What is Ellensburg Big Picture?

Big Picture is a school where you learn by doing. You take your regular classes, but you also get to work on projects you care about and learn from real people in the community through job shadows and internships.

How do I get in?

You fill out an application and share why you want to join. Your attendance, grades, and counselor recommendations help us see if it’s a good fit.

What will I do here?

• Take core classes (math, English, science, etc.)

• Work on projects based on your interests

• Explore careers through internships

• Learn with the support of a teacher advisor

What skills will I grow?

You’ll build skills that matter for your future—like communication, problem-solving, reasoning, and being a self-directed learner.

What does Big Picture expect from me?

Show up, stay engaged, finish your projects, and be ready to learn in different ways. We check your progress each quarter to make sure the program is helping you succeed.

Need support?

We offer help for students with IEPs, 504s, MLL supports, or Highly Capable needs.

Home Connection offers a blend of core instruction, enrichment classes, and time for students to work with teacher support. Students attend on assigned days based on grade level.

Weekly Schedule Overview

• Kindergarten Core: Monday & Wednesday, 9:00–10:55

• Elementary Core (Grades 1–4): Tuesday & Friday, 9:00–11:25

• Elementary Enrichment (Grades K–5): Thursday, 9:00–10:25

• Middle School Enrichment (Grades 6–8): Thursday, 10:30–11:55

• Middle School Core (Grades 5–8): Thursday & Friday, 12:00–3:00

• BYOW (Bring Your Own Work):

  • Monday, 11:00–12:00

  • Wednesday, 11:30–12:30

Parent meetings with Mrs. Varnum are available by appointment.

Program Descriptions

• Core Instruction (Grades K–8):
  4–6 hours weekly of teacher-led instruction focused on priority standards, shared between family and teacher.

• Enrichment (Grades K–8):
  1.5-hour weekly class with theme-based ELA and STEAM activities.

• BYOW Sessions:
  2-hour blocks where students bring work from home and receive support with new concepts or at-home curriculum.

For questions or scheduling support, please contact the Choice Schools office.

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Ellensburg Virtual Academy (EVA) offers a fully online learning option for students in grades K–12. Full-time EVA students take six online courses taught by Washington State–certified teachers through Edgenuity Instructional Services.

• Elementary: Full-time enrollment only

• Middle & High School: Half-time or full-time enrollment available

• All courses are asynchronous, allowing students to work from home on a flexible schedule

Students must make weekly progress in each class and meet expectations at monthly progress checks to remain enrolled.

For full details, please visit the EVA webpage.

Summary: Understanding ALE vs. Home-Based Instruction in Washington State

Washington State requires families to understand the differences between public school options, private school enrollment, and home-based instruction. Each student may be enrolled in only one type of educational program at a time.

Public School (Including ALE Programs)

Students enrolled full time in a public school—or an Alternative Learning Experience (ALE) such as Big Picture, Home Connection, or EVA—are considered public school students.
They must follow:

• Attendance requirements

• Course and grading expectations

• State and district assessments

• Graduation requirements

Public school programs use district-approved curriculum and materials.

Home-Based Instruction (Homeschooling)

Families choosing Home-Based Instruction (HBI) file a Declaration of Intent each year and take full responsibility for instruction.
Home-based students:

• Are not enrolled in public school

• Do not use public school curriculum

• Do not have to take state or district assessments

• Can only graduate from a public high school if they meet all state, district, and school graduation requirements

Public schools are not required to provide curriculum or instruction to HBI students.

Private School Students

Students enrolled in an approved private school:

• Are not public school students

• Do not follow public school rules or assessment requirements

• Must meet all state and district requirements if they later seek a public school diploma

Part-Time Enrollment

Home-based or private school students may take individual public school classes if space is available.
When they attend a public school course, they must follow:

• Course requirements

• Public school attendance expectations

• School behavior and grading policies

Classes taught by the parent or private school remain separate from public school responsibility.