Congratulations to the Wesley team and its visionary leader, Kevin Anderson. Academy school is an example of mission and philanthropy combining to produce an innovative program that will impact the lives of young and older generations and for generations to come. The social-mindedness and human caring behind the Academy school comes at a time we all need inspiration and hope for a brighter future.  Deb Murphy, MPA, J.D., President/Chief Executive Officer, LeadingAge Washington

Jeff Bezos announced that his nonprofit, Day 1 Academies Fund, is opening the first Bezos Academy school—a Montessori-inspired preschool in Des Moines, Wash. The school will be on the campus of Wesley Retirement Community in Des Moines.  

The school, which will offer year-round programing for children ages three to five—prioritizing admission to low-income families—will be in a standalone building provided by Wesley. The Day 1 Academies Fund team has redesigned, remodeled, and furnished it, and have hired staff and teachers. 

“This classroom is just the beginning,” Bezos posted. “The @bezosacademy opens its doors on Oct. 19. This one in Des Moines, WA, is the first of many free preschools that we’ll be opening for underserved children. Extra kudos to the team for figuring out how to make this happen even amidst COVID, and to Wesley for stepping up with the facility.” 

You can find the full story in the Kent Reporter or GeekWire 

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Alyssa Odegaard- Vice President, Public Policy 

c: 206.948.2279