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 5-12 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 teacher, 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.

In the ensuing six years, Eastside Prep experienced a pattern of ongoing and robust growth. By September 2009, 174 students were enrolled in grades 5 through 12. With the increased enrollment, the school has seen a parallel growth pattern in her physical and human resources. Over 40 faculty and staff now work on a campus of eight buildings. In 2009-2010, the average class size is 14 students and the school continues to maintain a very low student-to-teacher ratio, which now stands at 7:1. We expanded the physical plant of our campus by 50% in 2008-2009—by adding our 5th, 6th and 7th buildings. Most recently, in the summer of 2009, an 8th building housing our new administrative center was added to the campus, as well as a new outdoor sport court and a Black Box Theatre.

In another event of note, Eastside Prep graduated her first class of seniors in June, 2009! Our alumni are now enrolled in colleges and universities from coast-to-coast, including institutions such as Brown University, Arizona State University (honors program), Dickinson College, Lewis & Clark College, Chapman University, the University of Denver, the University of Washington-Bothell, St. Louis University, and others.