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 2009-2010 school year, UCDS has enrolled 309 students: 107 in our Early Elementary Program for children age three through Kindergarten; and 202 in our Elementary Program, which includes grades one through five. UCDS is committed to small classes of 17 students and a teacher to student ratio of 1:8.

Admission

UCDS recognizes and teaches to the individual learning styles found within all students. Through our admission process, we work to build diverse and successful groups of learners. This thoughtful process allows us to thoroughly evaluate and consider each individual applicant as we look for children who will thrive in an environment that is respectful, innovative, academically rigorous, and where the students enjoy taking intellectual risks.

Accreditation and Affiliations

University Child Development School is accredited by the Pacific Northwest Association of Independent Schools (PNAIS), and is a member of the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS). UCDS is also approved by the Washington State Board of Education as an elementary school and a Washington State 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 and innovation in educating children.

School Hours and Extended Day Program

School is in session Monday through Friday from 8:20 a.m. – 2:45 p.m. Early Elementary Half-Day students attend from 8:20 – 11:30 a.m. Monday through Friday. Childcare is available from 7:30 a.m. until the start of classes for all students and after school until 6:00 p.m. for full-day students. Fees for the 2009-2010 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 $265 per month. The program is also available on a daily, drop-in basis for $20 per day (financial aid is available).

Tuition

Tuition is determined annually by the Board of Trustees. The 2009-2010 school year full-day tuition is $18,931; half-day tuition is $12,305.

Financial Aid

UCDS is committed to making our program accessible to all families. Our admission process is need-blind. All admission decisions are made independently of financial aid considerations. Financial aid is a grant used to offset the cost of a UCDS education. Financial aid does not need to be paid back by the family. In the 2009- 2010 school year, 23% of students receive financial aid, totaling more than $636,000.

Community

UCDS builds a strong community between students, teachers, staff, parents, Board of Trustees and neighborhood. The UCDS Parent Association is an integral part of our community and works to support the children, faculty, parents, and programs of the school. Parents are invited to participate in a variety of school activities ranging from family gatherings to school-wide fundraising efforts.