Language Academy raising funds to stay open

The Seattle Language Academy has been hit hard by the sluggish economy. After 14 years, the academy at 126 NW Canal Street may have to close. In a campaign that started two weeks ago, they’re trying to raise $125,000 in order to stay open beyond this quarter. In a letter to former students and supporters, Executive Director Marc Mariani writes, “It may be that SLA will have to close definitively. But we remain hopeful that, with a tremendous show of support from our students and friends and the community at large, we can weather the storm and set the school on a path towards a better and more stable future.” As of today, SLA has raised $35,000, which Mariani says is extremely encouraging. Mariani hopes to know their fate by the end of May, in time for them to hold summer classes.