The Valley School, a non-profit educational institution, was founded in 1985 by Patricia Overy and is fully accredited by the State of Washington. Within 10 years the school expanded from a one-room preschool of 18 children to a complete elementary school of 100 children. The campus, located in an old Madison Valley orchard, has experienced an equally impressive growth and now occupies eight city lots with enlarged classrooms, library, art room, meeting hall, and administrative building. During times of construction and land acquisition, care has always been taken to preserve and enhance the outdoor play spaces for the children.

The growth of the campus has not significantly changed the population the school serves or its mission. Enrollment remains at approximately 100 children from pre-kindergarten through fifth grade, a size that supports its child-centered learning environment. The easy interaction between grades and careful communication between teachers and administrators are essential to the school's practices and principles.

In 2003, Barry Wright, former fifth grade teacher and Upper School head, became the assistant director. In 2004, the Board of Directors chose him to take over as the director when founder Patricia Overy retired from that role. She continues to work at Valley as a consultant.

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