Eastside Preparatory School was started by a group of parents in May 2002. These parents, who formed the first board of trustees, wanted to create an academically rigorous and engaging school for students in grades 6-12 on the Eastside. These parents understood the importance of having a school near where students lived so families could be easily involved in the school. They were also committed to creating a school that would captivate and challenge students of all kinds.

The board of trustees hired Terry Macaluso, PhD, currently Head of Eastside Prep as well as Principal for NEWTHINKER, LLC and former Head of the Lakeside School in Seattle, to advise them on starting a school. Forums were held during summer 2002 by Chris Unger and Robin Pringle on the impact of contemporary brain research and the development of effective curricula. These forums helped shape the vision of Eastside Preparatory School.

In fall 2002, Ellen Cressey, then board president and Macaluso raised seed funding. The board was increased to six people. The first head of school was hired in December 2002 to start in January 2003 and the decision was made to open the school in fall 2003. During spring 2003, the initial curriculum was developed, an admissions policy created, the admissions process begun, and teachers were hired. At the same time, the board of trustees worked actively to market the school in the community and raise funds. A site in an office park in Kirkland was leased and initial tenant improvements and classroom procurement began.

Eastside Prep opened its doors in September 2003 with 14 students in 6th and 7th grades, three full-time and one part-time teachers, and two full-time and one part-time staff people. Deputy Mayor of Kirkland, Joan McBride, presided over a ribbon-cutting ceremony and the first day began with a philosophy play performed by students and teachers. Two additional students joined after the school year began, for a total of 16 in grades 6 and 7

For our second year, we had 100% retention of faculty and students. We opened our doors with 45 students in grades 6-8, six full-time and several part-time faculty, and an expanded staff. During our second year, we leased two additional buildings and extended our lease to 2009.

By 2005-2006, our third year, Eastside Prep had grown to 81 students in grades 6-9 and a total of 15 full- and part-time faculty and staff. In March 2006, we announced the acquisition of ten buildings at our current location, which will be phased in over the next several years. Our permanent home was established!

In our fourth year, 2006-2007, 105 students were enrolled in grades 6-10. This represented an increase of over 550% from our first year. 22 faculty and staff served our student body. In 2006-2007, our average class size was 12.

Currently, a few spaces for new students remain available for the 2007-2008 school year. We are currently serving 140 students with 30 faculty and staff, which represents our fifth consecutive year of dynamic growth. Our campus has also expanded with the addition of a center for sustainability - Eastside Preparatory Impact Center (EPIC).

Looking ahead, Eastside Prep plans to add two new groups to our school’s community in 2008-2009. In addition to adding our first group of graduating seniors, the class of 2009, we will also be adding our first class of 5th graders next year. Applications for 2008-2009 are now being accepted!