December

continued from previous page appropriate for the association support the mission and core values of the association and abide by the following essential characteristics of NWAIS schools.

Commitment to the Public Good As nonprofit organizations under the IRS code 501(c)(3), NWAIS schools must provide for the public good. We expect schools to accomplish this by offering an independent educational option for a wide variety of families and by giving back to the community through service, economic development, organizational citizenship, and providing models of quality organizations, curriculum and instruction.

Effective Governance and Operations Success of NWAIS schools is secured through governance structures that provide fiduciary responsibility and strategic oversight, the goal of which is long-term viability. These structures work in partnership with an administrative structure that effectively manages the daily operation of the organization, ensuring the sustainability of the school for faculty, staff and families.

Primary Focus of Academic Education NWAIS only accredits schools whose primary focus is academic education. In addition, the association only accredits schools in their entirety; it does not accredit parts of school programs. The mission, philosophy and goals of our schools articulate a commitment to academic preparation; ensuring students are inspired toward and prepared for subsequent educational opportunities. This requires NWAIS schools to create relevant and current curricula, with pedagogies based on present understanding of learning. NWAIS does not accredit schools with a primary focus that is therapeutic, wilderness-based or athletic. NWAIS schools prepare students for pursuit of future educational opportunities.

Commitment to the Best Interests of Children NWAIS schools demonstrate an ongoing commitment to the best interests of the students and families they serve. This includes commitments to the long term sustainability of the school; providing the continuity of educational experience through to the graduation of the child; promoting a safe and inclusive community; adequate resources for advising and counseling of students at their developmental age; and comprehensive programming for residential programs in schools that have them.

NWAIS Non-discrimination Statement for Affiliated Schools Member schools do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, disability, national or ethnic origin, or other legally protected status in admission of otherwise qualified students or in providing access to the rights, privileges, programs, or activities generally available to all students and their families, including educational policies, scholarship and other financial aid programs, or athletic, extra-curricular, and other school-administered programs and activities. Similarly, member schools do not discriminate in their hiring or employment practices on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, disability, national or ethnic origin, or other legally protected status. Single sex institutions, religious schools, or institutions serving students with learning differences or other special needs implement policies related to gender, religion, and learning differences or other special needs as appropriate to support their published mission statements.

Preschool – Grade 12 827 N. Tacoma Ave. Tacoma, WA 98403 253-272-2216

NWAIS ACCREDITED MEMBER

aw.org

Annie Wright Schools serve students from age three through high school. Annie Wright Lower and Middle Schools offer co-ed programs in Preschool-Grade 8, while separate Upper Schools for boys and girls offer day and boarding options in Grades 9—12. Annie Wright is proud to be an International Baccalaureate World School, delivering IB programs in every division.

AWS offers strong inquiry-based learning programs that inspire students to make a difference in the world. Small class sizes enable faculty to know each student as an individual and provide flexibility in classroom spaces. Best of all, the AWS experience begins in the classroom and continues far beyond, giving busy parents and students access to a range of activities and pursuits right at school.

ADMISSION EVENTS

October 18 November 11 November 17 December 6

Call or visit aw.org to schedule a tour. • Small class size • Preschool starting at age 3 • IB Continuum School • K-12 athletics program • 5- & 7-day boarding, Grades 9-12 • Students from all over the world attend Annie Wright

Preschool – Grade 12 24023 51st Avenue S.E. Woodinville, WA 98072 425-424-0800

NWAIS AFFILIATE MEMBER

the-attic.org

The Attic Learning Community is a progressive Pre-K through 12th learning community. The Attic is teachersupported but child-driven as children are seen as whole people, capable of exploring their interests and advocating for their own needs. Every child’s voice matters; they are responsible for shaping their education, future, and community. Our robust academic program includes math, literacy, science, history, social science, foreign language, and a variety of electives. We encourage collaboration, play, autonomy, and civil discourse. The Attic does not believe in external rewards or punishments to validate or coerce behavior. We do not grade, and we do not test. Our primary educational focus is hands-on learning through intrinsic motivation and constructivist teaching.

ATTIC OPEN HOUSE (in person) • October 23, 2022, 1-2:30 p.m. • January 29, 2023, 2-3:30 p.m.

Field & Forest Outdoor Preschool • Outdoor Preschool, ages 3-5 • Inquiry-based play • Completely outdoors at our private site • More info at fieldandforest.org • Open House (in person) January 29, 2023, 11 a.m.-12 p.m. Our Field & Forest Preschool offers outdoor classes for 3-5 year olds, with an emphasis on play and nature immersion. Children build, climb, splash, question, imagine, and explore together.

Preschool – Grade 12 Redmond, WA 425-898-1720

NWAIS ACCREDITED MEMBER

TBCS.ORG

The Bear Creek School is a nationally recognized leader in providing a classical Christian liberal arts education, which introduces students to the great minds, great works, great events, great discoveries, and great art of the centuries. Our small class sizes and academic rigor balanced with faith integration create an ideal environment for students to become leaders ready to engage the world with wisdom, compassion, and courage. By teaching students how to think, instead of what to think, Bear Creek will prepare your child for success in college and beyond.

Bear Creek runs an online series of parent education and open house events. See tbcs.org/success for dates and topics.

• Remote and On-Campus Options • Individualized Math

• Weekly Chapel • Upper School House System • Shakespeare Immersion • Thirteen AP Courses

• College Advising • JanTerm Courses

Grades 6 – 8 12351 8th Ave N.E. Seattle, WA 98125 206-547-4614

NWAIS ACCREDITED MEMBER

billingsmiddleschool.org

Billings Middle School in North Seattle stretches, supports, and inspires early adolescents through experiential education, outdoor learning, and social justice curriculum.

Whether inside the classroom or outdoors on an overnight expedition, we stretch students outside of their comfort zone, to think critically, and to be powerful self-advocates. Neuroscience emphasizes that students learn best and most deeply when they use as many senses as possible and emulate the work of real professionals through exploration, simulation, and experience.

As a co-ed middle school serving just over 100 students, we ensure that each student is known deeply. Our Advisory Program meets daily in small groups to ensure that students have a trusted, caring advocate both inside and outside of school.

Visit Billings Middle School OPEN HOUSES Thursday, November 3, 6:30-8 p.m. Saturday, December 3, 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m. TOURS Tuesdays and Thursdays October-January Please email admissions@billingsmiddleschool.org for more information or to register for an event.

• Co-educational, serving 100-110 students in grades 6-8 • Average class size of 15 • More than $1,000,000 awarded annually in need-based financial aid • 1/3 of students are from families of color • Three-year integrated programs in global studies, applied math, visual and performing arts, and outdoor learning • Specific curriculum focused on equity, ethics, and equality • Billings Middle School is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization