The Valley School

318 30th Avenue East

Seattle, WA 98112

25 Reviews

School District
Grade

PK-5
Type

private

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Reviews

Submitted by parent on November 17, 2023

The Valley School has been a great experience for both our kids and our family as a whole. The Valley School has a very strong community and that strength is mirrored in the staff and children.
Submitted by parent on September 24, 2023

The Valley School is small. One class per grade. Small schools can be a great fit for some families, and conversely, not a great fit for some families. It’s tough to know what will work for your family amid the blur of figuring out the independent school landscape and educational trajectory of a four year old. After five years, we can confidently say The Valley School has been a great fit for our family. That doesn’t mean it’s been great all the time, and you know what? That’s real life - real relationship life. Selecting an independent school is selecting a partner in a long-term relationship that requires nurturing, open communication, and investment of time, energy, and financial resources. It’s beautiful and messy and for us, worth experiencing. Choosing an independent school is very personal and requires a lot of self reflection. Are your motivations aspirational? Social? Are they based on fear? Curiosity? Our approach was very casual and somewhat skeptical. We had a good public school option and also knew that many families in our neighborhood choose the independent school route. We decided to learn more about independent school options but weren’t convinced it was for us - until we met Valley. It felt like more than just a fast track to the rat race. It was child-centered and protective of the childhood experience. Less about the car you drive or the social clubs you belong to. Those things exist, but that’s not the center of gravity at Valley. Ultimately, we were drawn to apply to Valley because of the location, interesting campus, and alignment of philosophy. Our decision to attend was based on our admissions experience - the positive energy of the school and the staff and families (both existing and applying) we met along the way. Our decision to choose Valley year after year is because of the wonderful people we get to be in community with. This review and experience is written by a white-presenting family with significant financial resources and a neuro-typical child who is academically advanced. We acknowledge the unearned privilege we have in navigating the education system without significant barriers.
Submitted by parent on September 03, 2023

The Valley School is a wonderful, welcoming community with dedicated educators who really care for the kids. One of the benefits of the school is its small size: there is just once class per grade. The entire staff, from the Head of School to the facilities manager, knows every kid's name and is involved in their education. When my son noticed a broken window sill, he approached the facilities manager asking to help fix it. They made a plan about what they would need to make the repairs, scheduled a time, an fixed it together. My son learned that he has the power to improve his environment, that he is important in his community; he worked on executive functioning skills, and learned how to fix the window sill! These important lessons are not found in math text books, but they are available at The Valley School. Especially in the lower school, there is a focus on learning through play. There is high level engineering, even by the kids in Pre-K, going on every day at the wonderful, large, open-ended outdoor playground, which really functions as an outdoor classroom. There is a strong focus on social emotional learning, and the staff immediately involve themselves in any conflict, and help the kids learn how to work through issues together. Another strength is a focus on diversity, equity, justice, and the environment. One of my children is neurodiverse, and they have been so supportive of him. I credit the staff at the school for his ability to succeed academically and in nurturing his social skills. Both of my kids eagerly go to school and come home happy. I have found communication with teachers and administration to be fantastic. There is a very active parent community as well, and we have made wonderful friendships with other families at the school. I could go on and on--we are so grateful for The Valley School!
Submitted by parent on September 03, 2023

We couldn't be more grateful that we found Valley. As a two-educator family, finding the right fit school was so important to us. From day one, our child was seen and known. Our entire family is joyfully greeted by name by all the adults we encounter. The school instantly provided a sense of belonging for our child and family. The intentionally small community allows for deeper connections and relationships which was important to us. Valley stays true to its mission of purposeful play, integrating play and games into academic lessons, and always provides a generous and healthy amount of outdoor play. We love the natural playground with water and mud play, pallets and barrels for constructing forts and obstacle courses, and trees to climb! Valley teaches through a lens of equity and social justice. Last year, they capped the year with an environmental justice day, showcasing how each class dove into the intersectionality of racial and environmental justice. We absolutely love Valley!
Submitted by parent on September 02, 2023

The Valley School has been a great fit for our family since my now 4th grader started in Kindergarten. I was looking for a small school with a focus on social, academic, and emotional learning through play; a campus with animals; and a program that placed a priority on incorporating the outdoors in learning. We got it all at Valley. My child has come home excited about school nearly every day since starting, and continues to look forward to what she will learn next. She is more educated and more aware of global and societal concerns than I was at her age, and I attribute much of that to her experience at Valley. Her teachers are appropriately supportive and she has made friends with every grade level in the school. From the parent perspective, the Valley community has been welcoming and kind before we officially started, and have made a number of friends. If we have any concerns or questions, the staff and faculty have been responsive and thoughtful. They work very hard to nurture and educate the students well!
Submitted by parent on September 02, 2023

Both of my children attend Valley School, and we have been thrilled with our past few years there. The administration, teachers, and other families are all fantastic. In terms of administration, they have always made me feel heard and seen when I bring forth any challenges or concerns about my oldest, who has some focus challenges. My oldest enjoys school and is seen as a whole person and is valued by the community. The teachers are all child-focused, and the learn through play philosophy is research-based and truly fantastic. In terms of other families and community, the people are warm and kind. The main reason I love Valley is because my children love it. One of my children is very neurotypical, while one struggles with focus, and they both love going to school. We have been so happy with our experience.
Submitted by parent on September 01, 2023

The Valley School is a complete hidden gem. We only heard about it because we would drive past their school and see the charming playground and famous "rocket ship". Upon further investigation (my spouse is a very diligent investigator who used to work in Seattle Public Schools) we found that Valley uses a playful learning teaching model which is actually the most successful model based on recent research on teaching and developing younger students. Our experience since has been absolutely incredible. We have 2 children currently attending and 1 who graduated and got into all the schools he wanted to for 6th grade. Our graduate absolutely excelled at Bush when he joined in 6th grade and was clearly very well prepared for that transition. It is a wonderful community that really supports students and families in a very loving way!
Submitted by parent on September 01, 2023

Both of my children are excited to go to school everyday! The teachers have done a remarkable job of supporting my highly energetic 8yo son for the last three years. He is sensory seeking and they have worked with him on ways to channel this appropriately. When a challenging social situation happened (I don't like the word, but likely bullying) the staff did a great job of communicating and formulating a plan for my son to be safe, as well as compassionately guiding the other child. This community is a special one and it always warms my heart to go to an All School Meeting to see the happy, engaged children and staff.
Submitted by parent on April 13, 2021

Experience has been wonderful! The school has gone above and beyond for our child and couldn’t be happier there. Great teachers and administration.
Submitted by parent on June 14, 2018

We are so thankful to be a part of the amazing community at the Valley School. The families, teachers, administration and parents make a really special community.
Submitted by parent on April 18, 2018

No words. But, as the consultant said, “Buyer beware of Seattle private schools that have multiple open spots in most/ all grades year after year.” Also, the head of admissions at a top school less than two miles away laughed out loud when we mentioned looking at Valley.
Submitted by parent on January 24, 2018

Valley has been a tremendous place for our two children. They are happy, safe, curious, playful, love to learn, and run into the gate every day thrilled to be there. They very successfully addressed concerns about math by adopting a wonderful and challenging new curriculum in the last two years. Valley does not do things "just because," they do things because they are the right choice for the whole child. No school is perfect, and Valley is no exception, but you will not find a more child-focused, warm, kind-hearted "village" out there. Valley is not focused on preparing children to excel in academics alone, it is focused on preparing children who are 21st century-ready with strengths in interpersonal communication, collaboration, critical thinking, creativity, compassion, and conscience. Valley gets my vote every time.
Submitted by parent on January 15, 2016

I am the parent of a student at Valley. We are looking at middle schools for our child. Valley did not (does not) ready kids to be successful in math and my child has the ISEE scores to prove it. In fact, it is a "joke" among some of the schools we are visiting that Valley school kids are ill-prepared for math. We have had to get a tutor for our child to get them "caught up" in math. The tuition is already RIDICULOUS! You'd think that for $19,100 you won;t have to spend additional money on tutoring! We are so disappointed with the math program (or lack thereof) that we would have taken our child and our $ to another school , had we known just how lacking the program is. I would give Valley 5-stars for the recent renovations to the school. it's beautiful. Well done! BUT on academic curriculum and math especially, the school only rates 3 stars. Get it together Valley!
Submitted by parent on November 19, 2014

The Valley School is a truly amazing place. Our family relocated from the east coast to Seattle last year and our kids started Valley in PreK and 1st grade. The Valley School has been the MOST warm, loving and supportive environment for our whole family. Our kids both love school, absolutely adore their teachers and have made fabulous friends. They say every weekend, "I wish we had school today". Both of my kids are truly jazzed about learning and I love that they get deep into their work, especially when it means that they come home covered head to toe in dirt! I can't recommend Valley highly enough.
Submitted by parent on November 18, 2014

My daughter began at Valley in Pre-k and is now in 3rd. She has adored each and every day she "gets" to go to school. The teachers are fabulous and really watch out for each and every child. Fairness, kindness and sweetness prevail all the while great learning is being had by all. The new head of school was a huge and fabulous change for Valley and he has the full support of the community. He is a great listener and leader and Valley is benefiting greatly from his expertise. We will have a new 3/4/5 classroom next year which is exciting and will support the goals of Valley while retaining the charm, charisma and sweetness of this great school. Can't recommend enough.
Submitted by other on November 17, 2014

Valley is a unique and fantastic school! It manages to stay grounded and rooted in its thoughtful child-centered philosophy and has hired a new head who both respects and understands Pat Ovary's (its founder) vision. Kids love going to Valley because they feel respected, academically challenged and where creativity and individual differences are celebrated. It is a no-frills and joyful institution and community that cherishes its staff and families.
Submitted by parent on November 16, 2014

I have two children at Valley and, as an early-learning professional I believe this school is a rare and refreshing find amongst a sea of homogeneous options. There are few schools that pull off what research suggests is the ideal mix of strong academics, social-emotional focus, and educational play in a nurturing environment. Valley does it beautifully. The school did have a bumpy road transitioning from its founder to the new Head of School this year (14-15). Now Valley's hit its stride with a leader who has the right educational philosophy, management expertise, and passion; an active and vibrant parent community; and excellent educators in every grade. The school will complete a new building for 3-5th grades this summer (2015), as well. Valley is an inspiring place and my children are thriving there.
Submitted by other on February 26, 2014

Oh my!! The parent that posted yesterday is spot on. Would love to have coffee and share stories!! Interesting to hear the "Director" is leaving. He is not part of the solution and the culture that Valley speaks of.
Submitted by parent on February 25, 2014

Valley is an interesting place. Some of the teachers are great, some are not. The kids adore it & the playground is fantastic for PK-2nd grade. The teachers are like high school gossips and if you cross them, expect to be talked about. The head of school is leaving at the end of the year & that will be a welcomed change. If you have a middle of the road kid that gets picked up by the nanny, this is a great place for you -- but as soon as you get involved in the school or start asking questions about your kid, you aren't keeping with "the valley way". If you need attention as a parent,or a warm fuzzy greeting in PK I would strongly recommend looking at other schools.
Submitted by parent on September 09, 2013

The Valley School teaches children to love learning. Their child-directed program allows teachers to use the strengths and interests of the students to explore all kinds of topics and to integrate math, science, language arts and history into the study of those topics. My children have blossomed there. We were afraid my eldest child would never have the nerve to raise his hand and offer an answer that could possibly be wrong. In this highly supportive and nurturing environment the students learn to collaborate, inquire, respond and share. The teachers are so creative, intelligent and totally devoted. It is a wonderful school and the students move to not only get into the schools of their choice, but to thrive there as well. Worth EVERY PENNY! The school also has be best playground around for younger students. 3rd, 4th and 5th grade playground is adequate, but they have plenty of space to run around and usually organize inclusive soccer or tag games.