Let's Support an Amazing Preschool Together!

I cannot overemphasize what an amazing place Community School of West Seattle (CSWS) has been for my children to show up as their authentic selves in a loving and inclusive environment that I wish all children got to experience. I truly think that if all children had their pre-k experience (or even better all the way through high school) in such a wholesome and welcoming space, our world would be a better place.

CSWS is full of indoor and outdoor spaces, created and curated for children to engage with at their own speed I their own way. The children are rarely hurried from one thing to another, they are generally free to engage with the activities in the classroom or in the outdoor spaces as they please. There are a great many type of play available to the children all of which is open and fosters a sense of imagination and co-operation. Outdoor play is encouraged in all weather and allows the children to move their bodies in big ways to build gross motor skills as well as connect with their bodies in a way that builds resilience and regulation. Each small classroom has it's own outdoor space and all classes share a combined outdoor space where all classes can play individually or together. 

The teachers are diverse and bring such love and care to the students every day. The students are similarly from a wide range of economic, family, cultural and social backgrounds. I am so glad that my children are building community with such a diverse array of people. The school has been a place where I have been delighted to see my children seem just as free to play and to live as they are as at home.

Witnessing the genuine love that my children have been treated with each day at community school by all of the teachers brings me to tears. The teachers know my children and greet them by name, not just the teachers that have taught my children, but all the teachers. And my eldest has aged out and is now in primary school, still teaches greet my eldest with love and genuine interest in life events. What a powerful thing to experience as a child: adults who humanize you and want to witness and affirm your life experiences, even after you have left their care.

When we first started at CSWS, I remember being a bit confused and other parents asking, "Why do you have so many visits to the school before your kid actually starts there?" I realized after the fact that CSWS was creating spaces for the kids to engage slowly and to get comfortable with the space and with being away from parents before the actual first day and for that I am so grateful. Every time I was confused by choices the school was making, I realized that they were coming from a place of love and care for the children.

CSWS makes space for and encourages the children to show up with empathy, compassion and shows them the innate tools they have to build community. I am so glad my children have been able to both experience this school and I want to help this school continue as a beacon of early learning that is accessible to folks of all walks of life. 

If you have means, please help me in supporting this amazing space!