40 years ago the idea for Barton School began when soon to be retired, Amsel Barton, wanted to use her broad teaching experience to help adult Americans whose education had been interrupted or neglected. With the support of the Pastor and Session at FPC, Miss Barton used a church school classroom to tutor some students in basic literacy. The program continues today, with only a few minor changes over the years.
All students receive help as needed in improving their ability to read, write and converse in English. Students identify their goals and teachers work with students, one on one, to achieve those goals. Those goals include: reading, conversation, writing, G.E.D., citizenship and survival english.
The school has become largely an ESL program due to the number of immigrants arriving in the Spokane area. During the past 40 years, students from at least 75 countries have made their way through the Barton School program. Many former students remain in the area owning their own businesses and creating jobs for other new immigrants through those businesses.
School hours are: Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 9:30am - 11:30am
Students: If you or someone you know is interested in enrolling at Barton School please call 747-1058 x251. There is no cost to enroll or attend Barton School.
For those involved in Barton School nursery care and Preschool are available during school sessions. The nursery is free; preschool requires tuition payment.
Volunteers: Barton School is staffed completely by volunteers who teach one, two or three mornings a week. Volunteers are always needed to help students become viable members of the community. Previous teaching experience is not a requirement to voluteer at Barton School. If you are interested please call 747-1058 x251.
The Fig Tree article - Learning English Opens Doors