DID YOU KNOW?
Over a five-year period, students’ SAT scores averaged 1,260 points compared to the national average of 1,000 points.
Typically, 20 percent of a Charles Wright graduating class are National Merit Scholars or Commended Students.
Charles Wright offers more Advanced Placement courses – the equivalent of college courses – than any other high school in the South Puget Sound area.
Minority students account for 28 percent of the student body.
In the last decade, Charles Wright students consistently earned top honors among the State of Washington’s journalism students.
Charles Wright grants over $1.3 million in financial assistance to 21% of the student body.
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Karen Burdick
Kindergarten
Karen Burdick teaches kindergarten. “So much can be done with children when you have small classes,” she says. “Having come from teaching two half-day kindergarten classes with 24 students in each class, the benefits of having 16 students all day are so clear.”
One of Burdick’s students called her at home one evening to tell her he’d lost a tooth. “I was thrilled with the news and to be able to share in his excitement,” she recalls. “It truly illustrates the bond we form with kids here. The hugs and ‘I love yous’ we get all the time show the children are in a happy place.”
Burdick grew up in the Tacoma area. She received her bachelors degree in education from Western Washington University and her masters degree from the University of Puget Sound. Her parents participated in clearing the grounds around Charles Wright back in the early days of the school with other members of local Episcopal churches.
“After years of driving by and telling my daughter that someday I wanted to teach at Charles Wright, my dream came true when a kindergarten position opened and I was hired,” Burdick says. “Kindergartners are valued as learners here and are given so many opportunities. It’s a phenomenal place to be!”
One of Burdick’s students called her at home one evening to tell her he’d lost a tooth. “I was thrilled with the news and to be able to share in his excitement,” she recalls. “It truly illustrates the bond we form with kids here. The hugs and ‘I love yous’ we get all the time show the children are in a happy place.” Burdick grew up in the Tacoma area. She received her bachelors degree in education from Western Washington University and her masters degree from the University of Puget Sound. Her parents participated in clearing the grounds around Charles Wright back in the early days of the school with other members of local Episcopal churches.
“After years of driving by and telling my daughter that someday I wanted to teach at Charles Wright, my dream came true when a kindergarten position opened and I was hired,” Burdick says. “Kindergartners are valued as learners here and are given so many opportunities. It’s a phenomenal place to be!”
