Alumni Testimonials

Crest made a high school experience and a graduation possible for me. I have nothing but gratitude that I was able to have that experience as a high school student. It was an authentic, loving, and beautiful chapter in my life. Like most of us that attended, I’m a unique person that thrived in the atmosphere and education at Crest Learning Center. I am forever grateful to Crest. With all that our children our faced with today, this alternative option and independent study is more critical than ever to be available. Saving Crest should be a top priority in the Mercer Island community. Many children will fall through the cracks and potentially have their lives altered in a negative direction. Not something that can be risked during critical years of development and discovery.

-Sammy, 1999-2003

I attended Contract as a 9th grader and eventually back at the high school graduating with my class. It played a critical role in my development and a secure base to allow for learning and growth. I felt seen by the teachers and the small group setting helped squash fears and created an environment that allowed students to feel safe.

Having a place like Crest was key back then and I can imagine with today’s stressful environment even more so. We didn’t have the internet with easy access to so many things and the harmful consequences that can happen and do occur. We didn’t have school shootings! Kids don’t all fit into a regular school system and having a place where they can belong is important for them, families and society.

Alternative high schools play a vital role in supporting students who struggle in traditional academic environments by providing flexible learning structures, smaller class sizes, and individualized attention. These schools create a safe and supportive setting where students facing academic, social, emotional, or life challenges can continue their education, build confidence, and develop practical skills for the future. By offering personalized instruction, counseling support, and pathways to graduation, alternative high schools help reduce dropout rates, promote equity in education, and give students a second chance to succeed and become productive members of their communities.

Attending Contract high school saved me. My family life was chaotic and the warmth and secure setting from the amazing teachers allowed for personal growth and achievement. I am forever grateful for my opportunity! There are so many stressors on kids and having a specialized education is crucial.

-Charla, 1972-75

I am confident that I would not have graduated high school without the existence of Crest and the support from its teachers and community. Crest was a safe haven to me. It is extremely sentimental to me, as my mother and several of her life long friends attended Crest. I have made relationships at Crest that I will keep for the rest of my life. Crest was an environment where adults could be trusted. Crest is so important for so many students, not just academically, but emotionally as well. Neurodivergent students NEED alternative learning.

-Anonymous

Crest isn't only the reason I graduated high school. It isn't only the place I created and fostered lifelong friendships and connections. Crest isn't just a place where my learning needs were met or where I learned to self-advocate. Crest wasn't just a safe haven where I felt like I could be myself - an escape from the overstimulating and complex norm on the main campus. Crest is far more than the inspiration it gave me to pursue both an undergraduate degree and a Master's in Marine Biology. It's far more than the community events or the accountability, inspiration, and trustworthiness of and by the faculty/staff. While Crest certainly is all of those things, and more...

To me, the significance of Crest is the very fact that I am alive today. For the first time in my life, I felt what it was like to be seen, heard, and mentored. It was shown to me that I could pursue a life that I was actually excited to live. Crest acted as a beacon to me in my darkest times, showing me that not only could I succeed academically, but that I could actually... enjoy it? So yes... I attribute my time at Crest to me being alive today. Having gone to college and now on my second Master's degree. Having been a Marine/Fisheries Biologist and now entering the world of education, still inspired to this day by the teachers at Crest.

Crest's impact is beyond measure. Crest is a place for students who don't believe in themselves to be shown they can succeed, a safe haven, a community, a home, an irreplaceable support that as much as someone may try can never truly be repeated anywhere else, a life-changing and life-saving support for at risk youth in the MIHS community.

-Ben, 2015

Crest means they don’t leave anyone behind and are willing to help all the students who have trouble in life. I’ve met so many people at CREST and I got to know them. CREST is a community, combining students who have trouble in their lives, or have special disabilities. CREST made me meet so many people who I made friends with in different groups and it made me realize that not all students are bad. It’s just trying to help us find a comfortable environment. Staying in the main high school made me feel out of place due to my disability. CREST has made me open myself up and help me with my troubles with education. The operation of CREST is getting to know all aspects of their lives and listen to what they have to say in order to help the students continue with their lives and not give up. Please don’t disband the CREST. All the students will be devastated if it close and they will have trouble finding and accepting who they are.

-Jeanyah, 2010

Crest saved my life, teachers gave me worth when staff at the HS told me I’d amount to nothing. My daughter, almost of age to attend with her 504 plan cannot benefit from the same loving education. If Crest is closed, every child who does not “fit” in will loose a wonderful program aimed at supporting certain students to thrive where they might not at the high school.

-Shaina, 1992-1995

Crest was the reason I was able to graduate. The more focused environment and the personal relationships with the teachers gave me what I needed to stay on track and learn. They helped me graduate and pursue my dream of joining the Marine Corps. Students need a place for an alternative style of learning. Without it, I fear many alternative learners would not have a space of their own to truly develop before heading out into the big world. Shoutout to the Crest faculty from my years and the current team, you are all incredible educators!

-Anonymous

I would’ve ended up in the final penitentiary for life if it wasn’t for amazing educators at Crest. They shaped who I am as a rather successful businessman. Marginalized youth, without access to alternative education, ultimately become a greater financial and societal burden.

-Schuyler, 1999-2002

The minute I walked into Crest doors I felt like I belonged. Crest creates community, saves students academic futures, and provides support for students who need an alternative. Save Crest.

-Karrey

Crest provided a safe space and small class sizes when I was struggling to attend school due to my mental health. I had a low GPA and didn’t think I would go far since school never really felt like it was for me. Crest and crest staff supported me to boost my belief and self-efficacy in myself to believe I could achieve, which was never something I received at the main building of MIHS. To them I felt like I was a failure due to not taking 4 AP classes, honors classes, applying to prestigious colleges etc. Crest made me feel valued and I wouldn’t have graduated without it. Students who want to learn or need a belief/supports that they can learn and be successful in an alternative setting and pacing. There is not a lack of rigor, but rather a focus on understanding and making that rigor look different to support students. Crest should not be dependent on test scores. Crest is there to support students who don’t necessarily fit the mold of MIHS, that need community to rally and help them rise to their potential. Crest has prevented so many students from dropping out and supported students in finding a future. Before Crest I wasn’t going to go to college. I am now a school counselor with a bachelors, 3 minors, and a masters degree. I have maxed out my salary scheduled as an MA + 90 and that shift in my mindset about learning came from the community and teachers at Crest.

-Megan, 2013-2015

Crest means so much. It was the glue that put a lot of broken pieces together and provided my very unstable life somewhere to feel safe and grounded. It was home. So much would be lost without Crest: the community, safety, and second chances that so many kids don’t get in the regular high school. Nothing can replace it. There is something about stepping out of the main campus and walking into something smaller, more intimate. Even the walk to Crest was therapeutic.

-Gianna, 2014-2018

I only attended Crest for summer school in 2013. However, the staff who were still there during the summer were so incredibly kind and welcoming. I’ll never forget the woman who worked at the front desk remembered my name after the first day, an experience I never had at MIHS. Crest offers diverse learning opportunities for individuals who don’t learn well in a typical classroom setting.

-Anonymous

I attended Contract as a 9th grader and eventually back at the high school graduating with my class. It played a critical role in my development and a secure base to allow for learning and growth. I felt seen by the teachers and the small group setting helped squash fears and created an environment that allowed students to feel safe.

Having a place like Crest was key back then and I can imagine with today’s stressful environment even more so. We didn’t have the internet with easy access to so many things and the harmful consequences that can happen and do occur. We didn’t have school shootings! Kids don’t all fit into a regular school system and having a place where they can belong is important for them, families and society.

Alternative high schools play a vital role in supporting students who struggle in traditional academic environments by providing flexible learning structures, smaller class sizes, and individualized attention. These schools create a safe and supportive setting where students facing academic, social, emotional, or life challenges can continue their education, build confidence, and develop practical skills for the future. By offering personalized instruction, counseling support, and pathways to graduation, alternative high schools help reduce dropout rates, promote equity in education, and give students a second chance to succeed and become productive members of their communities.

Attending Contract high school saved me. My family life was chaotic and the warmth and secure setting from the amazing teachers allowed for personal growth and achievement. I am forever grateful for my opportunity! There are so many stressors on kids and having a specialized education is crucial.

-Charla, 1972-1975