The Valley School | Seattle, Washington

Child-Centered Learning

At the Valley School, we believe that children rarely learn and develop at the same rate. Each child is treated as an individual, and teachers work with their students in ways best suited to their particular stage of development and learning style. Social, emotional, and physical needs are a continuing focus as well, since children learn best when they are happy and secure.

Kindergarten French In pre-K and kindergarten, we believe the curriculum should be child-centered, beginning whenever possible with the children's interests and needs. Work centers around a variety of themes, often chosen by the children along with the teacher. Frequently the teacher looks to the outdoor environment for inspiration and as a source of materials. Literature, music, art, imaginary play, and academic concepts emerge from each chosen area of study and are used to integrate the day.

In first through fifth grade, Valley School teachers endeavor to balance a teacher-directed curriculum and the child's self-chosen work. Learning becomes more sequentially organized by the teacher at this level and as the children progress, especially in the morning program, which focuses on the academic areas of reading, writing, spelling, and mathematics.

Afternoons include science and social studies, physical education and the arts. These areas of study are often presented in a format encouraging hands-on, self-directed explorations.