Onalaska Students Learn Gun Laws and Safety at Firearms Academy

Partnership between high school and training academy provides hands-on firearm education.

Published on Feb. 19, 2026

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For several years, students from Onalaska High School in Washington have participated in a firearms safety and fundamentals course through a partnership with the Firearms Academy of Seattle (FAS). The program teaches students about gun laws, handling, and safety protocols through both classroom instruction and hands-on training at the academy's outdoor range.

Why it matters

The program aims to provide students with a comprehensive education on firearm safety and responsibility, addressing a perceived need for more gun education among youth. It represents an unusual but proactive approach to firearm training in a school setting.

The details

The course begins with a classroom session covering Washington's gun laws, particularly as they apply to minors. Students then move to the FAS outdoor range for one-on-one instruction from certified trainers, practicing fundamentals like handling, safety protocols, and range etiquette. Some students even return for a second session to try more advanced techniques like one-handed shooting. The class culminates in a timed shooting exercise to demonstrate the students' skills.

  • The partnership between Onalaska High School and the Firearms Academy of Seattle began in 2021.
  • More than 100 students have taken part in the firearms safety course over several years.

The players

Kevin Hoffman

A teacher at Onalaska High School and SkillsUSA adviser who noticed the need for more firearm education for students.

Belle McCormack

The director of the Firearms Academy of Seattle who oversees the course for Onalaska students.

Faith Hammer

An Onalaska High School student who excelled in the course and was allowed to try exercises with her left hand.

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What they’re saying

“My hope is that someday this isn't such a rarity in our schools. These kids take on the responsibility just fine, and I'm sure many others would as well.”

— Belle McCormack, Director, Firearms Academy of Seattle (Facebook)

The takeaway

The Onalaska firearms safety program represents a proactive approach to educating students about gun laws and responsible firearm handling, addressing a perceived need in the community. While an unusual partnership, it demonstrates how schools can work with specialized training providers to give students a comprehensive understanding of an important and often controversial topic.