
“During this week, I experienced the privilege of being a legislative page. When you are a page, you learn that governing society is a very complex process. While working, pages observe the Executive, Legislative, and Judicial branches of government, all working diligently to perform their duties…Participating in a mock committee hearing, working on the floor, and delivering things to the different buildings on the capitol campus demonstrated just how complicated it is to have a successful government. Attending the mock committee hearing for Page School, showed me the importance of Senators and Representatives voting on bills, researching information, and paying attention while making laws.” —
Noemi
“This week as a page has been a great experience that I highly recommend to anyone interested. Being so involved in the governing process has brought me knowledge and experience that I couldn’t have received anywhere else. Government regulates our lives every day. If you don’t like what they’re doing, you can get involved and start making a difference.” —
Haley
Welcome to the Page School
The Page School is an
essential part of each student’s week as a page. Its goal is to
supplement the page’s hands-on experience, while strengthening their
understanding of Washington State government. The school is unique
because it serves an extremely diverse population of students. School
ages range from seventh through eleventh graders and come from learning
environments that vary from homeschool, to public, private, and charter
settings. It accommodates special needs students, and some of the most
advanced students in the state. To provide the best experience possible to all
types of learners, the school employs two certificated teachers and keeps class
sizes below fifteen.
Pages attend the school
for two hours each day in a mixed class setting with House and Senate
pages. Using activities, technology and guest speakers, the group
endeavors down a path of learning focused on the three branches of government,
the lawmaking process and the importance of civil discourse. The capstone
project is a mock committee hearing that takes place in the actual hearing
rooms used by Washington Legislators. This is streamed online by TVW.org for
families, friends and educators to observe.