Teaching & Learning at Westside

Taking a tour, visiting classes, going to an open house, and talking to parents is a great way to really understand a school. Please click here to visit our admission page and learn more about tours and open houses, or read the quotes below from our parents.

"Peer group, parent involvement, teachers, and faculty all played a part in our decision. In our opinion, Westside is the best option in West Seattle . We love it, our kids love it."

"Westside is a "gem" in the W. Seattle [area]. Small class sizes, great teachers, multiple foreign languages, spacious facilities, great enrichment -- an independent choice that compares with the "big" schools outside of W. Seattle , but financially speaking, a bargain in comparison."

"The school does a wonderful job at teaching a high quality curriculum as well as teaching the children to be kind to one another. Often older and younger children play with one another on the field. It has helped develop and provide our children with a strong self concept and a knowledge of, and curiosity about, the world."

"To me, the most telling things about Westside School is that the children act respectfully while still being enthusiastic and joyful, school spirit is very evident from the youngest students up to the Head of School, physical activity is considered important and the children all look healthy and active, and the parental support is phenomenal. There is a new pilot program for hot lunches for all-day students… The facility is clean and open. While the financial commitment is not insignificant, what you get in return is not insignificant either!"

"The teachers are dedicated to teaching all students. The community of families is close because it is a neighborhood school."

"High academics and outstanding teachers. "

"Our son attends First Grade at Westside with our 4 year old hopefully on his way to pre-k. The class size was very important to us (18 students/2 teachers compared to 28 students/1 teacher in public)."

"[There are] many enrichment programs (including Spanish and Chinese) and exposure to opera, theatre, and other cultural offerings."

"Westside School provides an excellent elementary academic program including music, art, PE, Chinese language, and Spanish language… Before-school and after-school programs are well-run and several after-school elective programs are offered."

What You See At Westside School!

Westside School is West Seattle’s premier choice for independent elementary education. With classes in preschool through fifth grade, our school is a community of educators who care about the development of your child. Working in partnership with families, we help each student fulfill his or her potential as independent, life-long learners, developing discipline and responsibility while preserving natural curiosity, imagination and joy.

Our classes, with low student-teacher ratios, nurture individual talents and develop individual thinking. Teachers teach our rich and rigorous curriculum in a variety of ways to reach many different learning styles, and respectful and responsible behavior, compassion for others and cooperative problem solving are also emphasized.

Students meet high academic standards and graduate prepared for middle school. They learn to meet challenges with open minds and enthusiasm and develop social skills and empathy that respect individual differences and community values.