Frequently Asked Questions

“We toured most of the independent schools in the area and the children at The Little School seemed the happiest and were most able to describe confidently what they liked about their school experience.”

“We wanted a school that developed curiosity, self-advocacy, and modeled lifelong learning. I attended TLS as a child, and it was a place where I felt valued and encouraged to learn and challenge myself. It was also a place where I was able to make good friends and feel like a valued member of a community. I am excited to send my children to the same magical place where I truly ‘grew up’ both intellectually and socially.”

Students thrive at The Little School who are curious, creative, interested in learning, and able to learn in a social learning environment. Children need to be practicing independence skills, toilet trained, and interested in connecting with peers and adults for friendship and learning. Students start in our early childhood program when they are 3 years old by September 1 of that year. 

Just over 220 students in preschool through fifth grade attend The Little School each year. This makes the school small enough for each child to be known deeply by caring adults, but also large enough to have a diverse and fun group of friends. There are 13 students in our early childhood classes with 2 teachers and 16-18 students in our elementary classes.

Families at TLS hail from all around the world with 65% of our families identifying as being international. Our families speak at least 26 different languages at home. Our community is based on respect, sharing and care for all. Learn more about our commitment to belonging in the About section of the website. 

Typically, TLS graduates go to other area independent and public schools both big and small, college prep and exploratory, as well as all kinds of schools in between. About half of our families go to public schools and half go to private schools like Overlake, Eastside Prep, SAAS, Northwest, Bush, Seattle Girls School, Forest Ridge, and Lakeside.

Families report that their children are well prepared for middle school, knowing how to be engaged and interested learners. Our graduates advocate for themselves as well as others, carry themselves as confident learners, see adults as learning allies and collaborate well with peers.