Federal Way Public Academy

Federal Way Public Academy (FWPA) is a unique, choice-based public school serving students in grades 6 through 12 within the Federal Way Public Schools district. Distinguished by its small-school environment and rigorous academic focus, the academy is centered on a core knowledge curriculum that emphasizes traditional liberal arts, critical thinking, and a structured learning atmosphere. By maintaining a smaller student population compared to traditional middle and high schools, FWPA fosters a tight-knit community where teachers can provide more personalized attention and mentorship to students.

The school is well-regarded for its emphasis on college and career readiness, often requiring students to adhere to a specific dress code and a curriculum designed to prepare them for higher education success. Because it is a choice school, students typically apply to attend, drawing families who are seeking a disciplined, academic-first environment that prioritizes academic achievement and character development. Overall, Federal Way Public Academy serves as an alternative for students who thrive in a more focused, intimate setting that bridges the gap between middle school foundational learning and advanced high school scholarship.