Seattle's Child "Your Guide to Puget Sound Independent Schools" 2021
“Can you see your child being successful at this school?”
That’s the number one question families should ask themselves when looking at schools. After all, most parents’ main goal in choosing a new school is to ensure a well-rounded education and a creative, nurturing environment for learning and growth.
Independent schools are more than happy to give you a tour, invite you to an open house to meet their teachers and students, and share with you the things they do well. Each school will work with your family to get to know your child during the application process. You’ll ask questions, you’ll answer questions, and the schools will engage with your child in a way that helps him or her feel comfortable so that everyone can get to know each other. And you’ll feel it — the sense of what each of the schools are about. Even though they’re all independent, they’re all different as well.
Our goal is for families to have an increased awareness of the 40+ independent school options in the Puget Sound region. All members of this collaborative are affiliated with the Northwest Association of Independent Schools (NWAIS). Through our website, school fairs, and efforts to streamline the application process, we hope to increase student access to independent school education in this area.
„ Find us online at pugetsound independent schools.org
Seattle’sChild
„ Find us online at seattleschild.com
ANN BERGMAN Publisher, Founder abergman@ seattleschild.com
Address: 827 N Tacoma Ave, Tacoma, WA 98403 Phone: (253) 272-2216
Website: www.aw.org
Serving grades: Preschool (age 3+) to Grade 12
About our school:
Annie Wright Schools serve students from age three through high school. Annie Wright Lower and Middle Schools offer co-ed programs in Preschool through Grade 8, while separate Upper Schools for boys and girls offer day and boarding options in Grades 9 through 12.
Founded in 1884, Annie Wright Schools are nestled in the beautiful North End neighborhood of Tacoma, Washington. Annie Wright is proud to be an International Baccalaureate World School, delivering IB programs in every division. We offer rich, thoughtful and internationally-recognized programs that welcome students from around the world.
What kids will love:
• Middle School Journeys (trips!)
• Academics, arts and athletics — you can do it all here!
• Study abroad opportunities in our two Upper Schools
What parents will love:
• Small class size
• International Baccalaureate (start college with credits earned from IB courses)
• Safe and nurturing environment
Meet with us!
Virtual Previews: October 9, November 2 and December 9
Scholar Search: Students applying for Grades 9-11 are invited to attend Scholar Search. February 11 for girls, February 12 for boys.
Bertschi School
Address: 2227 Tenth Avenue East, Seattle, WA
Phone: (206) 442-6856
About our school:
Website: www.bertschi.org
Email: admit@bertschi.org
Serving grades: PK–5
Bertschi School is a celebration of childhood. We live our mission everyday: educating children to become compassionate, confident, and creative learners in a global community. Bertschi combines challenging academics with hands-on, interdisciplinary learning across our outstanding specialist classes. Social emotional skills go hand-in-hand with academic readiness. Our thriving community is committed to ensuring all feel included, supported and respected. Children are empowered to take risks and make change, to collaborate and dialogue with a diverse group of learners, and problem solve through trial, inquiry, and error. These are the hallmarks of a Bertschi education.
What kids will love:
• A joyful place to play and learn, using imagination to explore new ideas
• A community of adults and kids who support each other and learn together
• An inquiry-based curriculum that celebrates diverse perspectives and risk taking
What parents will love:
• A partnership grounded in shared values and goals
• An open and active learning environment where parents play an integral role
• Curriculum that balances academics with social/emotional learning
Visit our open house!
Come to our Open House Saturday, November 13. Register for events and apply at ravenna-hub.com Scan QR code to go to the Ravenna website or visit bertschi.org to learn more about our school.
Billings Middle School
New address: 12351 8th Ave NE, Seattle, WA 98125
Phone: (206) 547-4614
About our school:
Website: www.billingsmiddleschool.org
Email: admissions@billingsmiddleschool.org
Serving grades: 6–8
Billings Middle School is a dynamic academic community designed to stretch, support, and inspire early adolescent learners. At Billings, each student develops a rigor of intellect and creativity, powerful ways to communicate and collaborate, confidence and self-knowing, and an openness to the possibilities of new information and systems of thought.
Billings is known for a strong commitment to social justice, a oneof-a-kind expeditionary program that is integrated into the curriculum, an incredible teaching staff, and a hands-on project-based approach to learning. At Billings, we believe that middle school should be a place where all kids can thrive.
What kids will love:
• Hands-on project-based learning that allows them to dive deep into their passions
• Exploring outside of the classroom with their teachers on overnight trips, field trips, and mini excursions
• An amazing community of students, faculty, and staff who will see, know, understand, and celebrate them
What parents will love:
• Small class sizes where every student gets the attention they need for their best learning
• Incredible teaching staff to inspire every child
• Differentiation in every subject to support, stretch, and challenge a wide range of learners
Visit us!
To register for a one-on-one tour of campus or our virtual Open House, email admissions@ billingsmiddleschool.org or visit our website.
The Bush School
Address: 3400 E Harrison St, Seattle, WA 98112
Phone: (206) 326-7736
Website: www.bush.edu
Email: admissions@bush.edu
Serving grades: Kindergarten to Grade 12
About our school:
Established in 1924, The Bush School is the oldest independent co-educational K–12 school in Seattle. Bush is a leader in progressive education, providing a challenging academic program combined with experiential learning opportunities. In the Lower School, social and emotional learning is integrated with academic growth through skill-building, imagination, play, and inquiry. Middle School builds on the foundation of joyful learning in the Lower School by challenging students to discover their strengths, grow through supported risk-taking, and turn their ideas into reality. In the Upper School, students develop skills as independent thinkers and collaborative learners on the path to creating a more just, equitable, and sustainable world.
What kids will love:
• 7 art studio spaces offering 15 different art electives each year, including ceramics, fire arts, jewelry and metal working, and fiber arts.
• 3 facility/therapy dogs, Starsky, Yoshi, and Kismet who are a part of campus life.
• 20+ acre Bush Methow Campus in Mazama, WA designed for retreats, science research, wilderness trips, and place-based learning.
What parents will love:
• 1 K-12 community comprised of 704 talented students representing diverse identities and stories.
• $4.5 million in need-based financial aid providing tuition assistance to 162 students.
• 100+ remarkable and inspired teachers invested in building a positive school-home partnership to support your child.
Visit our school!
Check out admissions.bush.edu to take a virtual campus tour and register for an admissions event.
The Downtown School
Address: 160 John St., Seattle, WA 98109
Phone: (206) 717-2849
About our school:
Website: www.downtownschoolseattle.org
Email: admissions@downtownschoolseattle.org
Serving grades: 9–12
Located near Seattle Center, The Downtown School offers a rigorous high-school education featuring the City as Lab; grade-level, three-week intensive classes at the beginning and end of each year; student internships; and select coursework through Global Online Academy. With a flexible school day beginning at 9 am and ending at 2:15 pm, The Downtown School allows students time to pursue athletics, arts, music, volunteering, and other activities outside of school. With a tuition half that of many area independent high schools, The Downtown School offers a more financially and geographically accessible high school option for more families.
What kids will love:
• Trust, freedom, and support to define your school and your own learning experience
• Applied, cross-curricular, experiential nature of coursework that connects with area businesses, non-profits, and organizations
• The passion and caring of expert teachers
What parents will love:
• Students can truly be their authentic selves within a diverse, rigorous, and caring environment
• Parents and guardians play an active role in the creation and curation of school culture and City-as-Lab experiences
• Students receive individualized attention and support in a creative and demanding curriculum
Attend an admissions webinar: See downtownschoolseattle.org/ admissions for specific dates for virtual school events this fall.
Epiphany School
Address: 3611 East Denny Way, Seattle, WA 98122
Phone: (206) 323-9011
Website: www.epiphanyschool.org
Email: admissions@epiphanyschool.org
Serving grades: Pre-K through 5th Grade
About our school:
An independent, non-parochial school serving students from Pre-K to 5th grade, Epiphany School is known for excellent academics, strong socialemotional learning, and a warm, family-friendly atmosphere in which every child is truly known. Our talented faculty weave the school’s core values of respect, responsibility, and resourcefulness into every grade, helping every student grow in character, independence, confidence and leadership.
Our Mission: Epiphany School challenges and supports all students to become confident, curious, and courageous learners through innovative teaching in a caring and inclusive environment.
What kids will love:
• The BEST teachers and friends!
• Beautiful, safe campus with lots of time to learn, play, and run outside
• A unique school culture and supportive learning community encourages students to stretch, take risks, embrace challenges, and discover a lifelong joy for learning
What parents will love:
• Full-day in-person learning for the 2021-2022 school year, with before and after-school Extended Day available
• A rich academic curriculum seamlessly integrated with social-emotional learning helps students grow essential strengths, skills, and knowledge
• Robust opportunities for parent involvement and volunteering
Visit our virtual admissions hub for campus tours, videos, virtual open house info, weekly Q&A sessions, and more! epiphanyschool.org/virtual-hub
The Evergreen School
Address: 15201 Meridian Ave N, Shoreline, WA 98133
Phone: (206) 957-1523
Website: evergreenschool.org
Email: admission@evergreenschool.org
Serving grades: Preschool–Grade 8
About our school:
Evergreen is a place for curious, highly capable students who delight in exploring further. Teachers emphasize depth over speed and promote learning from setbacks and successes alike. Our program thoroughly integrates challenging academics with social and emotional learning and a proactive commitment to diversity and inclusion at every grade level. Students cultivate courage, creativity and empathy as they work to address real-world challenges through hands-on projects that impact our local and global community.
What kids will love:
• Our “BIG Lab” Makerspace: Ideal for building, designing and tinkering at every grade level
• You can express and explore ideas in an inclusive, diverse and supportive environment
• Capstone 8th Grade Global Studies Trip
What parents will love:
• Seamlessly integrated social-emotional learning, inclusiveness, and challenging academics
• Our graduates are joyful, inquisitive learners, dedicated to serving their local and global communities
Visit a Virtual Open House
Primary Division: October 24, 2021, 10 am to noon
Upper Division: November 16, 2021, 6:30 to 8 pm
French American School of Puget Sound
Address: 3795 East Mercer Way, Mercer Island, WA 98040 Website: www.fasps.org
Phone: (206) 275-3533
Email: admissions@fasps.org
Serving grades/ages: 24 months through Grade 8
About our school:
The French American School of Puget Sound (FASPS) inspires the next generation of global citizens to learn, understand, and act wisely in a multicultural world. Students thrive in a strong academic program that combines the best philosophies of both the French and American educational systems. The FASPS educational program provides students fluency in two languages and cultures and enriches young lives by offering differing perspectives and international experiences. Our internationally recognized and rigorous program inspires a lifelong love of learning, which children carry with them long after their years at FASPS.
What kids will love:
• Small classes
• Diverse, international student body
• Challenging bilingual program
What parents will love:
“Not only is my child flourishing in the bilingual program, but I love the lively, engaged community of parents and faculty from all over the world!” — FASPS Parent
Meet with us!
To sign up for a tour or virtual discussion, visit our website.
French Immersion School of Washington
Address: 4211 W. Lake Sammamish Pkwy SE, Bellevue, WA 98008
Phone: (425) 653-3970
Website: www.fisw.org
Email: admissions@fisw.org
Serving grades: Preschool through 5th grade
About our school:
The French Immersion School of Washington offers students in preschool through 5th grade an excellent bilingual education in a welcoming environment that encourages critical thinking and curiosity. FISW students benefit from an inquiry-based, bilingual, and multicultural education. The value of the innovative and dynamic curriculum goes well beyond learning languages.
What kids will love:
• Passionate, caring teachers create a welcoming environment where students love to learn
• Curriculum developed around students’ natural curiosity. Students discover, explore, question in-depth, seek answers and solve problems
• Field trips, hands-on exploration, sports from swimming to sailing, 5th grade trip to France
What parents will love:
• Bilingual immersion model. Students spend 70% of learning time in French and develop a strong foundation in both languages
• Vibrant, multicultural environment. Students’ bilingual and bicultural experiences make them naturally open to new perspectives and ideas
• Active, inquiry-based curriculum develops children’s love of learning
Visit an open house! November 13, December 5, January 14, February 5. Virtual tours by appointment.
Giddens School
Address: 2120 21st Avenue South, Seattle, 98144
Phone: (206) 324-4847
Website: www.giddensschool.org
Email: admissions@giddensschool.org
Serving grades: Preschool–5th Grade
About our school:
Since 1972, Giddens has always been committed to the tenets of progressive education. This means that we have a deep respect for children, and we believe in their capacity for making contributions to their own learning and the learning of others. Every aspect of teaching and learning is designed to provide opportunities to gain content knowledge and skills of the highest quality. Giddens has fostered young people who are secure in themselves, value difference and embrace diversity, think critically about the world around them, and possess both the knowledge and passion to work for progress.
What kids will love:
• Learning to think like scientists, like mathematicians, like writers, and like artists
What parents will love:
• Teachers who know students socially, emotionally and intellectually
• A community that emphasizes kind-heartedness and understanding, where students are cared for and supported in their development
• Learning to know themselves, to understand their own perspectives, and to respect the perspectives of others
• Students engaged in learning that connects to themselves, to others, and to the larger community
• Students who develop the knowledge and skills to embrace the world we know and reach toward the world we hope for
Join us for our Virtual Open House! Saturday, November 6
For more information, visit: giddensschool.org/openhouse
Hamlin Robinson School
Address: 1701 20th Ave S., Seattle, WA
Phone: (206) 763-1167
About our school:
Website: www.hamlinrobinson.org
Email: nkurtz@hamlinrobinson.org
Serving grades: 1–8
Hamlin Robinson School is the only school in the state of Washington exclusively serving the unique academic, social, and emotional needs of students with dyslexia or other language-based learning differences. Students discover the joy of learning, build positive self-esteem, explore creative potential, and acquire the specific language skills necessary for success.
MISSION: Hamlin Robinson School ignites the academic and creative potential of students with dyslexia and other language-based learning differences.
What kids will love:
• Get creative and active; classes include art, PE, music, drama, and media.
• HRS participates in organized athletics and offers a multitude of student clubs.
• Enrichment programs give students the opportunity to try new things.
What parents will love:
• Classroom spaces and teaching methods embrace effective learning strategies so students can achieve success.
• Our comprehensive school program delivers structured, explicit instruction across all content areas.
• With the goal of independence and self-advocacy, HRS has an unwavering commitment to effective instruction and skill-building.
Virtual Tours Available!
Please contact Nikki Kurtz, nkurtz@hamlinrobinson.org, to schedule.
Jewish Day School of Metropolitan Seattle
Address: 15749 NE 4th Street, Seattle, WA Website: jds.org
Phone: (425) 460-0260
Email: admissions@jds.org
Serving grades: Early Childhood to Grade 8
About our school:
Offering in-person for students of all backgrounds in Pre-K through 8th grade. Our inquiry-based program fosters critical thinking, problem solving, confidence, collaboration, leadership, innovation and more – all in a global learning environment. JDS takes students further, teaching them to think more deeply, approach problems with a critical eye, and produce original work. Challenging academics are enriched with Jewish studies and multiple languages, providing a launching point for students to explore universal values, personal identity, and diverse cultures. JDS students become confident and compassionate upstanders who are empowered to make a difference in the world.
What kids will love:
• Our 7-acre campus includes a large playfield, STEM Lab and state of the art Athletic Center.
• Weekly art, music and PE in Elementary and marimba, STEM, and athletics in Middle School.
• Project-based learning for hands-on exploration and field experiences in social studies and the sciences.
What parents will love:
• Our “California” style building with all outdoor hallways and classrooms that open onto the field or courtyard. Covered outdoor spaces for learning, eating, socializing, and playing.
• Consecutive years with a team of teachers to facilitate academic extension, socialemotional success, and parent partnership.
• Values-based learning, an international close-knit community, and multiple languages.
Visit us!
At JDS, our house is always open! We offer virtual personalized tours by appointment. Contact admissions at admissions@jds.org to arrange your visit today.
KapKa Cooperative School
Address: 510 N 49th St, Seattle, WA 98103
Phone: (206) 522-0350
About our school:
Website: www.kapkaschool.org
Email: registrar@kapkaschool.org
Serving grades: K–5
KapKa Cooperative School, established in 1989, is conveniently located on Phinney Ridge. With approximately 60 students enrolled across K-5, KapKa’s population is small compared to other Seattle private schools. KapKa’s inclusive, experiential learning environment, built on evidence-based social-emotional learning (SEL), trust in our teachers, and the school’s cooperative educational model - which allows parents to share in the learning experience - sets our school apart from more traditional educational options.
What kids will love:
• Emergent curriculum incorporates student interests, enabling children to be fully engaged and invested in learning
• Frequent outdoor activity and movement along with access to 90+ acres of wooded parkland
• Strong community traditions that include feasts, outings and a weekend at Camp Orkila
What parents will love:
• Nimble, accessible staff and teachers who respond quickly and intelligently to challenges
• Multi-age cooperative learning environment allows children to learn with and from one another and the adults in their community
• Warm, welcoming and engaged parent community with regular parent-oriented events including fun socials and topical parent education
Visit our Open House!
Saturday, December 4, 10am to noon
To RSVP, email registrar@kapkaschool.org
The Lake and Park School
Address: 3201 Hunter Blvd S, Seattle, WA 98144
Phone: (206) 721-3480
Website: lakeandparkschool.org
Email: admissions@lakeandparkschool.org
Serving grades: Preschool–5th Grade
About our school:
The Lake and Park School provides an environment in which the elementary child’s authentic sense of self is realized through the collaborative partnership of teacher and child.
Our approach to the elementary grades puts basic skills within a meaningful context of intellectual breadth and depth supported by out-in-the-field explorations.
A sky’s-the-limit thematic curriculum makes room for topics near and far and enriches the daily experience.
The arts and sciences are an integral part of all we do.
What kids will love:
• Engaging every day in real learning by real doing
• Field-based exploration
• Having an authentic voice in our school
• Being known by every teacher in the school
What parents will love:
• Multi-age classrooms which target each child’s individual needs
• Affordable tuition
• In-house learning support
• Comprehensive support for parents and fifth graders as they apply to Middle School
For more information
Contact us for a virtual tour at admissions@lakeandparkschool.org
Lake Washington Girls Middle School
Address: 2100 S Walker St, Seattle, WA 98144
Phone: (206) 709-3800
About our school:
Website: www.lwgms.org
Email: admissions@lwgms.org
Serving grades: 6–8
Whether they are learning remotely or are on campus in large or small groups, LWGMS students are fully immersed in our school’s innovative and holistic approach to educating girls — fostering academic excellence, creative confidence, positive risk-taking, and the development of individual talents. Our program is designed to support students’ engagement in academic rigor; to balance structure and flexibility and bolster social-emotional learning; to connect them with teachers and one another in community; and to offer students and families predictability within the context of this unpredictable pandemic. LWGMS empowers girls to be strong in mind, body, and voice.
What kids will love:
• The L-Dub sisterhood is strong and continues well after students graduate.
• L-Dub fosters strong relationships between teachers and students.
• L-Dub offers students many public speaking and performance opportunities.
What parents will love:
• A leader in Seattle’s educational landscape, LWGMS focuses on the intersection of highquality academics, students’ social and emotional well-being and health, and social justice.
• LWGMS serves a diverse range of students while offering robust financial aid and small class sizes.
• LWGMS empowers girls to be strong in mind, body, and voice.
Virtual Open House Wednesday, November 17, 6pm
Hear from students, “experience” our new campus, and join breakout rooms to learn about our programs from each department’s teachers. Visit lwgms.org/openhouse to make your reservation for the event (required).
The Little School
Address: 2812 116th Ave NE, Bellevue, WA 98004
Phone: (425) 827-8708
Website: thelittleschool.org/explore
Email: radmissions@thelittleschool.org
Serving grades: Preschool – 5th grade
About our school:
What if your child’s whole campus was their classroom? At The Little School, classrooms extend beyond our walls and into our 12.5-acre wooded campus, nurturing each child’s curiosity through exploration and play. This blended indoor/outdoor approach facilities project-based learning that inspires students to be passionate life-long learners who work collaboratively toward a deeper understanding of stewardship and justice. Our small class sizes allow TLS students to be known by the whole community, helping them to develop caring relationships with adults and peers. Tour The Little School today and see why we have been a leader in progressive education for over 60 years!
What kids will love:
• Engaging and joyful activities that invite children to discover, create, learn and play
• Strong relationships with caring friends and experienced teachers
• Specialist-in-Residence Classes in Music, Art, Physical Education, Environmental Science, Library and TED (Technology, Engineering and Design)
What parents will love:
• Balanced social-emotional and academic growth that nurtures children as part of a learning community
• Project-based and curiosity-driven curriculum that support your child’s interests and passions
• Engaging before and after school offerings that are an extension of our program
Visit Us Today!
TLS is offering regular virtual tours along with ongoing admissions event to help you get to know us better throughout the application process. You can register for these events through Ravenna.
The Meridian School
Address: 4649 Sunnyside Ave N, Ste. 242, Seattle WA 98103 Website: meridianschool.edu
Phone: (206) 632-7154
About our school:
Email: admissions@meridianschool.edu
Serving grades: K–5
For over 40 years, Meridian has provided a balanced academic education in which the joy of childhood infuses the excitement of learning. It is a place where intellectual and social/emotional development are addressed with equal commitment. Our unique location in Wallingford’s historic Good Shepherd Center situates us in an 6.5-acre park and surrounds us with nonprofit organizations such as the Tilth Alliance, Washington Green Schools and the Wallingford Senior Center. Academics take place inside the classroom and out in the park, and lessons in community begin by simply walking in the door.
What kids will love:
• Caring, enthusiastic teachers and kind friends. A supportive and challenging learning community where it is safe to take risks!
• Outdoor experiences in Meridian Park— especially gardening, nature journaling, science experiments and play!
• Field trips, group projects, Creativity Lab, music class, social studies and more
What parents will love:
• Challenging and integrated curriculum enhanced by experiential, place-based learning opportunities
• Faculty members dedicated to whole-child development, and supporting and extending student growth through customized learning
• An inclusive community that values equity and diversity, and a curriculum that intentionally integrates global competency and service learning
Join us for a virtual information session! Discussions with our admissions team will be held weekly, mid-October through January. Registration for all events is available via the Ravenna system.
The Northwest School
Address: 1415 Summit Ave., Seattle, WA 98122
Phone: (206) 682-7309
About our school:
Website: www.northwestschool.org
Email: michele.sanchez@northwestschool.org
Serving grades: 6–12
The Northwest School offers students a challenging intellectual experience grounded in vigorous study and interdisciplinary learning. Our liberal arts education combines an integrated Humanities program with open-ended scientific lab work and arts classes in every discipline. Core to our education is the development of thoughtful, humane world citizens who are critical thinkers, creative problem solvers and effective communicators. Students study topics of international significance alongside students from other countries. Caring for the environment is integrated into our daily routines. Students graduate with the discipline, agility, and creativity to conquer the toughest global challenges.
What kids will love:
• 61 art courses to choose from, including Drawing, Ceramics, New Media Art, Orchestra, Stagecraft and Performing Dance Ensemble
• Student-led Interest Groups, including Black Student Union, Environmental Interest Group, GLAM, Internet of Things, Social Justice Squad
• Urban Farm/Garden with 30 planter boxes, three chickens, and a “treezebo”
What parents will love:
• Excellent teachers and close student/teacher relationships supported by small class sizes
• A strong commitment to a holistic education, developing students’ intellectual passions, creative spirit and athletic strengths
• A warm, inclusive community built on the belief that ethnic, racial, religious, gender and economic diversity are essential for a high quality education
Visit a virtual open house!
Upper School Virtual Open House: October 24, 1–3 pm
Middle School Virtual Open House: November 7, 1–3 pm
The Overlake School
Address: 20301 NE 108th St, Redmond, WA Website: www.overlake.org
Phone: (425) 868-1000
Email: admission@overlake.org
Serving grades: 5–12
The Overlake School is a secular, coeducational, independent college prep school of students in grades 5-12. Located in Redmond on a wooded 73-acre campus, The Overlake School has been educating students for more than 50 years.
Based on the foundation of a liberal arts education, Overlake offers students a variety of academic courses, including honors and AP courses, as well as experiential education featuring outdoor education, service learning, and leadership. Overlake offers robust co-curriculars, including athletics, arts, student-run clubs, and academic teams, such as chess and robotics.
Overlake graduates receive skills to be successful in a global world.
What kids will love:
About our school: What parents will love:
• Students are known at Overlake
• Variety of opportunities for students
• Lifelong friendships develop
• Small class sizes
• Experienced faculty
• Robust curricular and extra-curricular program
Seattle Academy
Address: 1201 East Union Street, Seattle, WA 98122
Phone: (206) 323-6600
About our school:
Website: www.seattleacademy.org
Email: admissions@seattleacademy.org
Serving grades: 6–12
Seattle Academy is a dynamic, innovative, and vibrant independent school in an urban Capitol Hill campus. Students’ educational experience is inspired by our mission that “challenges students to question, imagine, and create in order to contribute boldly to a changing world.”
Our dynamic educational approach of teaching students ‘how to think’ but not ‘what to think’ is delivered through our programmatic pillars of Academics, Arts, Athletics, Outdoor Trips/Travel, and Service.
Our students have varying interests, strengths, and learning styles supported by our faculty, advisors, grade-level coordinators, counselors, and our Learning Support teams.
What kids will love:
• Our no-cut policy enables students to try new arts, sports, activities, and more
• Our innovative curriculum offers the opportunity to challenge rigid boundaries for what is possible
• Students are enriched by the diversity and social engagement of navigating a bustling, evolving neighborhood
What parents will love:
• We focus our efforts on understanding each student at the individual level and navigating the process with them
• Our Culture of Performance fosters the integration of skills, ability to take risks, and capacity to embrace change
• We offer a safe, positive, and supportive environment for students to craft their own transformational experiences
Join our virtual open house! Visit www.seattleacademy.org/ admissions for more information
Seattle Country Day School
Address: 2619 4th Avenue North, Seattle, WA 98109
Phone: (206) 812-8907
About our school:
Website: www.seattlecountryday.org
Email: admissions@seattlecountryday.org
Serving grades: K–8
At Seattle Country Day School, we know gifted children can be intense, verbal, and imaginative. They can have wildly different interests, from reading, to coding, to art. And they come from every community, every race, and every socioeconomic group.
At SCDS, your child will find a warm, welcoming classroom, one based around the concept of inquiry — a method where teachers encourage students to explore, to ask questions, to experiment, and to create. It’s a method that brings out the best in our students, stokes their passion for learning, and helps them develop critical-thinking skills that last a lifetime.
What kids will love:
Your child will:
• Thrill to the freedom of exploring and asking questions.
• Make terrific friends. Students who attend SCDS “find their tribe” while learning to appreciate what makes each of them unique.
• Grow excited by special traditions and activities, including capstone trips in grades 7 and 8.
What parents will love:
We know you’ll enjoy watching your child:
• Thrive in a hands-on, intellectually stimulating atmosphere managed by excellent, caring teachers.
• Stretch emotionally, learning the benefits of cooperation, leadership, and kindness.
• Become ready for the academic and social rigors of their next educational adventure.
Visit our open house! Thursday, January 6, 2022
Seattle Girls’ School
Address: 2706 S Jackson Street, Seattle WA Website: www.seattlegirlsschool.org
Phone: (206) 709-2228
About our school:
Email: admissions@seattlegirlsschool.org
Serving grades: 5–8
Middle school is a critical time for development, especially for girls. As girls reach early adolescence, their self-esteem and interest in certain subjects is likely to plummet as a result of being bombarded by conflicting messages about femininity and achievement. Seattle Girls’ School combats the trend of girls losing confidence before competence, especially in STEM subjects. Our project-based curriculum—grounded in real-world experiences—offers opportunities for leadership, collaboration and problem solving. Students connect academic studies with current events, selfawareness, and collaboration. This results in highly confident graduates who succeed in high school, college and beyond.
What kids will love:
• Our project-based curriculum gives students the opportunities to become entrepreneurs, scientists, artists, game developers, lawyers and much more.
• In each grade, students take their studies outside of the classroom on various day and overnight field trips.
• Students develop long-lasting friendships and support systems with peers, mentors and teachers.
What parents will love:
• Students feel safe and challenged, making them more willing to explore their strengths and examine areas for growth.
• Students learn critical thinking through an anti-bias lens that address issues of difference and oppression.
• Students find their voices, giving them confidence to celebrate who they are and what they believe in.
Visit us virtually this year!
Coffee Chats: 9/28, 10/12, 10/19, 10/26, 11/9
Open House: 10/23 and 11/18 Tours: 11/10, 1/5, 2/9 and by appointment on the weekends Alumni Q&A Nights: 11/4 and 12/7
Seattle Jewish Community School
Address: 7217 Woodlawn Ave NE, Seattle, WA 98115 Website: www.sjcs.net
Phone: (206) 522-5212
Email: info@sjcs.net
Serving grades: Kindergarten through Grade 5
About our school:
SJCS provides a K–5 Jewish Independent School experience in the heart of Seattle’s Green Lake neighborhood. Celebrating its 30th year, SJCS graduates have gone into their communities to live the mission: by developing thoughtful inquiry, courageous and compassionate connection to others and a strong sense of who they are to change the world.
What kids will love:
• Strong peer and teacher relationships
• Best playground in Seattle: Green Lake Park
• Middle School preparation
What parents will love:
• Small Classes
• Active Parent Community
• Combination of strong academics, social emotional learning with a Jewish foundation
Meet with us!
Please check website for tour information.
Seattle School for Boys
Address: 2800 S. Massachusetts St., Seattle, WA 98144
Website: seattleschoolforboys.org
Email: admission@seattleschoolforboys.org
Phone: (206) 312-5900 Serving grades: 6–8
About our school:
Seattle School for Boys encourages and inspires boys to become collaborative learners, creative thinkers, and compassionate leaders. SSB students learn to express themselves, challenge stereotypes, learn from mistakes, care for others, and champion social justice.
With small classes, expert educators, and a caring community, SSB provides an innovative and rigorous interdisciplinary approach to the humanities, STEAM, math, and Spanish along with leadership opportunities, integrated arts, and movement classes including parkour, martial arts, yoga, and fitness.
SSB is committed to equity in education. Our tuition is tiered to allow access for all families.
What kids will love:
• Creative confidence! At SSB, we work together, solve real problems, build things, build community, and have fun while we learn.
• Small classes with expert teachers and leading-edge curriculum.
• Adventure! We are regularly outside, as we explore parks, museums, our neighborhood, and our city.
• Community! Boys will grow life-long friendships with each other as they grow into their own identities and values.
Meet with us!
• A true close-knit community that values and celebrates the rich social-emotional lives of boys.
• Our central location, adjacent to parks, green spaces, and bike paths.
• Virtual Open House, December 9 at 6pm
• Weekly Information Sessions (via Zoom), Wednesdays at 4pm Register via Ravenna or bmckenna@seattleschoolforboys.org
Seattle Waldorf School
Address: 2728 NE 100th Street, Seattle, WA 98125
Phone: (206) 524-5320
Website: www.seattlewaldorf.org
Email: info@seattlewaldorf.org
Serving grades: Preschool through 12th Grade
About our school:
Seattle Waldorf School is changing the conversation about education.
We believe in the power of connection to people and nature, not just technology. We believe in asking hard questions and finding innovative solutions. We believe inspired learning is about passion, not pressure.
The Waldorf curriculum develops the human capacities needed to navigate the demands of an ever-changing global environment. Through our innovative educational approach, SWS equips students with powers for critical thinking, synthesis, collaboration, and creativity — enabling them to develop into thoughtful, engaged, and articulate moral citizens.
What kids will love:
• Early Childhood: Outdoor play, exploration and getting dirty
• Grade School/Middle School: Close-knit classes, field trips and outdoor learning, sports and movement
• High School: Independent, project-based learning, well-rounded academics, strong student/ teacher relationships, and adventure trips
What parents will love:
• Parents who choose SWS place a high value on the development of their children’s intellectual capacities, as well as their physical, social and emotional well-being
• Parents cherish the strong sense of community and family-like environment created in each class
• Parents love that their children are seen as individuals
Monthly Virtual Info Sessions and Tours every other week. Visit seattlewaldorf.org/admission/visitsws for more info.
Soundview School
Address: 6515 196th Street SW, Lynnwood, WA 98036 Website: www.soundview.org
Phone: (425) 778-8572
Email: contact@soundview.org
Serving grades: Early childhood – 8th grade
About our school:
Every child deserves a school that is ethical, rigorous, and compassionate.
Soundview welcomes students of any race, color, national origin, or ethnic origin. Soundview does not discriminate on the basis of sex, gender, age, religion, handicap, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.
We offer a learning environment meant to serve your child’s needs.
That is what Soundview School provides. This is how we can help your child be ready for this world.
We have made a special effort to ensure that a Soundview education is affordable. Reach out at contact@soundview.org.
What kids will love:
• Knowing they can rely on Soundview School
• Being secure in the individual attention we provide
• Building forts in our forest, designing lanterns with the laser cutter, experimenting with fermented foods in science, creating batik prints in art class; Soundview students learn to trust their own imaginations
Meet with us!
What parents will love:
• Feeling secure that Soundview provides a physically and emotionally safe environment
• Knowing that their child has a flexible academic program, enduring just the right amount of challenge
• Watching the warm and caring relationships grow between students, teachers, and parents; every child is known
Soundview School offers personal tours for families during the school day. Prospective families may call, email, or submit a request on our website to arrange a tour.
Spruce Street School
Address: 914 Virginia Street, Seattle, WA 98101
Phone: (206) 621-9211
Website: www.sprucestreetschool.org
Email: admission@sprucestreetschool.org
Serving grades: Kindergarten through fifth grade
About our school:
Spruce Street School values diversity and is committed to helping every child learn and succeed. Conveniently located near downtown Seattle, we take full advantage of the cultural and educational offerings to create hands-on learning opportunities and meaningful experiences. Our teachers are experts whose passion for lifelong learning enables them to ensure that children are known and loved for who they are. Our students leave as empathetic, capable and well-rounded individuals, confident in their abilities to navigate and impact the world around them.
What kids will love:
• Multi-age classrooms where they have the chance to be novice and expert learners.
• The independence and responsibility they gain from being leaders in their classroom and in the school.
• Learning how to collaborate and advance their skills in a supportive community.
What parents will love:
• At Spruce Street School every child is known and valued for who they are.
• Teachers work collaboratively and are dedicated to every child’s growth in all areas of academic excellence and social-emotional development.
• Every child will become well-equipped to tackle challenges in and out of school.
Meet with us!
Visit our website for details on how to visit Spruce Street School today! Open houses, school tours and virtual Q+A options available.
St. Monica Catholic School
Address: 4320 87th Ave SE, Mercer Island, WA 98040
Phone: (206) 232-5432
Website: www.stmonicasea.org
Email: info@stmonicasea.org
Serving grades: PreK through 11th grade
About our school:
St. Monica Catholic School specializes in Classical Liberal Arts education and empowering students minds. Our goal is to inspire students through our curriculum. Our educators work with our students to enhance their critical thinking, analysis, and creative expression. We have created a place where students not only understand what they read, but are able to communicate with their peers effectively about it.
Curriculum offerings:
• Integrated History, Literature, and Language Arts
• Robust Mathematics and Science Experimentation
• Latin, Spanish, Art, and Music
What kids will love:
• Engaging classes that pique each child’s desire to learn through discovery.
• Terrific teachers that provide every child with the tools of learning, thinking, and communicating to accomplish great work.
• Two recesses and Physical Education that gives every child the space to play for social, emotional, and cognitive growth.
What parents will love:
• Exploring the best accomplishments of human beings throughout history by integrating History, Literature, Philosophy, and Religion.
• Challenging every student with a superior and proven math curriculum, Saxon Math, using our Walk-to-Math program.
• Emphasizing the “why” of science with hands-on experimentation so our students can maximize their knowledge and take delight in the beauty and wonder of nature.
Meet with us!
Open House: January 30, 2022, 10am–1pm
St. Thomas School
Address: 8300 NE 12th St, Medina, WA
Phone: (425) 454-5880
Website: www.stthomasschool.org
Email: admissions@stthomasschool.org
Serving grades: Preschool–8th grade
About our school:
Founded in 1951 and located on the Eastside of Seattle in Medina, St. Thomas School (STS) is a private, non-sectarian school for preschool through 8th grade students. A globally recognized leader in innovative education, St. Thomas School serves families that believe leadership, character, and community are essential components of their child’s education.
At St. Thomas School, we believe our students will change the world. We believe our mission to develop responsible citizens of a global society is more important than ever before. We believe that learners and leaders must exemplify strength of character, academic excellence, and community engagement.
What kids will love:
• Teachers that make academics come alive with unique projects that allow students to have voice and choice in their learning
• Our commitment to recess, arts, music, technology, and physical education
• A dining program like no other. It’s more than just your typical school lunch
What parents will love:
• We are relentless in devoting our attention to every child placed in our care
• Our unwavering commitment to character education and our long standing core virtues of gratitude, tolerance, respect, courage, integrity, responsibility, compassion, perseverance and generosity
• A community that embraces high expectations, shared values, and a passion for learning
Meet with us!
Visit our website for a virtual tour or join us for online information sessions to learn more about our school
University Child Development School
Address: 5062 9th Ave. NE, Seattle, WA 98105
Phone: (206) 547-8237
Website: www.ucds.org
Email: admission@ucds.org
Serving grades: Preschool–5th grade
About our school:
UCDS designs a culture of inquiry essential to meaningful learning. We cultivate reflective, collaborative, skillful thinkers who ignite positive change in their communities. We engage diverse perspectives in an ongoing effort to shape and share our innovative education model.
• 8:1 Student/Teacher Ratio
• Individualized Instruction
• Thematic Curriculum
• Multi-age Classrooms
What kids will love:
• UCDS teachers design curriculum that requires students to ponder big questions, articulate their understanding, and identify resources to enhance their learning.
• UCDS empowers students to take ownership over the learning process.
• Multi-age classrooms allow children to collaborate with a wide range of peers and their diverse approaches to problem solving.
What parents will love:
• Our teachers are coaches and partners, inspiring a culture of exploration and critical thinking.
• UCDS celebrates the individuality of each student through programs that address diverse learning styles, backgrounds and points of view.
• The UCDS experience is enriched with dedicated arts, technology and foreign language programs.
Come see our school!
Contact us to schedule a virtual or in-person tour.
University Cooperative School
Address: 5601 University Way NE, Seattle, WA 98105
Phone: (206) 524-0653
Website: www.ucoopschool.org
Email: info@ucoopschool.org
Serving grades: Pre-K–Grade 5
About our school:
University Cooperative School is a community oriented Pre-K–5 school with a progressive, child centered, hands-on, multi-age approach to learning. Social and emotional development, the creative arts, academics, outdoor and service learning are key components of our program. University Cooperative School features small class size, a team of passionate, dedicated teachers, and an engaged group of parents. Since 1975, University Cooperative School has been nurturing the whole child. We are committed to play-based learning and creating a positive and fun environment for our students. Childhood is a journey, not a race.
What kids will love:
• The supportive and caring relationships they build with their teachers over a three-year pod experience
• The hands on approach to learning, emphasis on the arts, outdoor play and epic trips
• The caring community of children, parents, and teachers
What parents will love:
• The deep level of engagement they get to have in their child’s elementary years
• Being part of a supportive, nurturing community
• Getting to know the amazing children and forming life-long friendships with other parents
Meet with us!
Visit our website to learn about signing up for a tour.
The Valley School
Address: 318 30th Avenue E, Seattle WA
Phone: (206) 328-4475
Website: www.thevalleyschool.org
Email: lorak@thevalleyschool.org
Serving grades: Pre-K through 5th Grade
About our school:
Located in Seattle’s Madison Valley since 1985, The Valley School is a Pre-Kindergarten through Fifth Grade independent school that creates educational experiences that ignite children’s natural passion for learning. Our students develop an academic foundation and become joyful learners through playful work, purposeful play, and the practice of community.
What kids will love:
• The 20,000 square foot playground to explore, create, jump, climb and play on
• The Valley School pets who give us opportunities for empathy, caregiving, kindness and learning
• The Valley School teachers who create fun, amazing, and memorable classroom experiences
What parents will love:
• The small school community that allows all families to feel welcome and included
• How Valley cultivates the magic and creativity of childhood
• The Valley School teachers who create an inspirational learning program that supports, challenges and inspires students
Learn More About The Valley School!
Visit our website to discover more about our academic program and begin the application process.
Villa Academy
Address: 5001 NE 50th St., Seattle WA Website: thevilla.org
Phone: (206) 527-9388
Email: admissions@thevilla.org
Serving grades: Preschool–8th Grade
About our school:
In the heart of northeast Seattle’s Laurelhurst neighborhood, Villa’s 31-acre campus goes beyond the classroom walls for hands-on, experiential learning. Academic rigor is foundational to our Whole-Child philosophy, of which we believe that every child deserves to be known as an individual—heart, mind, body, and spirit. Our students explore real-world issues, think critically, and develop skills not only for future academic journeys but for life. Small-class sizes and highly collaborative faculty empower students as individuals. At Villa Academy, our students thrive in their learning styles and social-emotional growth and wellbeing, and with grade-appropriate social justice curricula, they deepen their compassion and character.
What kids will love:
• Learning beyond the desk and classroom—explore and discover the wonders of our campus forest, trails, gardens, and Lake Washington waterfront.
• Maker Spaces to spark creativity— tinker, innovate, and create.
• Competitive sports and a state-of-the-art multipurpose athletic field.
• Art, music, PE, and world languages built into a daily schedule.
What parents will love:
• Outstanding academics that integrate STEAM, project-based learning, and outdoor education.
• Whole-Child philosophy incorporating social-emotional learning with an emphasis on an individual child’s development, growth, and progress.
• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion grounded in Catholic social justice.
Open House Dates
Fall 2021: October 23, 2021—please visit thevilla.org for details to sign-up.
Winter 2022: Visit thevilla.org for admission events.
Puget Sound Independent
Billings Middle School Pinehurst
The Downtown School Seattle Center 9–12 160 13:1 $19,000 Jan.
Epiphany School Madrona PreK–5 250 7:1 $30,300
The Evergreen School Shoreline P–8 490 6:1 $15,140–$34,300
French American School Mercer Island P–8 435 7:1 $26,750–$30,950
of Puget Sound
French Immersion School South Bellevue P–5 200 6:1 $8,000–$19,200
of Washington
Giddens School North Beacon Hill P–5 196 7:1 $14,720–$28,090
Hamlin Robinson School North Beacon Hill 1–8 328 8:1 $25,854–$28,280
Jewish Day School Bellevue Crossroads P–8 100 6:1 $11,000–$27,900
of Metropolitan Seattle KapKa Cooperative School Phinney/Fremont K–5 64 8:1 $15,650
The Lake and Park School Mt. Baker P–5 70 8:1 $11,145–$18,245
Lake Washington Girls North Beacon Hill 6–8 116 6:1 $29,750
Middle School
The Little School Bellevue P–5 210 8:1 $27,700
The Meridian School Wallingford K–5 200 7:1 $27,670–$27,900
The Northwest School Capitol Hill 6–12 453 8:1 $39,975–$42,225
The Overlake School Redmond 5–12 530 12:1 $38,241 ◊ Jan.
Seattle Academy Capitol Hill 6–12 1090 5:1 $39,750
Seattle Country Day School Queen Anne K–8 416 16:1 $30,633–$35,840
Seattle Girls’ School Central District/Leschi 5–8 139 9:1 $30,295
Seattle Jewish Green Lake K–5 59 8:1 $22,730
Jan. Community School
Seattle School for Boys Mount Baker/Central 6–8 50 10:1 $22,500
Seattle Waldorf School Northeast Seattle P–12 314 12:1 $21,100–$32,200
Soundview School Lynnwood P–8 150 9:1 $11,450–$14,850
Spruce Street School Downtown Seattle K–5 105 10:1 $28,600
St. Monica Catholic School Mercer Island PreK–11 266 10:1 $13,450
St. Thomas School Medina/Bellevue P–8 360 7:1 $17,650–$36,470
University Child University District P–5 331 8:1 $33,250
Development School
University Cooperative North University PK–5 103 7:1 $11,720–$16, 560
School District
The Valley School Madison Valley PreK–5 115 9:1 $28,585
Villa Academy Laurelhurst P–8 360 15:1 $13,878–$29,845
Independent Schools at a glance
after Sibling Application Financial aid Testing care discount deadline deadline
Puget Sound Independent Schools promotes the value of local independent school education, and works collaboratively to make the admission process more accessible for all prospective families. Our website features 40+ independent school profiles, application information, and a complete calendar of school open houses. All member schools are accredited by the Northwest Association of Independent Schools (NWAIS).
An Admission Collaborative Connecting Families and Schools
