The History of The Little School

Founding in Seattle

The Little School was founded in 1959 as a preschool located in the University Unitarian Church in Seattle. At that time, there were few preschools in Seattle and none that incorporated the educational philosophy embraced by founder Eleanor Siegl, who had completed her teacher training program at Columbia University's Teachers College before she and her family moved to Seattle.

Determined to create a school that embodied the convictions she had developed through her own life experience and studies, Eleanor Siegl gathered a small group of enthusiastic supporters and embarked on the courageous journey that resulted in the founding of The Little School. Along with Eleanor and Henry Siegl, the school's founding Board members were Kay Bullitt and Stimson Bullitt, Katherine and Roy Wensberg, Robert Block, and Dorothy Block.

According to Dr. Siegl’s progressive model, at The Little School each child would be treated as an individual: learning would take place through students' active involvement in the learning process, and multicultural awareness and respect for others would be integral components of the school's educational environment. Her goal was to take children out from behind their desks, unfold their hands, open their minds, and allow them to learn in their own ways and in their own time.

Moving to Bellevue

In 1964, the Little School expanded its programs to include elementary school grades. As the size of the student body grew, it became apparent that the school would soon outgrow its space in Seattle. A generous gift to The Little School in 1968 provided a 10-acre wooded site in Bellevue. Two classroom buildings, the Meadows and the Woods, were constructed to house classes for children from preschool through age twelve. The meadow, commonly called the Big Field, and the wooded area were preserved to provide an outdoor classroom to encourage imaginative play and firsthand exploration of nature.

The Little School was formally approved by the Washington State Board of Education in 1962, and in 1976 became a member of the Pacific Northwest Association of Independent Schools (PNAIS). In 1984, The Little School acquired the Northup Schoolhouse adjacent to the main campus. This building now houses the school’s Parent Association, and serves a meeting space for parents and other groups.

Addition of Library Learning Center

The Eleanor Siegl Library Learning Center was built in 1989. It houses the Roush Family Library, an extensive collection of children's literature and resource material and provides additional program and meeting space. The Library Learning Center was constructed through gifts from The Little School community, and was dedicated in Eleanor Siegl's honor.

Retirement of Eleanor Siegl

In the fall of 1988, 30 years after founding The Little School, Dr. Siegl announced her decision to retire. She was named Director Emeritus and served as a consultant to The Little School until her death in 1996. Laura Strance Poston directed The Little School from 1989 to 1992, and Lorna Greene served as Interim Director from 1992 to 1994.

Paul Brahce was appointed Head of School in 1994 at the beginning of the school's 35th anniversary year. He had been a member of the faculty since 1984.

Plans for Expansion

In September 2001, The Little School embarked on a Capital Campaign to further enrich and protect the learning environment on campus. Thanks again to the generosity of our community, the Campaign provided significant renovations to the classroom buildings, including new roofs and improved lighting, space enlargements, and up to date bathrooms. The Campaign also helped the school to obtain an additional 1.4 acres on the south, minimizing the effects of increasing development surrounding the campus and preserving the natural environment. In addition, the Campaign significantly increased The Little School’s existing endowments. Final plans for the Campaign involve the addition of a Multipurpose Building on campus, which will be pursued in the future.

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