EDUCATIO Kittitas County offers educational opportunities for students of all ages, from preschool to college.
Central Washington University has long been a cornerstone of the community, and is Ellensburg’s biggest employer. The school is known for its internationally accredited college of business, education programs and music department. A new science building for the geology and physics programs opened in fall 2016, and a recent remodel of the Hogue Technology building made it one of the nation’s most advanced facilities for industrial and engineering technology. On the K-12 level, the Ellensburg School District is the county’s largest, with three elementary schools, a middle school and Ellensburg High School. School districts in Kittitas, Cle Elum-Roslyn, Thorp and Easton also provide high-quality education to the county’s students.
CENTRAL WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY
Central Washington University offers bachelor’s degrees and master’s degrees for more than 135 majors and graduates about 3,000 students a year. The public, fouryear university has eight campuses statewide, with the main campus in Ellensburg. CWU has an average class size of 20 students and a student-faculty ratio of 18-to-1. Students can take advantage of more than 125 clubs, organizations and associations and 13 varsity athletic teams, cheered on by CWU mascot Wellington the Wildcat. Contact CWU at 509-963-1111 or visit www.cwu.edu.
CWU CONTINUING EDUCATION
Central Washington University offers a learning extension program for people within the CWU community. The program offers classes for career training and professional development, certificated fields, and manages the high school Running Start program. Contact CWU Continuing Education at 509-963-1712 or visit www.cwu.edu/ce.
YAKIMA VALLEY COMMUNITY COLLEGE ADULT EDUCATION
Yakima Valley Community College’s adult education program in Ellensburg offers high school diploma and GED programs to adults looking to finish high school. Contact YVCC Adult Ed Learning Center in Ellensburg at 509-201-1269. The center is on Mountain View Avenue.
ELLENSBURG HIGH SCHOOL
Ellensburg High School offers rigorous academics with several Advanced Placement and Running Start classes. Extra-curricular activities include Bulldogs athletics, fall plays and winter musicals, the Alutant student newspaper, band, choir and orchestra, academic clubs, the Associated Student Body and the National Honor Society. EHS has about 900 students. Contact EHS at 509-925-8300 or visit www. esd401.org/ehs. The principal is Beau Snow.
EXCEL HIGH SCHOOL
Excel High School is an alternative high school program for the Ellensburg School District on the campus of Central Washington University. Students pursue high school curriculum adapted to individual students. Contact Excel through Ellensburg High School at 509-925-8300 or visit www.esd401.org/. 1 8
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