at my previous school, I was bullied, depressed and hated learning. none of the teachers were nice…read morebut, hillside is the complete opposite all the teachers are nice, obviously care about their students and what they teach. all the students like each other. I'm still recovering from my past experiences, but hillside is doing a darn good job at helping me heal and helping nourish my gifts.

Flashback to 1989: I had just learned my parents had enrolled me at Hillside and I was furious. How…read moredare they enroll me in private schooling instead of buying me a car?! Needless to say, looking back, I'm glad of their decision. I hadn't been the most social kid in middle school and Hillside provided the perfect mix of supportive community, yet challenging academic environment, to enable me to succeed. If you're not familiar with Hillside, take a tour. They have one of the best college-prep, personality-development and real-world training programs in the area.

I have so many positive things to say. I looked for a long time and visited, interviewed and…read moreconsidered many options before selecting this academy. The curriculum is advanced and individualized to a degree you won't get in public school. The staff takes time to ensure all children are taught how to learn, learn, and (most importantly) to enjoy learning and staying curious. I won't say more about the academics, you can look up how great they are online. But I will say they don't break kids like other aggressive academic private schools, they make them love learning. My son is so motivated in kindergarten to do his schoolwork! The nutrition is top notch. They feed them "home cooked" healthy organic meals 4-6 times a day. Allergies accounted for. No cakes or sweets allowed and each child gets a classroom bday celebration. Arts are built into the curriculum: culinary arts, painting, music and dance with performances, gymnastics and you even get a speech therapist. Kids are with two teachers: English speaking and Russian speaking. This was a major deal for me in terms of importance. My kid was doing advanced math that kids in first grade are doing in prek and not on a tablet! By 5 he was reading and writing in two languages! The school is high in security and cleanliness. I know my kids are safe and I get photo updates of their time here. The school doesn't teach religion, politics, or gender stuff. That stays with the parents. I love this. It's one of the main reasons I'm here. But they are still teaching kindness, diversity and are strict on anti bullying. The school has hundreds of options for after school programs and care inclusive of science, robotics, musical instruments etc. But most importantly... I love the people. Everyone knows my kids from the daycare to the administration to the cooks to the director of the school. It feels like a warm and safe home. My kids feel comfortable and safe. They are welcomed with kindness. And I feel like they really care. The director of the school called me on the phone to tell me about my son's Iowa test and how she was concerned that someone as smart as him wasn't trying harder to take it. That level of care is so impressive to me. Hands down one of the best decisions I've made for my kids coming here. It is expensive! But very comparable to other private schools in the area. Only thing I can say is I wish the administration for the private school was as organized and on top of it as the administration for their prek and daycare. One thing to note that this private school does do school uniforms. But the policy is quite flexible. It's mainly colors and no prints / graphics or jeans. And on Fridays it's free clothes day.

Our second kiddo is going into his last year at this preschool. It is such a bitter-sweet time for…read moreus. This preschool has been one of the most amazing things for our young children. Teacher Carolyn (and Teacher Angie while she was here) had such a positive impact on them, and us as a family. If you're looking for a preschool near Beacon Hill, pick this one.

My daughter love this school! Teacher Violetta and Carolyn are amazing with kids! . We also like…read morethe fact that this is Waldorf school. The place is full of wooden toys, materials from nature and silk. Don't expect any plastic toys here. Children eats together by this huge table. The menu is really healthy grains with veggies and fruits. Hot or cold. They are having hot tea and water as well. My daughter have severe peanut and tree nuts allergies and this school make sure she is safe. Children play outside most of the time. They go for walks to Bradner garden and surrounding areas. rain pants and waterproof jacket are must because they go outside even when it's raining which is great. This is really nurturing and welcoming place. I would recommend this Preschool to anyone I know. It's conveniently located with lots of parking. This place is a gem !

Northwest Montessori has been a transformative place for our family. After a difficult time at a…read moreprevious early childhood program, we found a school that welcomed our son with open arms. The educators here are not only exceptionally skilled, but also deeply compassionate, committed to seeing and nurturing the best in every child. The school fosters independence, confidence, and a strong sense of community. Some preschools strike me as chaotic, while others seem a bit too library-like; I think Northwest Montessori strikes a thoughtful balance between academic learning and play, ensuring a structured yet lively classroom environment. We've seen our kids develop a broad range of skills--motor, executive function, literacy, math, creativity--within a highly cooperative setting, and they have of course made many close friends. I also think that the Northwest Montessori team is deeply committed to INCLUSION, embracing children of all backgrounds and needs including neurodiverse learners. I've always felt that every staff member at NWM, from teachers to administrators, is dedicated to creating a space where each child feels at home and can reach their fullest potential. The Wedgwood campus has three classrooms, each mixed-age from 2.5yo to 6yo (thru Kindergarten). I wasn't sure how a mixed-age classroom would work at first, but honestly it's been so awesome--it's super cool to watch kiddos learn to mentor and teach one another, and my kids have picked up so many leadership skills from being in a mixed-age environment. They have a lovely little playground that is both secure and offers a wide variety of equipment, and the kiddos always have a wonderful time. This school has not only supported our child's growth, but has helped our family heal from previous bad experiences. Our older child has since graduated and is thriving in public school, while our younger one is still benefiting from this incredible learning environment. We couldn't be more grateful for the dedication of the educators at Northwest Montessori, and we wholeheartedly recommend it to any family seeking a nurturing, inclusive, and empowering early education.

Was referred to this childcare from my son's other center, Lil People's World Seattle, by another…read moreparent. Wow, what a difference! NW Montessori is all that I hoped a child care center would be and more. The teachers obviously love what they do, the director and other staff are the best at what they do, and I feel more at ease knowing that there is an option in Seattle like this establishment. My son has only been there a couple months, but I think its the best decision I have made. He is much happier there than Lil People's World.

I can't say enough positive things about our family's experience at The Perkins School in Seattle…read more Our son joined as a 4th grader, and from day one it was clear he was genuinely known, supported, and cared for. I asked him recently what he liked most about Perkins, and he said, "the community -- I really liked the teachers and the kids." His teachers prioritized getting to know him; at our first parent-teacher conference, we were amazed when his teacher described details of his strengths and weaknesses the same way we would have. We watched his confidence grow as he was challenged in ways that felt supportive. That foundation has truly paid off--he's thriving in middle school, both academically and socially. We are forever grateful for the love and care the entire Perkins community showed our son and our family.

Our kids have loved their experience at Perkins! We've been at Perkins for five years now, and…read moreregularly make the 30-minute drive (one way) to school because it's such a wonderful place for our kids! Unlike many other independent schools, Perkins places a very high level of importance on building community within the school, and on the social and emotional health of each child. Perkins has a down-to-earth, kind and loving feel that runs through the faculty, staff, parent community and the kids. It's such a rare find! In addition to building a strong academic foundation for success, every Perkins student enjoys the experience of being truly known by every teacher, and most of the students know each other. This creates a truly "small town" community feel and one that is overwhelmingly positive! This school does differentiate for ability in the core subjects, and also provides enriching "specialist" subjects for a well-rounded overall education. We can't imagine our kids being anywhere else!

The teachers are loving and kind. Food is made in house. Have access to many local resources…read moreincluding SPU, the ship canal and the Free Methodist Church's facilities.

Our toddler attended NQACC for almost two years and was a Purple Bunny and Pink Penguin. He loved…read morehis time there and we were very satisfied as his parents. From the accommodating hours (7-6) to the warmth of the staff to the included meals, all of our son's needs were met or exceeded. For example, re: meals - tasty breakfast, lunch and snack provided daily are prepared with love by the chef who has been with the school over two decades. Tuition very reasonable (and drops with toilet training). The only reason we left was our move to the east side made the drive prohibitive. But our son still asks daily if he can go back!

As a two-mom family with three young children at St. Thomas School, we have had an overwhelmingly…read morepositive experience. The teaching faculty at STS lead with empathy, nurture leadership skills, and excel in fostering social-emotional development--all while maintaining strong academic standards. The parent community is warm, engaged, and contributes greatly to the close-knit feel of the school. Since joining in 2021, we've consistently felt supported, welcomed, and truly valued.

Absolutely incredibly school…read more... Three years ago we conducted a tremendous amount of research on private schools within a 50-mile radius of Seattle. My husband went on countless tours and after attending an Open House at St. Thomas School he knew in his heart that he had found the right place for our children. Two academic years later there are a great number of reasons why we continue to feel St. Thomas School is the best place for our sons. Firstly, I believe that the STS guiding principals continue to have a great impact on our sons. The school's dedication to the development of the "whole child" has help shape their understanding of ethics and morality. I have found that there is a philosophical and moral code that runs deep through the students, faculty, and administration. I also firmly believe the STS community demonstrates that above all else it is important to be a good person. Secondly, the faculty and staff at St. Thomas School embrace the differences in students and are dedicated to understanding how each child learns. Our younger son currently attends Kindergarten in the Early Learning Center and we appreciate that the teachers support learning through exploration. Through our two years in the ELC we have seen found-object galleries, alphabet and reading/phonics artwork, and cooking projects; since our son has a tendency to retain knowledge through hands-on experiences, we feel the schools current ELC curriculum supports our son's learning-style through many tactile-based opportunities. Lastly, I deeply appreciate the value St. Thomas School places in leadership, stewardship, and community and demonstrates true dedication by holding Chapel every morning. Chapel offers our sons the unique opportunities to learn the value of teamwork, open discussions, group consensus, healthy opposition, and most importantly, leadership in service of others. I wholeheartedly believe that the experience of Chapel has made a lasting and eternally positive impression on our children. We believe this modality of fellowship is a wonderful way for young children to experience spirituality-based gatherings, public speaking, and companionship.

Coming back to stay I still love this school! Our family has been at University Cooperative School…read morefor 10yrs - my 15yr old attended K-5th grade, and I currently have a 4th grader and my youngest is in PreK. We are incredibly grateful for this school, the holistic education it's provided our children and the community that has been the anchor for our family life. The teachers are excited about what they teach, care deeply for the students. With enthusiasm for their subjects and the freedom and support they need to follow that enthusiasm they make engaging, responsive, project based learning the norm all through the program. The kids stay excited about learning, comfortable asking questions and learn to ask for what they need as a learner. Our modern lives are designed in a way that is isolating and can wearus down with the load of demands of parenting- but the model of cooperative school (that's very flexible/understands we work too!) means that you can build real relationships and community in a society where that can be incredibly hard. At U co-op our children end up with so many loving adults who know and care for them - I can't overstate how valuable that is. Especially when life brings rough seasons or crisis. We know each other's kids and support each other through this parenting journey. The nurturing, adventurous environment helps kids be comfortable and confident in themselves -quirks and struggles included. My kids love going to school and I love the joyful childhood it has given them.

We have loved this place…read more We've been with U Co-op for the last two years, with almost a year and a half of that during the pandemic. I can't express how incredible the school has been. The most extraordinarily compassionate teachers and staff, and a parent community that has been supportive, resourceful, kind and caring. There is a warmth to the building (which we are thankfully back in - and masked) that we fell in love with from the first tour. It didn't feel cold or modern; it felt like creativity and childhood. There are nooks for reading, spaces for found art, paintings up everywhere. The teachers allow the children to follow their curiosity and even adjust the lessons to be relevant to the things that interest them. The kids are learning just as much as peers at other schools, but in a way that focuses on their self development and self esteem. This school has been a great find and has helped carry us through this difficult stretch.