Who We Are
For 2+ decades, WISH has built a community where students are challenged, supported, and inspired. WISHForward exists to ensure that legacy continues by connecting donors, families, alumni and community partners with opportunities to invest in the future of our schools.
WISHForward is the nonprofit partner that helps WISH schools thrive
One Mission. Two Organizations.
Together, WISH Charter Schools and WISHForward work toward the same goal: creating extraordinary opportunities for every student.
Growing A Legacy
WISH began as a small neighborhood school built on the belief that every child deserves an engaging, innovative education rooted in community. Today, that vision has grown into a network of thriving schools whose teaching practices and educational model has inspired educators far beyond our own campus.
WISHForward was created to ensure that growth continues by investing in the people, programs, and opportunities that help WISH students succeed.
Letter from the Board President
Karina Fedasz
Dear Friends of WISH,
In 2010-2011 Westside Innovative School House (WISH) opened its doors as a free public, independent, non-profit, charter school authorized by the Los Angeles Unified School District. Since that time, WISH has grown from 136 TK-3rd grade students and ten educators to now supporting more than 1,300 TK-12th grade students and 100+ educators.
With support from friends like you, WISH is internationally recognized as an innovator in a whole scholar approach to education grounded in social justice through inclusivity. Given our waiting list of more than 1,100 students who passionately want to join the WISH family, we know we have more work to do.
What can we achieve in our next 5, 10, and 15 years as we continue supporting and motivating future leaders? This is the focus of WISHForward, ensuring our future is as magical and productive as our past by focusing on two key areas: facilities and programming. And, for that, we look to the support of corporations, foundations, high net-worth community members and families able to give above and beyond the Annual Giving request that supports our daily efforts.
Throughout this website, you’ll find various ways to get involved, including our ONE WISH - ONE CAMPUS capital campaign. This is our most ambitious fundraising effort, to raise $10M to fund the development of our own campus.
Please let us know you’re interested in supporting WISHForward. (Contribute here) We’d welcome the chance for you to meet some of the dedicated volunteers and families at WISH to understand the difference your support will make. We look forward to meeting you.
With gratitude,
President, WISHForward
