Bellevue Children's Academy
Part of International Schools Partnership, Secular, Founded 1999
Updated July 2026
IB PYP
Bellevue Children's Academy is an IB World School in Washington State serving students aged 3 to 10. It is part of the International Schools Partnership and focuses on blending academic excellence with innovation and global awareness.
Curriculum
Term structure
Teaching approach
The school is committed to igniting intellectual curiosity and fostering a love for learning through a blend of rigorous academics and social-emotional support. Its core values—curiosity, confidence, compassion, global mindedness, and innovation—guide the development of students into compassionate, creative, and globally aware citizens. The school emphasizes inquiry-based instruction and visible thinking routines to help students take ownership of their growth.
Programmes
The school offers an inquiry-driven International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme (PYP) for students from Preschool through Grade 4. The curriculum includes core subjects like math, literacy, and science, alongside specialist-led instruction in Music, Art, PE, Coding, and Spanish. The academic program is designed to be rigorous, with content often taught one grade level ahead of state standards.
Outcomes
In the 2024–25 academic year, 96% of students met or exceeded year-end reading benchmarks, and students achieved 1.8 times the national average growth in math and reading. Approximately 97% of Grade 4 students are accepted into top-tier Middle Schools locally and internationally. Additionally, 40% of students lead their own STEAM projects before Grade 3.
Student support
Learning support
The school maintains a high-touch, supportive environment with small class sizes and a 97% teacher retention rate. Educators engage in weekly professional learning and peer coaching to ensure consistent, high-quality instruction. The school emphasizes social-emotional learning and maintains strong home-school partnerships through regular communication and personal learning portfolios.
Frequently asked questions(4)
- What curriculum does Bellevue Children's Academy offer?
- Bellevue Children's Academy offers IB PYP.
- How much is tuition at Bellevue Children's Academy?
- Annual tuition at Bellevue Children's Academy is $29.1K–$30.5K. Fees vary by year group — confirm the current schedule with the school.
- What accreditations does Bellevue Children's Academy hold?
- Bellevue Children's Academy holds accreditations including IB.
- Where is Bellevue Children's Academy located?
- Bellevue Children's Academy is an international school in Seattle, United States.
Tuition & fees
Annual tuition by grade
2026-2027| Grade | Ages | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| Preschool | 3–4 | $29.1K |
| PreK - 4th Grade | 4–10 | $30.5K |
Other fees(6)
| Enrolment fee· Enrollment fee | $2K |
|---|---|
| Enrolment fee· Re-enrollment fee | $2.2K |
| Materials· Technology fee | $350 |
| Materials· Activity fee | $475 |
| Meals· Lunch service available on campus | — |
| Uniform· School uniforms required, ordered separately | — |
Discounts
- Sibling discount: Varies
Admissions
The admissions process begins with an inquiry and the creation of a profile on the Ravenna platform to track the application. Families are encouraged to schedule a campus tour to observe the learning environment and meet the team. Following the submission of an application and an interview, the Admissions Committee reviews the file and communicates decisions via Ravenna and email.
Calendar
The school operates on a trimester system. The 2026-2027 academic year begins on September 1, 2026, and concludes on June 10, 2027, with scheduled breaks for Fall, Winter, Mid-Winter, and Spring holidays, as well as various in-service and public holidays.
Facilities
About the campus
The school operates across two secure campuses in Bellevue’s Crossroads neighborhood, featuring bright classrooms, makerspaces, science labs, libraries, and performing arts rooms. Outdoor facilities include playgrounds and marked sports courts for basketball and soccer. The campuses also provide a cafeteria and dining hall for student meals.
Co-curriculars
Students participate in a variety of enrichment and leadership activities, with approximately 85% of students joining at least one each year. Offerings include STEAM projects, coding, music, art, and athletics, alongside leadership roles such as Library Monitors, Student Council members, and Class Leaders. Extended learning options include before- and after-school care featuring clubs, homework time, and additional STEAM activities.
Michael GwaltneyHead of SchoolA lifelong educator with over 30 years of experience in private independent schools across the United States, Michael Gwaltney has held leadership roles in Los Angeles, Portland, and Rhode Island. He is committed to fostering student-centered, inquiry-driven learning environments and advancing innovative educational programs.
Amy LonacDirector of ElementaryAmy Lonac has over 20 years of experience in elementary education, serving in both public and private schools as a teacher, instructional coach, and leader. She is a National Board-Certified Teacher and holds a Master in Teaching from the University of Washington and a Master of Education in Educational Leadership from Seattle Pacific University.
- Abby MacleanDirector of Early Childhood Education
Abby Maclean began her career in Los Angeles, where she developed a mind–body program integrating mindfulness and yoga into learning. She has taught Kindergarten through sixth grade, served as a school counselor, and led fitness classes before transitioning into school leadership.
- Katrina TarpyDirector of Extended Learning Programs
Katrina Tarpy has a background in child psychology and education, having earned a Bachelor of Education in Indonesia. She built a 10-year teaching career at IB World Schools in Indonesia and Taiwan before joining Bellevue Children’s Academy in 2015, where she has served as a teacher and Head of Campus.
- Marlar Win ThanAssistant Director of Elementary
Marlar Win Than is passionate about supporting student growth, helping them navigate challenges, and partnering with families and staff to ensure every child feels valued, confident, and successful. Her goal is to help create a nurturing environment where students can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.
- Victoria NunesDirector of Admissions
Victoria Nunes is an enrollment leader with a background in mental health counseling and youth resilience coaching. She has spent her career in independent schools across the Puget Sound region, focusing on building strong relationships with families and developing mission-aligned enrollment practices.