Bright Waters School

We couldn't be happier with the great community of families and children we've found at Bright Water School. The place is small, and the curriculum is radically different from the standard 'rote learning' that we see so often even in supposedly "alternative" schools in the Seattle area. The goal here (and if you meet the graduating 8th Graders from Bright Water School, you'll see that it really works!) is to reveal a vast curriculum of math, science, language, history, music, art, movement, TWO foreign languages . . . and the children have a real grasp of the material -- not just memorized facts and figures -- and they have been encouraged to develop creative thinking skills to make their own way in the world. The students at this school are kind, self-confident, articulate, and seem inspired and curious about the world. I can't think of a better outcome for my child. more

We've been at Bright Water since 2004 and have seen the education unfold. Young children are taught a solid foundation for learning and for citizenship in the classroom and school community. As the curriculum unfolds, students are exposed to a creative, integrated education that really fosters a desire to learn in addition to teaching fundamentals. The students we have seen graduate from BWS's eighth grade are, on the whole, confident and resourceful. They are going to good high schools, both private and public, and are doing well. Their teachers seem impressed that they are adept at figuring out concepts, not just at rote learning. That, in my opinion, is a valuable skill to carry through life. more

Waldorf curriculum is so unique: this school offers academics and practical arts such as handwork, woodworking, painting and modeling for grade school students. All grade school children learn both Spanish and Japanese beginning in Grade One. School holds a lot of festivals throughout the year to mark fall, winter, spring and summer. Best thing is the teaching addresses all learning styles: audio, visual, and kinesthetic. more