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Secondary Bilingual Orientation Center
Seattle Public Schools 		 
 
 
 
 
 
Friends of SBOC

The Secondary Bilingual Orientation Center (SBOC) is the Seattle School District's "newcomer" school for students age 11-21 recently arrived from other countries.  Founded in 1980 in response to a large wave of immigrants from Southeast Asia, it is one of a few schools nationwide designed to receive immigrant and refugee children as they begin a new life in American society. SBOC currently serves roughly 300 students from 26 different global language groups as they learn English and fundamental academic skills.

The Friends of SBOC was established in 2007 to promote the education and welfare of students at this special school.  The Friends advocate for the school at all levels of local, state, and federal government.  In addition, because SBOC does not have a PTSA, the Friends have taken on the role of raising funds for essential student services.

For 10 years the school has been housed in the Old John Hay school on Queen Anne.  In September 2009 it will move into the former Meany Middle School on Capitol Hill.  SBOC will share that building with NOVA, an alternative high school. This decision to co-locate the program has been very controversial given the lack of best practices demonstrating benefits of co-location with an alternative program with very different goals and student population.  Friends have struggled with the Superintendent's decision and board action to implement this change to the SBOC program. 

It is with great regret that the SBOC leaves the Queen Anne neighborhood.  Staff, students, and volunteers have appreciated community support, especially from the Friends of Old Hay. This neighborhood group worked for many years to create an outdoor learning center, basketball court, and pedestrian safety improvements on the site.

We are currently following the School District's review of recommendations resulting from a 2008 audit of the District's bilingual education programs. We hope to work with the District to ensure that SBOC students develop the academic and social competencies needed to graduate and to pursue higher education and vocational training.

Our Goals:

  • Advocate for the school's unique role and students' special needs.
  • Strengthen the partnership between school and community.
  • Increase volunteer involvement through outreach efforts.
  • Help fund core services, supplies, and after enrichment programs
  • Reinforce the link between ethnic communities and school.