Lots of love - And no excuses

Zion Preparatory Academy is a small private school for inner-city children in Seattle. From its start in 1982 with 6 children, one teacher, and $13, it has grown to 570 students - from preschool through 8th grade - with a teacher for every 12 pupils. Two-thirds of its graduates have gone on to private high schools on full scholarships, and several have entered college. Emphasizing both discipline and caring, Zion is educating children other schools have given up on. The school's foundation board includes top executives at Nordstrom, Weyerhauser, Price/Costco, Starbucks, and Seafirst Bank. Zion teachers try to recreate the nurture and discipline of a family environment, along with the excitement of learning.