Dr. Paul Stoot, Sr.

Dr. Paul A. Stoot, Sr. was born and raised in Houston, Texas.  Upon graduating from high school, he joined the United States Navy where he served his country for six years.  After leaving the Navy he went on to further his education by enrolling at National University in San Diego for Manufacturing Operations while working full time for General Dynamics Space Division.   In September of 1990, he moved to Seattle Washington, after being recruited by The Boeing Company as a Manufacturing Engineer in Everett WA.  He founded the Rise Up Academy (formerly the Greater Trinity Academy) in 1999 with his dear friend Mr. Kenny Easley former NFL Seattle Seahawk player now Hall of Famer 2017.  Dr. Stoot realized the lack of quality Early Childhood Education opportunities in the South Everett Community, particularly for low-income BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) families.  He believes that the best way to eliminate the achievement gap that exists in our society today is by making a high-quality and innovative Early Childhood Education program accessible for all students, especially those who would otherwise not be able to afford it.  Under his leadership, the Rise Up Academy has raised over $1 million dollars through successful grants and fundraisers.  This has enabled Dr. Stoot to insist that the staff and students at the Rise Up Academy strive to reach the highest possible standards and goals for our program.  In his work to raise the standards and set the Rise Up Academy apart from other childcare centers in the community, Dr. Stoot has worked to recruit and retain highly qualified staff.  Many teachers have earned their bachelor’s and master’s & Doctoral Degrees and are committed to doing their best to serve their students.  He continues to work to improve all aspects of the Rise Up Academy to ensure that there is an environment where students can realize the motto of the school: ‘I Can Learn Anything!’ Dr. Stoot has 2 adult children, Anisa and Paul Jr.