Multilingual Services

We are proud to serve a vibrant and diverse community of over 7,000 multilingual Learner (ML) scholars who bring more than 107 unique languages and cultures to Federal Way Public Schools.  Their perspectives, talents, and cultural assets enrich our district, making our schools stronger, more connected, and globally minded.

Here, you’ll find resources, information, and support designed to help our multilingual scholars thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. Whether you are a parent/family member, community partner, or staff member, we are grateful for your role in supporting the success of our scholars. Together, we celebrate the strengths of our multilingual community and work in partnership to ensure every scholar has the opportunity to learn, grow, and achieve their full potential.

Our work is grounded in the FWPS Strategic Plan, with a commitment to ensuring that each scholar thrives in an inclusive, affirming environment and is empowered with the tools to succeed in a globally competitive world. Through a focus on equity, academic excellence, and whole-child development, we strive to elevate and support every multilingual learner in reaching their highest aspirations.

In alignment with our district’s Strategic Plan:

• We believe that EVERY scholar can learn at the highest level.
• We believe that race, socioeconomics, language, cultural background, and other exceptionalities should not be predictors of student achievement.
• We believe that our scholars must have voice, see themselves in their schooling, and be connected to the adults that teach them.
• We believe that what we do in the classroom every day has the greatest impact on student learning.
• We believe that we must continually learn and grow in our practice if we are to meet the needs of all scholars.
• We believe that we must intentionally collaborate and use data as a guide to improve our practice.
• We believe that our families are critical partners in each child’s learning.

Did you know Federal Way Public Schools offers language services for families whose home language is not English? These services can be accessed in a variety of ways at no cost to families:

• By calling or emailing the school, teacher, school leader or district office
• Through district mailings, Synergy email, ParentSquare, notices, and the district website
• Leaving a voicemail message on the district’s designated language hotline, 253-945-2198.
• Schools and the district office offer live interpreter services through a language services provider

If you have any questions about language access, please contact the Multilingual Services Department at 253-945-2094.

For any questions or concerns, you may also reach out to the Civil Rights Compliance Officer at compliance@fwps.org.