NOTICE to Parents of SEQUIM HIGH SCHOOL Students,
Yesterday, we met with the Sequim School District Superintendent, high school principal, and vice principal. We were informed that, due to a new policy implemented this year, absences related to student driver education drives will no longer be excused.
This was surprising to us because, for the past two years, we have administered student drives during school hours without any issues being brought to our attention by the school.
It is important that we continue to conduct student drives during school hours for several reasons:
• There is limited daylight after school.
• Our classroom courses begin at 4:00 p.m. three days a week.
• We have a limited number of instructors available to provide behind-the-wheel training.
• Edge Driving Academy also provides skills (driver’s) tests to the community several times each week.
The school district explained that this change was necessary to reduce the number of unexcused absences occurring throughout the school year. They also stated that the policy change was intended to align with WAC 392-401-020. We encourage parents to review the WAC, particularly subsection (l), on the Washington State Legislature’s website at the link below.
https://app.leg.wa.gov/WAC/default.aspx?cite=392-401-020&pdf=true
This change also comes at a time when significant changes are being implemented by the Department of Licensing. HB 1878 began its rollout on September 1, 2026. Beginning January 1, 2027, individuals who are 18 years old will be required to complete driver education. Please refer to RCW 46.20.1191 for additional information.
https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=46.20.1191
We are sharing this information so parents can make informed decisions about registering their children for driver education. Edge Driving Academy will continue to serve Sequim students and offer behind-the-wheel drives during school hours. The specific times that driving lessons are offered will continue to depend on the number of Sequim students enrolled in each course.
We encourage parents in the Sequim High School community to attend school board meetings and voice any concerns they may have regarding this policy change. Community input is important, particularly as these changes may affect students’ ability to complete driver education.
Lastly, we contacted five other high schools in both Clallam and Jefferson counties and each school indicated that absences for driver education are excused under their current policies.
We opened Edge Driving Academy because we saw a need in our community and wanted to better serve local families, including our own children. Unfortunately, this decision by Sequim High School may affect the number of Sequim students who are able to participate in driver education in the future.
What we do
Edge Driving Academy LLC is locally owned and operated by a husband and wife team. As parents of a large family, the need for additional driver's education options was clear. Being a family-owned and operated business, we understand the importance of finding a driving school you can trust. We offer flexible scheduling and competitive rates to make driver's education accessible to all families. We understand that at any age, getting behind the wheel for the first time can be nerve-wracking. That's why we are committed to providing a safe and supportive learning environment where our students can develop their driving skills at their own pace.Our instructors will work closely with them to build their confidence and help them become a safe and responsible driver
Ready to begin your journey?
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Who we are
Elijah has 21 years of cumulative experience as a professional commercial driver. He has driven locally and over the road (nationally) during this time. Elijah has also been assigned to train many other CDL drivers during his career and has been recognized for consistent safe driving.
Elijah obtained his Driver Training Instructor Certification after completing Western Oregon University's Traffic Safety Education Course.
Jasmine has worked for a local non-profit for 23 years, 18 of which have been in administration. She is excited to embark on this new journey as the manager of Edge Driving Academy!
Ready to start your driving journey?
Contact us today to learn more about our programs and schedule your first lesson! We are always looking for new students and community friends. Please choose from the options below to connect with us!