Open Window School Photo #5 - Spending all day behind a desk? NO WAY! At Open Window, you'll find active learners doing real things in the real world. Our Hallmark Trip program in middle school sees students experience the world through trips intentionally planned to meet where students are and challenge them to grow. All Hallmark Trips are covered in the cost of tuition.

Open Window School

Open Window School is the Eastside's only independent school dedicated to meeting the needs of gifted children.
Our experienced teachers truly understand gifted students, nurturing both their intellectual and emotional growth.
We value authenticity and cultivate a deep love of learning, where students dive into topics with passion.
Social and emotional learning is a priority, supporting students as they navigate their intensities.
Above all, we foster a close-knit community where gifted kids belong, valuing connection over competition. Here, students are empowered to grow, explore, and thrive.

Quick Stats (2024-25)

  • Top Ranked WA School
  • Grades: Kindergarten-8
  • Enrollment: 370 students
  • Yearly Tuition: $38,160
  • Acceptance rate: 25%
  • Average class size: 19 students
  • Application Deadline: Jan. 16
  • Source: Verified school update

Top Rankings

Open Window School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Washington for:

School Overview

Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades Kindergarten-8
Year Founded
1985
Summer School Offered
Yes

Student Body

Total Students
370 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
60%
State avg.: 29%
Students by Grade
Open Window School Student By Grade

Academics and Faculty

Total Classroom Teachers
50 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
7:1
National avg.: 13:1
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
95%
Average Class Size
19 students
List of Courses Offered
Classroom Dress Code
Casual

Tuition and Acceptance Rate

Admission Deadline
Jan. 16
Yearly Tuition Cost
Tuition Notes
Tuition Assistance is available.
% on Financial Aid
16%
Acceptance Rate
25%
National avg.: 85%
Admissions Director
Cary Kirby
Admissions Associate
Vonda Renfroe

Sports

Total Sports Offered
4 sports

Extracurriculars

Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
5 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Club or Organization:
Chess Club, First Lego League

Arts and Music Programs:
Choir Club

Recreational Athletic Programs:
Cascade League Sports, Martial Arts

School Notes

  • Tours for prospective families about the school are offered regularly October through January. Please sign up for a one of these information sessions on our website, or call for more information (425-747-2911).
Source: Verified school update

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does Open Window School cost?
Open Window School's tuition is approximately $38,160 for private students.
What is the acceptance rate of Open Window School?
The acceptance rate of Open Window School is 25%, which is lower than the national average of 86%. Open Window School's acceptance rate is ranked among the top private schools in Washington with low acceptance rates.
What sports does Open Window School offer?
Open Window School offers 4 interscholastic sports: Basketball, Cross Country, Track and Field and Volleyball.
What is Open Window School's ranking?
When is the application deadline for Open Window School?
The application deadline for Open Window School is Jan. 16.
In what neighborhood is Open Window School located?
Open Window School is located in the Cougar Mountain neighborhood of Bellevue, WA. There are 2 other private schools located in Cougar Mountain.

School Reviews

  5.00 out of 5  (3 reviews)
5  
Excellent!!! We are very lucky to have found Open Window (and we moved across the country). The whole community - from faculty, staff, students, and parents are so welcoming, not pretentious at all (for a private school), and have a passion for seeing everyone succeed. Teachers at this school have credentials for gifted education. They are fully equipped to engage gifted learners and understand how to teach these kids. They have regular opportunities to enrich themselves in gifted ed too. Learning is indeed differentiated for each student. It's not just lip service. My daughter loves going to school everyday and she is super engaged. What she's learning is tailored to her level and interests because the teachers do well to know their students.A plus is the campus - idyllic and beautiful atop Cougar Mountain. Such a conducive space for learning!
- Posted by
5  
My Kindergartener comments out-of-blue several times a week that he loves his school and said this morning he wishes he could rate it, so here we are :)I'm extremely happy with the school: It seems all the lower school specialists manage to work physical activity into their lessons, children are treated with respect and have SEL built into daily activities. The teachers and staff are highly conscientious, constantly revising their curriculum and methods based on outcomes, the latest in educational research, and community feedback. Just driving onto campus each morning feels good, because everything is done so well. The active and supportive parent community is wonderful. Lots of helpful parent Ed talks and resources (and plenty of nerdy, type A parents as you might imagine, that tend to knock whatever task they've volunteered for out of the park). Of course, each year is going to be different depending on the mix of parents, students, and faculty but the institutional structure of constant improvement and community involvement is one of the best I've seen.I also really appreciate the fact that my son is now middle-of-the-pack in terms of intellect and assertiveness, finding friends with similar interests and abilities. And I've been able to relax around the other parents who share similar experiences of parenting exceptional kids. Hope this is helpful; I know picking a school is a big decision and the cost is significant. All I can say it that we really love Open Window.
- Posted by
5  
Our son has gone to Open Window from K - 8. Our experience, inclusive of his feedback, has been excellent. The mission of "children first, gifted second" has helped our son to become a great human being in addition to ultra-high standardized scores including the SSAT and ISEE tests. We would make the decision to send him here again without reservation. If you are a parent who demands "gifted first, children second" or a "tiger mom" type of parenting that is only focused on brutal rigor, home schooling may be a better option.
- Posted by

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Quick Stats (2024-25)

  • Top Ranked WA School
  • Grades: Kindergarten-8
  • Enrollment: 370 students
  • Yearly Tuition: $38,160
  • Acceptance rate: 25%
  • Average class size: 19 students
  • Application Deadline: Jan. 16
  • Source: Verified school update

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Did You Know?

The average private school tuition in Bellevue, WA is $25,742 for elementary schools and $34,625 for high schools (read more about average private school tuition across the country).
The average acceptance rate in Bellevue, WA is 79% (read more about average acceptance rates across the country).

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