Nine seniors from Battle Ground High School will take the stage later this month to display their talents and compete for the title of Best of BG. They’ll also be raising money for a great cause: supporting a local teen with hypoplastic left heart syndrome. 

18th annual Best of BG
When: Saturday, March 25
Time: 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Doors open at 6 p.m.
Location: Battle Ground High School cafeteria, 300 W Main St., Battle Ground, WA 98604
Cost: $15 at the door, cash only
Event website

The show will be posted on Battle Ground High School’s YouTube channel after the 25th.

All proceeds from ticket sales, a silent auction and donations will go to Luke, a Clark County teen who has had more than 19 surgeries and is currently receiving care at Seattle Children’s Hospital, where he awaits a heart and liver transplant. 

“The community supports schools so often, it is our turn as a school to offer our support back to them,” said Sarah Shoote, a junior at Battle Ground High School and co-director of the Best of BG. “This year that support is being given to Luke. Luke is only 15, like our freshmen, and his condition has demonstrated how severe medical problems can happen to kids our age. It is so special to see our students support Luke, even though most have not met him in real life.”

The Best of BG is organized by the school’s Associated Student Body and is co-directed by Shoote and Sora Tolley, both Battle Ground High School students. Mason Trezise is their adviser. This year’s judges are Battle Ground Deputy Mayor Cherish DesRochers, Miss Clark County Vanessa Munson and Superintendent Denny Waters.

Battle Ground Public Schools’ specialized and alternative learning experience programs are accepting enrollment applications for the 2023-24 school year. The district offers specialized and alternative programs for students in kindergarten through high school. 

The programs are designed to help students pursue their interests and prepare them for college and careers. They offer a variety of educational opportunities, from a parent-partnered homeschool and a rigorous academy focused on academics to a half-day science program for high school students and a high school that supports self-learners. 

Current Battle Ground students may apply for any of the programs that serve the grade they will be in next year. Some programs are also open to students who live outside the district. Students who live within district boundaries will be given priority over students from other districts. Transportation is not provided to/from these programs unless specified in the description.

Enrollment in the programs is free; however, students must apply for admission. The admission process is specific to each program and directions for applying are described below. Admission is based on qualifications. Recommendations or counselor approval may be required.  

Character and Academics for the Marketplace Academy (grades 3-12)

See website for application information. Email camregistrar@battlegroundps.org with questions.

CAM Academy partners with parents to offer a rigorous alternative education for students in grades 3-12. CAM Academy’s mission is to support and promote academic success, positive character development and acquisition of marketplace skills that will help students succeed both in college and beyond. Students attend school four days each week. Wednesday is used as an at-home learning day with the campus open for students who need additional support. In the classroom, students study a core curriculum comprised of English language arts, history, science, mathematics and instruction in computer technology. At-home learning covers health and fitness, as well as visual and performing arts. These classes are completed in partnership with parents. Additional information about CAM Academy and the application processes for enrollment are on the CAM Academy website. Watch this video to hear from current CAM Academy students, parents and teachers about the program.

Center for Agriculture, Science and Environmental Education (grades 9-12)

Application deadline: March 24, 2023

CASEE is a half-day science, technology, engineering and math program for high school students that integrates biological, environmental and agricultural sciences with English language arts. Students in the program attend three class periods (career and technical education, science and English) on an 80-acre learning laboratory where scientific concepts are explored and reinforced through outdoor experiences, in the classroom and in the lab. Students have the opportunity to pursue Honors English credits in grades 9 and 10 as well as earn college credit in grade 10. Bus transportation is provided to CASEE from both Prairie and Battle Ground high schools. In this video, CASEE students share what they enjoy about attending the program.

The application process requires work samples and teacher recommendations. Get more information online at casee.battlegroundps.org/apply or by calling 360-885-5361. 

River HomeLink (grades K-12)  

Applications accepted on an ongoing basis 
River HomeLink is a family-friendly, accredited public school providing parent-partnered educational options and support for students. Enrollment is open to families who live outside the Battle Ground Public Schools’ boundaries. Families can choose from part or full-time programs that provide both at-home and classroom opportunities. Registration for the 2023-24 school year will open on March 8, 2023. Please complete RHL’s new student interest form to be invited to an informational parent meeting, the first step in registering for River HomeLink.

New online learning school (grades K-12)

Applications accepted on an ongoing basis

In fall 2023, the program formerly named River Online will become a single, independent school for all online learning in Battle Ground Public Schools. The name of the new school has not yet been determined. The school will provide a high-quality online learning experience. All students will be assigned a certificated teacher with whom they and their parents meet regularly. Parents and guardians will play an active role in their child's education both on campus and at home. Enrollment for the 2023-24 school year will be restricted to students who live within the boundaries of Battle Ground Public Schools and students who have an approved boundary exception. The school will accept students from around the state starting in fall 2024. Families should complete the online interest form to begin the process. 

Summit View High School (grades 9-12)

Applications accepted on an ongoing basis

Summit View High School offers a unique learning experience for students ages 14 to 21 who need an individualized learning program. Summit View serves independent students, working teens, students seeking an accelerated learning pace, at-risk students, teen parents or anyone who has unique and diverse educational demands. The caring staff at Summit View High School assists students in the completion of courses, credit and assessment requirements for graduation, transitioning into another educational setting and preparing for life after high school. Summit View students also have the ability to work with other opportunities such as Running Start and Cascadia Tech. The school also houses Summit View Open Doors, a GED program. Summit View Open Doors is available for students who need support through the GED process. The school is located in the CASEE C Building at 11104 NE 149th St., Brush Prairie. 

Get more information about Summit View High School at svhs.battlegroundps.org, by emailing info.svhs@battlegroundps.org or by calling 360-885-5331.

Open Doors GED Program

The Open Doors program is for Battle Ground Public Schools students ages 16-21 who are behind in credits and want to earn their GED. Students work on career and life skills while preparing to take the GED tests. Open Doors students also have the ability to work with other opportunities such as Running Start and Cascadia Tech. Students who complete their GED or individual GED tests are still eligible to earn their High School Diploma until age 21. This program shares space with Summit View High School located within the CASEE C Building at 11104 NE 149th St., Brush Prairie. 

Get more information about Open Doors by calling 360-885-5410. A teacher will contact the student to set up an intake appointment and orientation.

It's time to enroll next year’s kindergartners! Online enrollment is open for children who will attend Battle Ground Public Schools next year. Any child who will be 5 years old by Aug. 31, 2023, is eligible to enter kindergarten in the fall. 

Parents/guardians will need proof of their child's birth date (such as a birth certificate) and a signed and completed Washington state certificate of immunization status form or certificate of exemption. Please note that the state of Washington requires that immunization records be medically verified. Families can find out which school their child will attend by using the Clark County Property Information Center or by calling the district boundaries office at 360-885-6577.

Parents/guardians are encouraged to enroll their child as soon as possible to allow their child to participate in key events leading up to the start of kindergarten, including kindergarten orientation and JumpStart.

Kindergarten orientation schedules 
Enrolled students and their families will be invited to attend a kindergarten orientation in the spring where they can get to know their school and learn more about the kindergarten program. Your child’s future school will contact you with specific dates, times and locations after enrollment is complete. 

JumpStart
JumpStart is a four-day program that helps kindergarten students get acclimated to school. This year’s JumpStart dates are Aug. 14-17. JumpStart space is limited and determined on a first-come, first-serve basis. Families must complete kindergarten enrollment to be eligible for JumpStart participation. 

2023-24 school calendar and start of school
School will begin on Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023; however, kindergartners will have a staggered start. This allows small groups of students to get acclimated to the school environment in the first couple of days of school before beginning to attend school full time. Parents will receive a letter before the start of school about their child's start date. Sept. 5, 2023, will be the first full day of school for kindergartners. See the 2023-24 school year calendar. 

Before and after-school care
The district has partnered with Right At School to provide before- and after-school care at its primary schools from 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. every day that school is in session.

Online learning kindergarten
BGPS offers a free online learning option that uses a web-based curriculum with interactive activities and videos, hands-on activities and workbooks. All curriculum is provided to parents/guardians, and lessons are delivered online. Schedules are flexible, with 24/7 platform access throughout the school year. Students engage in 30 hours of learning activities per week. The student experience includes one weekly classroom experience delivered virtually or in person. A parent or guardian will help their child with lessons and other online activities, monitor progress, communicate with a teacher and attend advising sessions. Learn more by calling 360-334-8261 or completing the interest/application form.

River HomeLink
River HomeLink offers a variety of learning options, from home-based instruction to on-campus classes.

• The in-person option offers two half-day in-person kindergarten classes and three days of instruction at home. All curriculum materials are provided. Families meet with staff once per month for advising, planning and consultation. Volunteering is required two days per month.
• In the PrimeLink option, families receive weekly advising to assist in the planning, implementing and reporting of their child’s educational journey. If needed, staff will provide an approved curriculum appropriate for each child’s learning level. Students can attend on-campus elective classes throughout the school year.
• The home-based instruction option includes an initial meeting with an adviser. Curriculum and ongoing advising are not provided. Parents provide all of the curriculum for at-home learning, after selecting from the district’s approved curriculum list. Students have the option of taking electives. Students can attend on-campus elective classes throughout the school year.

Learn more about River HomeLink’s options and apply online.

Transitional Kindergarten
Battle Ground Public Schools will offer Transitional Kindergarten for 4-year-olds. The program is available at no cost to children who will be 4 years old by Aug. 31 and meet the eligibility requirements. Apply by June 16. 

Transitional Kindergarten will be offered at Daybreak Primary, Glenwood Heights, Tukes Valley Primary and Yacolt campuses. Additional sites may be added for the 2023-24 school year. 

Preschool options
Battle Ground Public Schools also offers preschool options for early learners. Prairie High School, Battle Ground High School and the BGPS Community Education Department offer tuition-based preschool programs for ages 3-5. In addition, Battle Ground Public Schools offers early intervention programs and services for children ages 3-5 who are identified for special education services. Learn more and compare options.