The program for fifth- through 12th-graders is moving from the location it shares with Oakwood Elementary School to the former site of Lake City Elementary School. The program’s new name will be the Lt. Gen. William H. Harrison Preparatory School – or Harrison Prep School for short.

The school’s namesake was the City of Lakewood’s first mayor and former commanding general at Fort Lewis, Bill Harrison. Harrison, retired from the Army, served on the City Council from 1996 to 2004 and as mayor for the first six years of that term.

“We think General Harrison encompasses the vision of our school,” said Principal Lisa Boyd. “We have a lot of military students, and he’s been a real advocate for youth in the greater Lakewood area.”

Clover Park School Board members voted Monday night to relocate the program and approve the name change, which was requested by 5-12 students, parents and staff members.

The move will allow the college prep program to grow to its eventual capacity of 400 students. The school enrolls 180 fifth- through 11th-graders and will stretch to the 12th grade next year.

Started with the help of a $540,000 grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the school focuses on small class sizes, academic rigor, hands-on learning, leadership skills, and development of close relationships among and between students and staff members. The program’s configuration makes for easier transitions between elementary, middle and high school and allows students to move between grade levels in subjects based on their ability, Boyd said.

“Everybody knows everybody,” Boyd said. “It’s turned into a real nurturing environment, with older kids who do some peer tutoring with younger kids.”

The school enrolls children throughout Lakewood and accepts out-of-district students.

At Monday’s meeting, students and parents praised the program.

Sixth-grader Amber Clark said that at her previous school teachers did next to nothing when she was harassed by classmates. At the 5-12 school, she said, “if someone teases you, the teachers will do something about it. … The kids at 5-12 are nice, and actually listen to what you have to say.”

In the more positive climate, Amber said, her grades have improved to A’s and B’s. “Any parent or any child would be proud to have their kids come to 5-12,” she said.

Student body president Brian Hoffmeister said he’s grown self-confident with the help of the school.

“Five-12 is giving me the ability to make a change in this community,” the 11th-grader said. “It has given me so much more than I could ever imagine.”

Debby Abe: 253-597-8694