Pinnacles Prep gala to power hands-on learning across the Wenatchee Valley

WENATCHEE — At Pinnacles Prep, the energy is less about settling into desks and more about getting to work.

That project-driven rhythm has become a signature of the tuition-free public charter school, where students move quickly from morning check-ins to field research, collaborative planning and partnerships that turn the Wenatchee Valley into a living classroom. On March 26, the community will have a chance to support that approach when Pinnacles Prep hosts its annual fundraising gala at Mercantile in downtown Wenatchee.

The event begins at 6:30 p.m. at 14 N. Wenatchee Ave. and will bring together families, educators, business partners and supporters of the school’s place-based learning model.

Pinnacles Prep serves students in grades six through 10 from across the valley. Its curriculum is built around hands-on projects tied to local landscapes, industries and culture, from environmental field studies and outdoor education to community art and internships with regional organizations. The goal is to give students work that feels immediate and relevant, while building the research, presentation and teamwork skills expected in college and careers.

As a public charter school, Pinnacles Prep operates with less per-student funding than traditional public school districts and does not receive local levy dollars. That gap shows up most clearly in the elements that happen beyond classroom walls — transportation to field sites, specialized project materials and the coordination required for real-world learning partnerships.

School leaders say the gala helps close that gap, ensuring students can take part in those experiences regardless of family income.

In past years, the event has served as both a fundraiser and a showcase for student work, with supporters hearing directly how projects connect to issues and opportunities in the region.

Tickets and sponsorship information are available at pinnaclesprep.org.

Andrew Simpson: 509-433-7626 or andrew@ward.media