Our Campus & History

Open Window School is the only eastside independent school dedicated to meeting the needs of gifted students Kindergarten through Eighth Grade. We provide a nurturing, stimulating environment where children are supported emotionally and socially as well as intellectually and academically. 

Guided by a single mission, the school is organized into complementary lower and middle school divisions. Lower School consists of Kindergarten through Fourth Grade in homeroom classes with a Lead Homeroom Teacher and full-time Instructional Assistant. Our Middle School, also known as Vista, is organized by academic disciplines for Grades Five through Eight.  

Set atop a gently rolling hill, Open Window School’ s beautiful campus unfolds over 6.7 acres with stunning facilities and expansive views of the Olympic Mountains and Lake Washington. The lower and middle school divisions share the same site, allowing for natural and positive interaction and leadership opportunities for students of varying ages.

Open Window School was founded in 1983 as a preschool for gifted children, based on the premise that its students were "children first, gifted second." In 1985, the school was incorporated and expanded to include an elementary program.

OWS moved to the current Cougar Mountain campus in 2004, expanded enrollment and launched the middle school program. Today, the school enjoys a strong reputation for its commitment to best practice in gifted education: the differentiated and accelerated curriculum; emphasis on critical and creative thinking; support for positive social interactions and collaboration; and safe, supportive classrooms.

OWS teachers are highly trained and bring an extraordinary dedication to their work. Involved parents supported the school in numerable ways, and the Board of Trustees sets ambitious goals for the school's future.

Open Window School is fully accredited by the Pacific Northwest Association of Independent Schools and is approved by the State of Washington. It is a member of the National Association of Independent Schools and Washington Federation of Independent Schools.

Since its beginning, Open Window School has maintained a strong community united in spirit, energy, and enthusiasm. Belief in the school mission and dedication to our extraordinary students inspire us to continually reflect on our program and strive for increased excellence.