Bush School

In 1924, a seed of an idea was planted in Seattle. Helen Taylor Bush, a believer in progressive education, opened her home to six young learners. This marked the humble beginning of The Bush School. Right here, at 3400 East Harrison Street, stands the embodiment of that initial vision. The Bush School has blossomed into Seattle’s sole independent private K-12 school. It’s not just bricks and mortar, it’s a living testament to Helen Taylor Bush’s belief in experiential learning. Originally a small preschool and kindergarten, the school evolved into a nonprofit corporation in 1929. It continued to grow, becoming The Helen Bush School for Girls in 1930. A pivotal moment in the school’s history came in 1970 when it fully embraced co-education. Becoming simply “The Bush School”, it welcomed boys into the Upper School. This solidified its position as the only K-12 coeducational independent school in Seattle. The school’s physical campus has also transformed. Gracemont, a historic house with a carriage house and expansive grounds, became part of Bush in 1944. Today, it serves as a classroom and administrative center for the Upper School. The Bush School hasn’t limited its reach to just this campus. In 2016, it acquired the Bush Methow Campus in Mazama, Washington. This twenty-acre campus adds a unique dimension to the Bush experience, focusing on wilderness, cultural, and academic learning in a natural setting. Imagine Bush students not only immersed in traditional academics, but also snowshoeing through snowy forests, exploring international cultures, and scaling peaks in mountaineering classes. The school fosters a vibrant tradition of inquiry-based learning. Field trips are an integral part of the curriculum for all divisions, fostering a hands-on approach to education. From the original six students in Helen Taylor Bush’s living room to a thriving student body of 735, The Bush School has woven itself into the fabric of Seattle. Its commitment to experiential learning and progressive education continues to shape young minds, preparing them for purposeful lives and empowering them to make a difference in the world.