Washington's largest school district has embarked on a new Strategic Plan, "Excellence for All," adopted by the School Board in June 2008 with clear goals for students and staff. It includes strengthening math and science instruction, creates a system that recognizes high-performing schools and assists struggling schools and moves the district toward a common curriculum and uniform expectations.

Seattle Public Schools is in the third phase of a major school renovation program that has seen 24 schools rebuilt or significantly remodeled between 1998 and 2008. The district has enjoyed solid community support in approving funding measures for its capital improvements and also for operations levies.

Because Seattle allows a great deal of latitude in school selection, families must make their selections in February to have the best chance of getting assigned to their first-choice school. About 90 percent of families who apply by the deadline receive their first or second choices.

Superintendent: Maria Goodloe-Johnson, formerly head of the Charleston County, S.C. school district, became superintendent in July, 2007, succeeding Raj Manhas, who had resigned.

Alternative/home school programs: Middle College High School, Seahawks Academy, Seattle Evening School, South Lake High School, K-12 Homeschool Resource Center.

The numbers: 21.6% African-American, 22.2% Asian-American, 11.7% Hispanic, 2.1% Native American, 42.5% White, 39% low-income, 14% special-education, 23.3% ESL.

Funding: Voters approved a three-year, $397 million operating levy and a $490 million construction bond measure in 2007.