Life at Valley

I’m like most people, I guess, in that my early experiences in schools, with teachers, and with classmates inform much of how I see education.

Sometimes it takes someone from the outside, someone with an objective mind and fresh perspectives, to remind us of what we’ve got.

As an arts-integration with their classroom study on Washington State, the fourth grade designed a mural for the nearby MLK F.A.M.E. Community Center.

Valley School Book Reviews are at The Elliott Bay Book Company!

On most days of the week, I carve out time in my day for a “walkabout,” my tour of the Valley campus and of each classroom. Always my favorite part of the day, this tour lets me see for myself what kids are learning.

The very first Valley School Math Day had an overwhelming crowd and lots of positive feedback!

by Lora Kolmer,  Director of Admissions and Community Relations

Quiet, shy, introverted: these are not words you would associate with Valley alumna Sally Roberts. In the middle of the summer, Sally stopped by Valley to visit her former school and see all the changes that had taken place in the ten years since she had graduated.

After days and (for some) weeks of wearing pajamas inside out and backwards and sleeping with spoons under pillows, the snow finally arrived in Seattle. And there could not have been a more magical setting on the Valley campus for the All-School Sing performance that took place on a snow filled Friday morning in the Big Room!

by Alan Braun, Head of School
During my time at The Northwest School, I knew lots of Valley graduates. I always admired the fondness they had for their elementary school. There was something special about Valley that always led them to consider this their favorite school.

It isn’t easy growing up in our world today. Social media is distributing messages before families have time to process and discuss. And the messages being delivered are often talking over or at people instead of creating moments for thoughtful discussion. Which is why the recent field trip to the Seattle Rep by Valley 4th and 5th graders to watch their classmate Jalani Clemmons perform in A Raisin in the Sun was so timely. As Mary Louise commented upon returning from the play and having a dialogue in class, “We had a powerful discussion to reflect on our feelings about the play. Jalani asked the kids what made them uncomfortable, and it was so inspiring to hear all of the kids reflect so deeply.”