Free Bezos-backed preschool opens in Everett
EVERETT — A tuition-free early learning center funded by Amazon founder and billionaire Jeff Bezos opened in Everett Station last week. The school won’t be paying rent in the city-owned space, but school staff members say they’ve already invested heavily in the community and that families are reaping the benefits.
Plans for a Bezos Academy location in Everett were first announced last January, with Mayor Cassie Franklin touting the no-cost learning center as key in getting caregivers back in the workforce post-pandemic. The school, which already operates several other facilities in the Puget Sound region, struck a 10-year lease deal with the city for a 3,800-square-foot space on the first floor of Everett Station.
The school, backed by the world’s third-wealthiest man, doesn’t pay rent to the city. Instead, it agreed to improve the space. Danielle Degges, head of school at the Everett location, said so far that’s included renovating the empty space into three classrooms housing 20 students each, adding exclusive-use bathrooms with child-size fixtures and an entrance separate from the station’s main entrance. They’ve also added a playground outside.
Everett Economic Development Director Dan Eernissee, a supporter of Bezos Academy in Everett since first proposed, estimated the total cost of the school’s improvements to the space at over $1 million. Previously, he said the former office space sat empty, with not much besides carpet and lighting installed.
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