The Bertschi Difference
We’re not going to take credit for what’s already there—just for helping bring it to the surface. Our students are individuals whose “job” is to get to know themselves, explore their unique character and share it openly with their world.
Get Us at a Glance
- Located in Seattle’s North Capitol Hill neighborhood
- Grades PreK-5 / 240 students
- Average class size: 19
- Student/teacher ratio: 7-to-1
- Faculty: 38
- Tuition: $31,560 (Financial Aid available)
- Bertschi kids are curious, enthusiastic, cooperative, open to new ideas, and comfortable making transitions.
- Our strong curriculum integrates core academics with art, technology, science, dance, music and drama.
- Our urban campus exhibits our commitment to sustainability and nature with living buildings designed to teach and demonstrate social responsibility.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Since our founding, we have committed to building a diverse community.
We seek to engage with families, educators, and community partners who bring unique perspectives and experiences that enrich our understanding of each other and the world. The work of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) is multi-faceted and ongoing, and is essential to our mission.
Learn more about our intentional curriculum, affinity groups, and our institutional work in DEI>>
Strategic Plan
Curriculum Guide
Annual Report
The Bertschi Story, 1975 to today
1975
Brigitte Has a Vision
In one leased classroom in the basement of Lowell Elementary School, Brigitte Bertschi brings dynamic, multi-cultural, community-centered early childhood education to 15 students on Capitol Hill.
1976
A Permanent Home
Bertschi School moves 10 blocks north to its current Capitol Hill location—beginning with just one building.
1980
Growing Up...
Grades 1 and 2 are added. Two classrooms for each grade, plus our Pre-K and Kindergarten students bring total enrollment to 112 students with 6 teachers.
1985
Science Lab
The same year “Weird Science” hits the movie theaters, Bertschi School opens its first small Science Lab to the delight of all our 124 students.
1987
Time to Expand
After acquiring additional buildings on the same city block, we expand our educational program to serve Pre-K through 5th grade.
1997
Getting Techie
40 Macintosh computers are purchased and our Technology Lab is expanded to include space for students to use PCs daily in their studies.
1999
New and Improved
“Mission 2000” raises $1.4M to enable renovation of the Church Building classrooms to create the 5th grade suite and preserve Bertschi’s landmark Church building.
2000
Support for Neurodiversity
Our celebrated Learning Services Program is established, offering assistance to all students through small-group reading and math study and individual tutoring.
2006
Going Green
Our new Bertschi Center—the first LEED Gold- certified building on an independent school campus in the NW—offers students spaces for music, art, PE and outdoor play.
2008
Curtain Call!
The newly-renovated Library and Drama Lab open to the delight of our 230+ students and 48 faculty and staff. Students celebrate by performing 10 plays this school year.
2011
35th Anniversary
Our new Living Building Science Wing offers interactive teaching tools for educating students about issues surrounding the scarcity of resources and alternative energy sources. Learn more
2014
Green Honors
Bertschi School is honored as a U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon School for demonstrating ongoing commitment to sustainable practices by students, faculty and parents.
2015
Celebrating a Legacy
Bertschi School celebrates 40 years with large community events; bringing together Bertschi Kids and families from all four decades of the school's history and bidding adieu to our founding Head of School, Brigitte Bertschi, celebrating her incredible legacy. This momentous year culminates in a beautiful Japanese Monadelpha Tree planted in Brigitte's honor on Bertschi School's campus.
2016
Welcoming a New Head of School
In the spring of 2015, the Bertschi School Board of Trustees unanimously approved the appointment of Rafael del Castillo to lead the school forward in the vision of our founder as the new Head of School.
2018
New Strategic Plan 2018+ Guides Future of School
The new Strategic Plan, which guides our work to ensure a strong, mission-driven future for the school and our community. The three goals of the Strategic Plan are: INVEST in the success of each child, THRIVE as a diverse community, and STEWARD our resources.