Letter from the Head

UCDS has a rich history of educational research and innovation. Founded in 1911 at the University of Washington, UCDS originally served faculty members' children as a preschool and lab school. In 1976 the Child Development Research Group at the University received one of six national grants funded by the U.S. Office of Gifted and Talented Education to conduct a comprehensive examination of giftedness in young children. Interested parents and educators formed a private, nonprofit orginization in 1981 to enable this unique school for academically capable children to continue.

Over the past two decades our teachers have continued to conduct educational research in their classrooms. UCDS teachers develop curricula and a variety of teaching strategies that allow children to demonstrate understanding. In each subject area teachers create programs that require children to master multiple methods for solving a problem. Using this approach, our teachers gain a deep appreciation for the unique talent, abilty and learning style of each student. Our goal is not the creation of a single perfect curriculum or spectacular lesson, but rather, to observe individual children carefully and to create instructional strategies based on what we see.

We believe that effective schools are founded on a deep respect for students and that children thrive when they are challenged. At UCDS, we encourage children to take risks and to tackle difficult projects. Teachers use complex concepts and interesting problems to teach the basic skills and content of each academic area. In our classrooms the teacher acts as a coach for students and models thinking, planning, risk-taking, and reflection. UCDS is committed to providing an innovative learning environment centered around partnerships with our faculty, students, parents, trustees and greater community.