History

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. They were committed to creating a school that would captivate and challenge students of all kinds.

In late spring of 2002 Alice and Tom Strong, who had the original concept to open a new school on the east side, met with Terry Macaluso, PhD, previously Head of School at Lakeside School in Seattle, to discuss the process involved in establishing a new independent school. Their research, investment of time and resources, and ongoing support gave Eastside Prep its start. Forums held during summer 2002 by Chris Unger and Robin Pringle on the impact of contemporary brain research and the development of effective curricula helped shape the vision of Eastside Preparatory School.

Through the remainder of 2002 seed funding was raised, the Board was increased and the first head of school was hired. 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. In the ensuing six years, Eastside Prep experienced a pattern of ongoing and robust growth.

In 2010-2011 we broke new ground, exceeding an enrollment of 200 for the first time, to open with a population of 212 students. The class of 2011 was also the largest class we have yet to graduate. Thirty-two seniors walked across the stage of the Kirkland Performance Center on June 17, 2011, to receive an EPS diploma.

EPS will enroll 240 students in grades 5-12 for academic year 2011-2012, and will begin work on phase 2 of the capital effort to upgrade the campus. Thanks to the generous donors who committed more than $1.6mm to phase one of the campus plan, students and faculty enjoy expanded classroom and study spaces. The primary focus of the phase one plan is the new EPS Commons. The former EPS Center and Administrative Center (TCU) will be combined, the roof will be raised several feet, and the new structure will house a performance space as well as music classrooms, theatre production space, and a full-service cafeteria.