From the Head of School

Welcome to the 2023-2024 School Year

Thank you for your interest in Westside School. This school is a special place, a place where children are known and honored, where they are encouraged to grow cognitively, socially, emotionally, creatively, and physically, and a place where joyful, integrated, and inclusive learning is at the forefront of our philosophy of education. We have an outstanding outdoor program, strong athletics, fantastic arts experiences, a world language program that is second to none, and a deep commitment to social justice and an anti-racist curriculum. Our graduates are thriving in the best Seattle high schools and beyond. They are confident, thoughtful, accomplished, creative, articulate, respectful, and kind.

Westside School began in 1981 as the Westside School for Young Children with just a handful of students. Today, we have a beautiful campus in the Arbor Heights neighborhood of West Seattle, complete with a state-of-the-art pre-kindergarten-8th grade building and a newly renovated preschool building for our youngest learners. We are a community school of approximately 400 students.

Now in my sixth year as head of school, I am proud to be a part of this unique school. It is our people who make the difference; our teachers are skillful, impassioned, and hard-working; our parents are committed and supportive; and our students are delightful and exceptional. 

Over the last couple of years, we have made extraordinary enhancements in student support: academically, social-emotionally, and culturally. We have a new Director of Equity, Diversity, and Belonging for the 2023-2024 school year. We have expanded our arts programs. We continue to seek meaningful ways for our students to connect and belong.

I warmly encourage you to visit us in person to experience the unique programs, imagination, and spirit of our school.

I look forward to meeting you.

Find out more about Steve de Beer here!