How to Get Into The Bush School: All You Need to Know to Get In

Overview of The Bush School

The Bush School is an independent private K-12 school located in the heart of Seattle, Washington. The school has a total population of 715 students, with 200 faculty and staff to support their needs. With an average class size of 10 to 16, it has a student-teacher ratio of 7:1. These small numbers ensure that each and every student is given the attention and support they need to succeed in Bush’s rigorous academic environment. The school was founded in 1924 by Helen Taylor Bush who had a progressive vision for education. For 100 years now, The Bush School has remained dedicated to its missing of inspiring learning, accomplishment, and contribution to communities to students of diverse backgrounds. Students are taught to embrace the values of trust, collaboration, curiosity, inclusivity, and challenge as they navigate their educational journey at Bush. 

How hard is it to get into The Bush School? 

Many aspire to send their children to The Bush School. Its rigorous academics and ideal location in the heart of Seattle make it an ideal school for many in the city. Because of this and its limited number of slots, The Bush School admissions are quite competitive. Applicants to all grade levels are evaluated on a variety of characteristics.   

The main entry points of The Bush School are Kindergarten, 6th grade, and 9th grade. Kindergarten typically accepts around 36 new applicants each year. Around 25-30 applicants are welcomed into both 6th and 9th grade each year. For students looking to transfer to other grade levels, there is no specific number of slots. Openings are determined by re-enrollment of current students and the application deadline falls in early January. Families are welcome to fill up the Rolling Admissions Inquiry Form in case The Busth School reopens their applications. 

We understand just how difficult it can be to stand out from a large group, which is why we suggest the help of experienced private school admissions consultants. Their comprehensive understanding of admissions can make the process seem like a cakewalk. Call now to connect with one and learn how they can help you build an admissions strategy! 

The Bush School Application 

The Bush School application process begins by creating your account at Ravenna where you can sign up for events, fill out and submit application requirements, and monitor your application status. Here are the steps you should follow:

1. Submit the application.
2. Complete the parent statement.
3. Accomplish the student essay
4. Delegate teacher recommendations.
5. Request a transcript. 

The Bush School Admissions 

Parent Statement

Parents or guardians of applicants are required to answer the parent questionnaire found on Ravenna. There are a series of questions that need to be answered in 150 words or less. These questions will ask you to share about your child and your family. The Bush School is looking for families whose educational goals align with those of the school. Admissions officers will use your answers to understand how your family will fit into The Bush School. When answering these questions, it’s important to be honest and authentic in a way that highlights not just your child’s strengths and unique characteristics but your family’s as well. For more tips from expert educational consultants on how to write powerfully, click here.

Student Essay

Applicants are presented with four questions of which they may only choose to answer one. Answers may be a minimum of 100 words with a maximum of 250 words. Admission officers will be looking at how your child answers the question for insight into their personality and character. While the questions may seem simple and easy to answer, how your child answers will determine how they would fit in at The Bush School.    

For the best possible student essay, our admissions consultants can help your child identify what’s the best traits and characteristics to highlight. We have years of experience helping students through private school admissions and understand what it takes to leave an impression on admissions officers. To write a compelling personal statement, here are some tips to get you started. 

Teacher Recommendations/Recommendation Letters

Applicants are required to request letters of recommendation from their current teachers in the humanities (English, language arts, or history) and math or science. Students who only have one teacher for both subjects, either their homeroom teacher or their homeroom teacher from the previous year may complete one instead. 

It’s important to build strong relationships with your child’s current teachers in order to secure strong letters. Admissions officers will look through these letters for a thorough evaluation of your child’s character, personality, and academic aptitude. They do this because your child’s teachers see your child regularly and can make professional and unbiased observations on the potential for academic success. 

Transcript

Applicants must submit their transcript for the past two academic years and whatever records are already available of the current one. The records request form may be found on Ravenna where applicants can input the email of their current school’s administration.      

To make your child stand out with exceptional grades, we suggest private school admissions consulting. We have a team of tutors and academic coaches available to work with your child. We provide online or in-person tutoring that starts with diagnostic testing to see where your child stands. We also provide academic coaching to teach executive functioning skills as part of a holistic strategy as we understand that a boosted GPA does not guarantee success. 

The Bush School Alumni

1. Bonnie McKee – an American singer-songwriter known for her work in collaboration with Katy Perry. She has also written songs for Britney Spears, Kesha, Cher, and more.  
2. Risa Lavizzo-Mourey – an American doctor and former president and CEO of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. She has been on Forbes’ list of 100 Most Powerful Women multiple times.  
3. Chris Ballew – an American musician known as the lead singer and bassist of the rock group The Presidents of the United States of America.  
4. Claire Dederer – an American writer who has published multiple novels and is a regular contributor for The New York Times. Her brother is Chris Ballew. 
5. Meg Greenfield – a Pulitzer-prize-winning American writer known for her work with the Washington Post and Newsweek.  
6. Sweet Water – an American rock band that started when its members met at The Bush School. 
7. Michelle Purnell-Hepburn – the former CFO of the Seattle Metropolitan Credit Union. 
8. Dave Dederer – an American musician and member of the rock group The Presidents of the United States of America.

Student Life at The Bush School 

The Bush School pushes its students to develop their interests and passions while also exploring new ones. There’s a wide range of athletics, student-run clubs, events, and programs for them to develop their skills and engage with the community. Student life at The Bush School is further enriched by The Commons, a space for students to connect with one another through nutritious food. The Bush School, in partnership with SAGE Dining Services, uses locally sourced seasonal ingredients to create delicious meals. The Upper School students who are craving a snack may stop by The Pantry for a salad or even soft-serve ice cream!  

The Bush School Academics

The Bush School’s academic program pushes students to experience education by learning by doing. Students undergo experiential learning that engages their minds, hearts, and hands. Each voice is cultivated and actively listened to inspire students to ask more questions and fuel their curiosity. Besides the required core subjects, there are also a variety of electives available for students to further explore their interests. Examples of some electives include Picturing the Past, Ecological Literature, and Yes, and …Improv!      

The Bush School Athletics

The Bush School athletic program pushes its students to their limits while developing fundamental technical and emotional skills. The no-cut philosophy enforced by the school ensures that any student who shows dedication and commitment to the team. The Bush School offers multiple teams across a variety of sports over three seasons. The sports offered include cross country, tennis, golf, ultimate frisbee, soccer, volleyball, basketball, nordic skiing, and track. 

The Bush School Arts

The Art Department at The Bush School encompasses visual arts, music, and theatre. These disciplines are taught in a way that progresses individual students’ skills and experiences. Visual arts is introduced starting at Kindergarten. Students immerse themselves in a variety of mediums to spark a passion for learning, accomplishment, and contribution to their community. The musicians at Bush will discover their strengths by developing an innate understanding of the language of music. Students with a flair for the stage can explore theater arts through student-led productions that allow them to express themselves both on and off stage.      

Activities at The Bush School

There are a variety of activities available for students to participate in at The Bush School. These activities are meant to cultivate new interests and connect peers of the same interest with one another. Examples of student-run clubs include Blazers of Color, Teen Feed, The Rambler, and more! For younger students, the school offers an extended day program that gives students a safe environment to do homework or register in enriching clubs such as Chess, Karate, and Mandarin! In the summer, there are a wide range of programs open to both Bush students and the wider community. Students may find themselves learning how to debate on the Seattle campus or going camping on the Methow Valley campus!