller donations are allotted for our annual fund which helps support the funds for general operations. 

How will the funds be used? 

Campaign funds will be appropriated in the following manner: 
Phase One (2025) Moving Expenses: $500,000; Physical Space Customization and Amelioration: $1,000,000; Hardware, Computers, and Technology: $500,000

Phase Two (2026) will support update expenditures: $1M. Assuring enormous potential for programming, enrollment, and other expansions as we look towards a renewed strategic plan of our 20th anniversary year, 2027. 

How will campaign funds be managed and reported? 

Donations to our capital campaign are publicly recognized by donor name and giving category in annual or campaign reports, with privacy honored as requested. Campaign funds are kept in a dedicated account and tracked separately. All pledges are recorded as "temporarily restricted" revenue, with detailed records for each gift. Regular financial monitoring, reporting, and audits ensure transparency and compliance. Funds are released as milestones are met, and donors receive acknowledgement letters with tax disclosures, following IRS and accounting standards. 

Where are the new buildings located? 

 The new campus is located at 1432 15th Ave (the former SAAS/TDHS site), with move-in July and use in September for the start of the 2025-2026 school year.  

How will a new building improve the school? 

Our current facilities, separated into two buildings a 15-minute walk apart, are stretched to capacity and lack critical resources, putting our ability to serve students and families at risk. Imperatively, the buildings do not have fencing or a security perimeter, exposing our students and families to annoyances and risks from street incidents and other concerns. Safety is a vital priority. 

Without immediate investment in a suitable new facility, we face turning away more students and jeopardizing the well-being and future success of our learners. We must secure a campus that matches our community’s needs and ensures APL’s continued leadership in neurodivergent education. If we do not act now, our students, families, and the broader community will face significant negative consequences. 

We have identified a school building in the Capitol Hill neighborhood (1432 15th Ave.) that will become our new home. This centrally located, ADA-compliant campus will support future growth and expanded enrollment while preserving our individualized approach. With safe, accessible amenities and natural light, it will provide a welcoming environment for all. The $2.5 million Affirming Education Campaign, backed by anchor partners, will secure our summer 2025 move-in and ensure APL’s lasting impact in neurodivergent education and advocacy. 

How long will the campaign last? 

The campaign was launched in March 2025, after an early feasibility phase and identification of 60% probable Leadership partners. Our goal is to complete Phase One of the campaign by March 2026 and Phase Two by January 2027. 

How will my gift be publicly recognized? Can I give anonymously? 

We honor the decision of each of our donors. If you wish to make your contribution to the Affirming Education Campaign anonymous, please let us know. 

Are there naming opportunities or special recognitions? 

There are a variety of naming opportunities starting at the $40,000 level, and additional Community Gift naming opportunities will be launched in Fall 2025. We will be acknowledging all Campaign Donors in our reports and through an onsite installation in our new facility. 

How can I make a gift or pledge? 

APL can accept gifts of check, cash, transfer of stock, or online. Please click here for further information. 

Are donations tax-deductible? 

Yes, APL is a 501(c)(3) organization, and all gifts are tax-deductible. Online transactions generate a receipt for your records. Other payment methods, cash and check, will receive an email confirmation after processing.  (EIN: 91-2143623) 

Can I spread my pledge over time? 

You may contact Michael Baldovino, Development and Communications Coordinator, at development@aplschool.org to discuss setting up a pledge schedule. 

Can my employer match my gift? 

We love employer matches! Please check with your company's HR department and let them know you have or will be making a charitable donation to Academy for Precision Learning and let us know the amount of match they will provide, and what actions we may need to take to assist with that transaction.  

How can I get involved as a volunteer or advocate? 

We welcome volunteers from the community who can help serve as Ambassadors for the Campaign! If you would like to host a donor engagement or corporate event, or if you are able to help introduce us to other potential partners in our Puget Sound region, we would love to talk with you to design an action plan. Please contact Michael Baldovino, Development and Communications Coordinator, at development@aplschool.org to learn more about other ways to support APL and our cause.