Welcome to the Washington Middle School Magnet Page. Our magnet program at Washington is named the C.A.T.S. Academy which is an acronym for Computer Assisted Thematic Science. The C.A.T.S. Academy magnet program which started in 1990 is the only one of it's kind in the Yakima School District that immerses students into environment rich in computer technology to integrate the subjects of math, science, and computer technology into 2-3 week thematic units of practice. At Washington the C.A.T.S. Academy is offered at all three grade levels 6-8. The emphasis at 6th grade is physical science, life science at 7th grade, and earth science at 8th grade. Multimedia experiences offer students the opportunity to explore the subjects of math, and science while applying all types of technology into numerous hands on experiences. The C.A.T.S. magnet program is for the independent and self-directed learner. The curriculum is driven by the Yakima School District student learning objectives as well as the Washington State Essential Learnings. A vast variety of resources are use e.g. books, software, CD ROMs, Internet, as well as quality instructors.
Application is open to all students residing within the Yakima School District. Students from other districts may apply but will be placed only if a program is not filled by Yakima Students. At student who is accepted and is successful in a magnet progam continues in that building's program without re-applying. Students applying for magnet classes should demonstrate an interest in, and be capable of performing average work. Contact the Yakima School District's director of central registration (Gene Rosvold 573-7025) for more information and applications.
