Head of School Welcome

On Behalf of our Community, Welcome to Northwest

Ray Wilson

I am delighted to extend a warm welcome to you as you explore the extraordinary educational opportunities that Northwest has to offer your child. At Northwest, we firmly believe that building a strong and vibrant school community is essential to a successful education for our students. As the Head of School, I would like to take a moment to share our profound commitment to fostering an inclusive environment where parents, students and teachers, come together in a shared journey of growth and discovery.

At the heart of our school's values is the recognition that every individual brings a unique set of experiences, perspectives, and talents to our community. We cherish and celebrate the rich tapestry of diversity that shapes our student body and believe that it is through this diversity that we learn, grow, and thrive together. We know that a sense of belonging is crucial for students' academic success and personal development. Our dedicated staff and faculty work tirelessly to ensure that every student feels welcomed, valued, and supported, helping them to unlock their full potential.

Our exceptional teachers play a pivotal role in creating a nurturing and stimulating learning environment. They not only impart knowledge but also inspire curiosity, critical thinking, and a lifelong love for learning. Their dedication extends beyond the classroom as they serve as mentors, guiding students through challenges and achievements alike. Our teachers are passionate advocates for your child's growth, ensuring they are equipped with the skills and mindset needed to succeed in an ever-changing world.

Parents, you are an integral part of this journey. We see you as partners in your child's education, and your involvement in our school community is invaluable. Your insights, enthusiasm, and dedication enrich the experiences of our students both inside and outside the classroom. We encourage open communication and collaboration between our school and parents, fostering a strong bond that supports the holistic growth of our students.

The Northwest School prepares students to meet the demands of college through an intentional and skillfully developed academic program that makes learning applicable to the world our students experience. We believe in teaching our students the value of compassion, empathy, and social responsibility as they develop a mastery of social justice, global perspectives, and environmental sustainability. We empower our students to become thoughtful global citizens, ready to contribute positively to society.

Thank you for considering Northwest as the place where your child can learn, grow, and belong. We look forward to the possibility of welcoming you into our vibrant school community.

Warm regards,

Ray Wilson Signature


Creating Community

Students

The highlight of my day is time spent with our student community. Some of the experiences I enjoy most are...

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Students

The highlight of my day is time spent with our student community. Some of the experiences I enjoy most are:

  • Having lunch alongside students
  • Attending community meetings
  • Cleaning with my Environment group
  • Hosting student lunch group discussions
  • Teaching a class.
  • Shadowing a student for the day

Families

We encourage open communication and collaboration between our school and parents. I am so grateful for our parents' perspectives whether we...

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Families

We encourage open communication and collaboration between our school and parents. I am so grateful for our parents' perspectives whether we are discussing a book or sharing information in a House Meeting. And, my door is always open to discuss whatever is on your mind.

Please join me at—

    • HoS Bookclub meetings
    • House Meetings
    • performances, events, games, and meetings and more!

    Faculty

    We always strive to foster collaboration, solicit feedback and welcome new ideas from our knowledgeable and experienced faculty. Some of the...

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    Faculty

    We always strive to foster collaboration, solicit feedback and welcome new ideas from our knowledgeable and experienced faculty. Some of the ways I encourage engagement with faculty is through—

    • Listening sessions
    • New employee welcomes
    • DIversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) Wednesday mornings
    • Encouraging faculty members to join me for lunch or coffee

    Engagement with Local Leaders and Community Groups

    Strong partnerships with community groups and local leaders creates a strong network of support and collaboration. These partnerships can provide valuable resources, expertise, and opportunities that enhance the educational experience for our students and help align the school's goals with broader community needs.  

    The Northwest School is actively involved with — 

    • The Seattle chapter of the People of Color in Independent Schools (POCIS) organization
    • The leadership at local independent and public middle and high schools
    • The co-design and hosting of events with local business leaders.
    • The North West Association of Independent Schools (NWAIS).
    Students who feel a sense of belonging at school are typically more energized, more likely to spend time on-task and return to activities, and more likely to choose to be in the school environment.
    – DeLeon Gray, Associate Professor, Educational Psychology and Equity North Carolina State University