UCDS at a Glance
Philosophy
University Child Development School is centered around the lives of children and dedicated to the development of their intellect and character. Teaching is individualized and responsive to the talents of each student, and the curriculum is rigorous and integrates the concepts and skills embedded within the major disciplines. The school reflects and encourages the process of joyful discovery that is central to meaningful and responsible learning.
School and Class Size
In the 2007-2008 school year, UCDS has 307 students enrolled: 103 in our Early Elementary Program for children age three through Kindergarten; and 204 in our Elementary Program, which includes grades one through five. UCDS is committed to small classes with a maximum of 17 students and an average teacher to student ratio of 1:8.
Accreditation
University Child Development School is accredited by the Pacific Northwest Association of Independent Schools (PNAIS) and by the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS). UCDS is also approved by the Washington State Board of Education as an elementary school and as an in-service provider. In addition, our Early Elementary Program is licensed by the Department of Social and Health Services.
Faculty
UCDS currently employs 21 classroom teachers, ten resident teachers, and Spanish, Physical Education, Art, Music, Science, Technology and Library specialists. The UCDS faculty has been nationally recognized for its excellence in educating children.
School Hours and Extended Day Program
School is in session Monday through Friday, 8:20 am to 2:45 pm for Full Day students in the Early Elementary Program and all students in the Elementary Program. Early Elementary Half Day students are in school from 8:20 to 11:30 am, Monday through Friday. Childcare is available from 7:30 am until the start of classes and after school until 6:00 pm. Fees for the 2007-2008 Extended Day Program are as follows: mornings are free of charge; the cost for afternoons will vary depending on the number of days selected; for five afternoons a week, the rate is $250 per month. The afternoon program is also available on a daily, drop-in basis for $19 per day (financial aid is available).
Tuition
Tuition is determined annually by the Board of Trustees. The 2007-2008 school year full day tuition is $16,888; half day tuition is $10,977.
Financial Aid
The cost of independent education can be significant and UCDS is committed to making our program accessible to all families. We accept children into our program "need blind," meaning a family's ability to pay has no bearing upon a child's admission into the school. Financial aid is not a loan, but a grant used to offset the cost of a UCDS education and does not need to be paid back by the family. In the 2007-2008 school year, 19% of students receive financial aid, totaling more than $500,000.
Community
UCDS has a strong feeling of community between students, teachers, parents and neighborhood. The UCDS Parent Association is an integral part of that community and works to support the children, faculty, parents and programs of the school. Parents are strongly encouraged to participate in a variety of school activities ranging from family gatherings to school-wide fund-raising efforts.
