Learning Environment: Overview

Children learn in small, flexible environments. Our classrooms accommodate diverse learning styles, while small class size and dedicated teachers insure that that the children accomplish their individual goals. Our classes are no larger than 18 students and the overall student/teacher ratio is six to one.

Children are motivated to perform at their highest academic capacity. Through personal goal setting, high expectations and a clear understanding of their strengths and weaknesses, students are held accountable for their learning.

Excellent teachers are given the freedom to develop excellent curriculum, covering a wide range of content while taking the time to delve deeply into complex issues. Child-centered, teacher-developed programs support individual achievement, love of learning, and love of teaching!

A variety of styles, subjects, instructors, and settings stimulate our children's love of learning. School-wide programs include Spanish taught by a native speaker, music taught using marimba ensembles, and art instruction taught by staff and artists-in-residence throughout the year. Four cross-school electives each year bring all ages together for unusual and creative learning experiences. Elective topics have included electricity, juggling, the waltz, silent movies, amphibians, chess and opera.

Children thrive in a diverse environment. Children are surrounded by diversity of all kinds - cultural, ethnic, racial, economic, family structure, learning style, interests and abilities. This diversity enhances the richness of everyone's educational experience. Our tuition assistance benefits a large percentage of students. One third of our students receive economic-based aid which represents fifteen percent of the annual operating budget - one of the highest percentages among Seattle independent schools.

A supportive peer environment comes from conscious commitment. Second Step, a school-wide, peer-communication program, builds a community that encourages individual differences and reduces the effect of peer pressure and cliques. Second Step teaches children to mediate conflicts, respect feelings, understand group values, and respect differences. Steps to Respect, a bullying prevention program, is a natural stepping stone for older students. This program provides a school-wide approach to help students and staff recognize and deal with bullying.

Parental involvement takes a strong role. Parental involvement extends from classroom assistance to chaperoning on field trips, serving on the Board of Directors or Parent Association, contributing to committees, participating in fundraising activities, supporting recruitment, and building social networks.

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