The Little School

The Little School is a day school in Bellevue, Washington, serving approximately 250 students in pre-school and elementary grades. It has no religious affiliation. The school's mission centers on authentic learning through community and the natural world—a philosophy that shapes everything from classroom design to hiring priorities.

Teaching here means building projects around student questions instead of scripted lessons. Faculty work in an environment where outdoor exploration happens regularly, not as a field trip but as embedded curriculum. Teachers design units that connect classroom work to real community. This requires educators comfortable with observation, uncertainty, and following student curiosity where it leads.

The language program stands out. Rather than traditional foreign language instruction alone, it explores how communication shapes identity and belonging—an extension of the school's broader philosophy. This sits alongside core academics, arts, and outdoor education in a balanced day-school schedule.

Compensation is competitive for the Seattle-area independent school market. The Little School offers salaries paired with health insurance, retirement contributions, and professional development funds. Because enrollment hovers around 250 students, faculty have direct access to leadership and real input into curriculum and culture decisions—an unusual advantage in larger schools.

The Little School hires classroom teachers, language specialists, arts instructors, and support staff across pre-school and elementary grades. Spring brings most openings for the following year, though mid-year positions emerge as enrollment shifts.

For teachers drawn to hands-on learning, community connection, and day-school flexibility, The Little School offers a concrete alternative to conventional structures.