Flora Athappilly
Science Department Chair
Flora is a Seattle native who has long been inspired by hands-on, experiential learning environments. Flora holds a Master of Arts in Policy, Organization, and Leadership studies from Stanford University Graduate School of Education, and a Bachelor of Arts in Geology and Environmental Studies from Middlebury College.
Flora has explored geology while rafting through the Grand Canyon, collected mud cores on Lake Champlain, and studied oceanography while sailing from Hawaii to Tahiti. She has utilized those passions with her 6th grade science students at Rainier Prep Charter School, and with 5th grade cell biology students in the Rainier Scholars Summer Program.
In her teaching philosophy statement, Flora said, “Through my own education, as well as my time teaching and leading educational trips, I have become convinced of the value of education through real world experiences. When supported by a strong community, I know this type of education can be and should be available to all students.”