Located in Seattle’s Madison Valley, The Valley School is a Pre-K–5th grade independent school where learning is hands-on, relationships are strong, and childhood is honored. Students build academic skills, speak up for themselves and others, and move on to middle school prepared and confident.
Pre-K
In our youngest room, three to five year-olds move through imaginative play, stories adn songs, hands-on projects, and generous outdoor time. The year is built around themes that children love and that invite real reading, writing, and math. In the fall, identity work helps children learn names, feelings, and classroom routines. A pets study follows, complete with a student-run “pet store” that asks children to count, sort, label, and write for a purpose. As curiosity shifts, five-senses explorations bring in observation and description. Winter light inspires a celebration of darkness of melted crayon art and conversations about traditions. Later in the year, children co-author superhero stories that celebrate courage and kindness. They meet change-makers in age-appropriate ways and try small actions that matter. In spring, they care for caterpillars and release butterflies, connecting science to wonder and stewardship. Each theme ends with a child-proud moment, like a pet-rock share with neighbors or a class book reveal.
Kindergarten
Kindergarten students enjoy small-group literacy, math, whole-group work, thematic projects, and generous outdoor time. Spanish, Science, Visual Arts, Performing Arts, and P.E. round out the schedule. The days have a steady rhythm that helps kids feel both safe and ready to try new things. Children move between house-like buildings, stepping outside to reach specialist classes and to take movement breaks beyond scheduled recess, which helps them focus and regulate emotions. As they grow, so does their love for school. As they learn, they find they can’t wait to come back tomorrow.
1st and 2nd Grades
Lower School years are filled with joy as children expand their reading, writing, problem solving, and ability to navigate friendships, and all in a setting that honors who they are and how they grow. Small class sizes, responsive teaching, and intentional time outdoors help students feel grounded and confident. Classes that feel fun and playful while being full of deep work mean that children can’t wait to get to school each day. With regular opportunities for public speaking, group work, creative expression, and social-emotional skill practice, students don’t just gain academic skills; they also become part of a vibrant community that lifts them up.
3rd, 4th, and 5th Grades
The Valley Schools Upper School (3rd-5th grades) is a vibrant learning community. The program’s unique structure provides both grade-level and mixed-grade groupings, so teachers can truly respond to each child’s needs. Hands-on thematic units tie subjects together and make learning meaningful and fun. The Valley School’s emphasis on community responsibility shines: older kids mentor younger buddies, take on Community Care jobs each day, lead school-wide initiatives through Student Council, and even emcee weekly All School Meetings. Teachers weave social-emotional learning into each day, and everyone contributes to a warm, inclusive school culture.
