The Bush School
Student Life

Student Life at Bush

Student Life

At The Bush School, learning extends far beyond the classroom. It is the journey of discovering passions, cultivating character, and developing the confidence to lead a life of purpose. Along the way, students are encouraged to try new paths, to listen to diverse perspectives, and to persevere through challenges with resilience and creativity. A student’s time at Bush is the beginning of a lifelong adventure—one nurtured by a vibrant, supportive community committed to nurturing open minds, inviting perspectives, cultivating community, and blazing new trails.
Bush has pushed me to become a better student. I've learned how to write an essay, how to study for a test, and so much more. Bush has given me skills that I know will be helpful in college and later in life.

 Lucy S. '26
Guided by caring peers, teachers, and mentors from a wide array of backgrounds and passions, each student at Bush develops their own great mind. Whether diving deeper into a longstanding interest or exploring something entirely new, Bush students are empowered to take meaningful risks, follow their curiosity, and create their own paths.

From student-led clubs and Open Mic events, to performances, art showcases, and outdoor adventures on our Methow Campus in the North Cascades, Bush offers countless opportunities to connect, create, and grow. Across every grade level, Bush Blazers discover what it means to contribute thoughtfully to a dynamic and inclusive community—and to carry these lessons forward into the world.

At Bush, we understand that no one journeys alone. Every student’s growth is rooted in community—one that celebrates individuality, fosters belonging, and champions the belief that education is a profound experience of connection and exploration.

Click below to learn more about the dynamic K–12 student experience at Bush.

The Power of a K-12 Experience

As Seattle’s only K–12 independent school, The Bush School offers a uniquely cohesive educational journey—one where students can grow with confidence, surrounded by a community that knows and values them through every stage of their development.

At Bush, the connections formed between Lower, Middle, and Upper School students foster mentorship, leadership, and a shared sense of belonging. Younger students are inspired by older role models; older students lead and mentor with compassion and pride. Through shared traditions, cross-divisional projects, and a consistent focus on character and community, Bush students experience the rare gift of growing up in a school that evolves alongside them while staying true to its mission and values.

This K–12 continuity allows students to engage deeply, build lasting friendships, and cultivate a sense of identity that is both individual and deeply connected to a greater whole. At Bush, every student is known, every voice matters, and every path is honored.
  • Simply Cultural Simply Cultural
    This joyful K–12 community tradition is one of the highlights of the year. Come enjoy the many beautiful cultures that make up our Bush community through vibrant performances, a delicious potluck, and meaningful moments of connection. Whether you're new to Bush or have been part of our community for years, this event is all about coming together, learning from each other, and having fun.
  • Fall Festival Fall Festival
    This beloved K-12 community event kicks off the start of the school year and highlights carnival-like activities and treats available to students, faculty, and staff.
  • Bush SKIBUS Bush SKIBUS
    The Bush SKIBUS program provides full-day, “bus-to-lift” ski and snowboarding trips to major regional ski resorts in the Pacific Northwest, enabling students to appreciate the amazing alpine environment while skiing, snowboarding & bonding with fellow students. The program is accessible to Bush students at all skill levels in Sixth through Twelfth Grade and offers Bush parents/guardians, faculty, and staff a unique and exciting volunteer opportunity. 
  • Convocation Convocation
    Convocation is a Bush tradition and has been an all-community opening of school event for fifty years, welcoming students, faculty, staff, and families to gather to begin the new school year together. Head of School Les Larson established Convocation in 1972, and ever since, we have gathered as a K-12 community—all students, parents/guardians, faculty, and staff—once a year on the first day of school to begin the school year together in the community.
  • Community Engagement Center Community Engagement Center
    The Bush School Community Engagement Center is dedicated to empowering students to become active, compassionate, and immersive members of their communities. The program strives to promote a leadership, community service, and initiative culture that fosters personal growth, social responsibility, and positive change. Twenty-two students at Bush have participated in several student-generated community outreach projects, lending a helping hand to about sixteen different partner organizations in the community through the Community Engagement Center.
  • Summer Programs Summer Programs
    Your summer adventure awaits at The Bush School. We are excited to welcome campers for a range of summer classes and camps for students entering Kindergarten - Grade 12. Bush summer camps are open to the greater community, welcoming students from beyond Bush to enjoy summer on one or both of our two campuses in Seattle, Washington and the Methow Valley in Mazama, Washington. 

Lower School Life

List of 4 items.

  • Lower School Affinity Groups

    The Lower School Student Affinity Groups take place monthly during our Lower School Community time during the school day. Students who identify with an affinity attend group gathering while other students attend our Lower School DEI community activity. There are a number of affinity groups based on different identities, including the Black Students Affinity group, the Muslim Student Affinity group, the Jewish Students Affinity group, The Latine/Hispanic student Affinity Group, the White Students Affinity Group, the Asian Students Affinity Group and the Bi/Multi-Racial Student Affinity Group.

  • Lower School Extended Day and Clubs

    Extended Day is available for both Lower and Middle School families and offers and array of clubs and activities for students to enjoy, such as Robotics, Lego, Cooking, and Choir. 

  • Lower School Fine Arts Evening

    The Lower School Fine Arts Evening is a Bush tradition in which students share an immersive musical performance and an art exhibition with friends, family, and the broader community.

  • Lower School Grandparents and Special Friends Day

    Grandparents and Special Friends Day in the Lower School is a celebration of the love, wisdom, and support the grandparents and special friends bring into our students' lives.

Middle School Life

List of 4 items.

  • Middle School E-Weeks

    Experiential Week (E-week) seeks to develop in students a desire to explore and experience the world in both natural and urban settings, a growing sense of identity and confidence based on acquired skills and knowledge, and an active interest in and concern for other people.

  • Middle School Extended Day and Clubs

    Extended Day is available for both Lower and Middle School families and offers an array of clubs and activities for students to enjoy, such as Robotics, Lego, Cooking, and Choir. 

  • Middle School Music Showcases

    Each semester, Middle School students have the opportunity to showcase their special talents in front of friends, family, and faculty. This beloved student-led event encourages them to lean into their creativity and build connections with their peers through these thoughtful performances.

  • Middle School Q Group

    The Middle School Q Group is a non-judgmental affinity group for students exploring their gender or sexual identity. The mission of the Q Group is to provide support to queer and questioning students, and to create an inclusive environment where gender and sexual diversity is celebrated.

    “The Q Group is important to me because it is a a safe and friendly place where I can discuss important things in my life.”
    - Bush Sixth Grade Student

Upper School Life

List of 3 items.

  • Upper School Affinity Groups

    • Asian-American Culture Club
    • Black Student Union (BSU)
    • Blazers of Color (BOC)
    • Blazers Understanding Whiteness (BUW)
    • Center for Intercultural Action (CIA)
    • Christian Student Group
    • Diverse Family Structures Group
    • Latinx Club
    • MOSAIC Multicultural Affinity Group
    • Sexuality and Gender Alliance (SAGA)
    • Oy Vey

  • Upper School Cascades

    The Bush Upper School Cascades Program is a three week interdisciplinary course of study held each January, led by interdepartmental teaching teams. The thematic, immersive experiences have a strong focus on social justice including the following courses.

  • Upper School Music Showcase and Venue

    Venue and Upper School Music Showcase are student-led, all-comers musical events that encourage students to make new connections through their practice sessions and performances. Throughout the year, students practice original and popular songs to perform in front of the Bush community in both the fall and spring.

K-12 Collaboration

Being the only K-12 independent school in Seattle, community-wide collaboration is part of what makes Bush feel so warm, inviting, and uniquely connected.

    • Student Life Split Photo 1

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The Bush School
The Bush School is an independent, coeducational day school located in Seattle, WA enrolling 735 students in grades K–12. The mission of The Bush School is to spark in students of diverse backgrounds and talents a passion for learning, accomplishment, and contribution to their communities

3400 East Harrison Street, Seattle WA 98112 (206) 322-7978
The Bush School does not discriminate in matters of employment, recruitment, admissions, or administration of any of its programs on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national or ethnic origin, disability, gender, or sexual orientation. In addition, The Bush School does not discriminate in matters of employment on the basis of age or marital status
© 2022  The Bush School