About Us

The Alternative Parent Participation Learning Experience (APPLE) has been a Spokane Public Schools elementary education program since 1977. It was conceived and developed by Parents for Alternative Education, a parent group pursuing meaningful involvement in the public school education of their children. Learning is enriched by the cooperative participation of parents, teachers, students, administrators, and members of the larger community.  Since its visions and activities are driven by these diverse relationships, the program is dynamic. Each new year brings new faces, new dreams, and new beginnings to an ever-evolving program. Continuity is provided by adherence to the original mission of parent participation, and by long-term tenure of students, parents, and teachers. 

Students are the beneficiaries of this participation, as parents form partnerships with teachers to enrich learning.  APPLE seeks to educate the whole child with a balance among academic, intellectual, personal, and social development.  It employs traditional and innovative, research-based educational approaches. Where practical, it employs student selected, self-paced learning. 

Funds raised helped us provide curriculum and classroom supplies and fund learning experiences, such as STEM Robotics, "Creative College," “Arts in Action”, “World Cultures” and "Explore Spokane" programs which include field trips and enrichment experiences, STEM SCOPE magazine subscriptions,  DreamBox and Tumble Books Reading & Math programs, a greenhouse and community garden and so much more!