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

Everything Seattle families need to know about applying to Grades 6–12 at this progressive independent school.

Quick Answer for Busy Parents

The Bush School is an independent K–12 day school in Seattle serving 700–750 students. Founded in 1924, it uses a test-flexible admissions policy for Grades 5–12, accepting various standardized assessments from the past two years. Applications open in September, with a mid-January deadline. Decisions arrive in late February for Upper School and mid-to-late March for Middle School. The school is known for its “Experience Education” philosophy, the 20-acre Bush Methow wilderness campus, and ongoing facility expansions.

Why Do Families Choose The Bush School?

Helen Taylor Bush, a supporter of John Dewey’s philosophy of progressive education, opened a preschool and kindergarten in her home to six students in 1924. The school grew steadily, becoming fully coeducational across all grades in 1970, and today operates under the motto “Experience Education,” reflecting its commitment to hands-on, experiential learning.

Families are drawn to Bush’s Engaged Learning philosophy, which extends from Methow Valley field research to Cascades design projects and meaningful service in local communities, as well as its 20-acre Bush Methow Campus in Mazama, Washington, acquired in 2016.

Beyond these immersive learning opportunities, families choose The Bush School for its strong emphasis on community and individual student agency. The school’s progressive framework creates a culture where curiosity is celebrated, diverse perspectives are actively integrated, and students build the self-advocacy skills needed to navigate a complex, dynamic world.

Did You Know? Bush’s 20-acre Methow Campus, acquired in 2016, was formerly known as the North Cascades Basecamp before becoming a dedicated wilderness and field-research site for Bush students.

How Competitive Is Admission to The Bush School?

Bush does not publish an official acceptance rate. Rather than relying on a single test, Bush’s admissions process weighs test-flexible scores alongside parent statements, student essays, teacher evaluations, current school records, and a required student visit.

Top Tips for a Strong Application

• If your child hasn’t taken a qualifying test within the past two years, register for the on-campus ISEE or SSAT date early.
• Sixth-grade applicants should register for the required Student Visit promptly.
• Attend the Middle School or Upper School Open House to see the specific division your child would enter.

Best Practices for Families

• Submit parent statements and student essays with real care, since these carry genuine weight.
• Request records from your child’s current school early to avoid delays.
• Ask directly about the Center Campus and Middle School Project and how construction may affect your child’s grade.

What Is The Bush School’s Admission Process?

Creating an account in Aryval Enroll is the first step in The Bush School’s admissions process. There, you will be able to sign up for events and submit the required documents for your application.

1. Create an account in Aryval Enroll.
2. Submit the preliminary application.
3. Complete the parent statement & student essay.
4. Register for the student visit (6th & 9th–11th grades).
5. Submit standardized test scores.
6. Request records.
7. Delegate the teacher evaluation form.
8. Request the school administrator report.

What Are the Application Requirements for The Bush School?

Parent/Guardian Statement

Required for all K–12 applicants, the Parent/Guardian Statement gives families space to share insights into their child’s character, learning style, and unique strengths, demonstrating how family values align with Bush’s progressive, community-centered culture.

How to write an effective parent statement: Share anecdotes that demonstrate your child’s maturity and values rather than repeating their resume. Keep your tone authentic and collaborative. Learn how to write a compelling private school parent statement.

Student Essay

Submitted via Aryval Enroll, the student statement is required for Grades 6–12 applicants. Prompts focus on personal interests, extracurricular pursuits, and alignment with Bush’s experiential mission. Essays must reflect the student’s authentic, original voice without AI or outside assistance.

How to write a compelling student essay: Focus on a specific moment of growth rather than a list of activities. Authenticity is key. This is where Programs in Writing and Reading (PWR) helps students develop essential reading and writing skills that would allow them to produce compelling written outputs. Learn how to develop an authentic writing voice that helps your statement stand out.

Teacher Evaluation Form

Delegated online via Aryval Enroll, forms are submitted directly by current teachers. Lower School (K–5) requires one evaluation from the primary homeroom teacher. Middle and Upper School (Grades 6–12) require two evaluations: one from a Humanities teacher and one from a Math/Science teacher.

How to get the best teacher evaluations: To secure strong teacher evaluations, ensure your child builds genuine relationships with teachers and mentors. Recommenders should highlight your child’s leadership, behavior, and academic impact on the community.

Transcript & Records

Families submit a signed PSIS Request for Records form via Aryval Enroll to authorize document release. Grades 1–5 require current-year progress reports; Grades 6–12 require official transcripts covering the previous two complete school years plus first-term current grades.

How to improve academic performance: If grades have been a genuine struggle, improving them before applying requires targeted, consistent support—not last-minute cramming. This is where tutoring and academic coaching help strengthen the student’s key skills months before applications are due, allowing students to demonstrate meaningful, sustained academic growth.

School Administrator Report

Required for Grades 6–12 applicants, this reference form is delegated via the application portal and completed by a current principal, head of school, division director, or counselor to evaluate academic standing and citizenship.

Test-Flexible Testing Policy

Standardized testing is test-flexible for Grades 5–12 (not required for K–4). Bush accepts any standardized assessment taken within the past two years (e.g., SBA, MAP, ERB, STAR, ISEE, SSAT) with no preference given to a specific test. On-site ISEE/SSAT testing is hosted on campus.

Have Questions About Your Child’s Application?

Cardinal Education’s consultants help families choose the right test to submit under Bush’s flexible testing policy and build a complete application.

Schedule a Consultation

What Is Student Life Like at The Bush School?

Student life at The Bush School is a dynamic combination of progressive academics, creative exploration, competitive athletics, and immersive experiential learning.

Beyond the traditional classroom, students are encouraged to pursue their interests across two campuses—in Seattle and the Methow Valley—building strong personal connections, leadership skills, and community engagement.

Academics

Academic life at The Bush School balances a rigorous core curriculum with flexible, hands-on learning, empowering students to pursue specialized interests while maintaining strong foundational training across disciplines.

This academic structure prepares students for higher education by emphasizing independent research, critical thinking, and real-world application.

The Arts

The arts curriculum provides hands-on creative training across visual arts, music, and theater, supported by purpose-built studio spaces and performance venues.

• Visual Arts: Includes training in painting, drawing, ceramics, and photography across 7 specialized art studios on campus.
• Music & Performance: Student-led musical events like Venue and the Upper School Music Showcase allow students to perform original and popular compositions for the community.
• Process-Based Theater: Process-driven drama programs for all divisions focusing on original creation, technical design, acting, and full-scale dramatic and musical productions.
• Critique & Exhibition: Regular public exhibitions, critique sessions, and live showcases integrated throughout the school year.

Students gain artistic confidence and technical proficiency, regularly sharing their work with the broader school community.

Athletics

The Blazer athletic program focuses on high participation, personal discipline, and regional competition within the WIAA and Emerald Sound Conference.

The athletic department supports both multi-sport athletes and competitive competitors through disciplined coaching and inclusive team play.

Summer Programs

The Bush School offers engaging summer camps and enrichment courses open to both Bush families and the broader community across its Seattle and Methow Valley campuses.

• Camp Galileo & Discovery Day Camp: Weeklong STEAM and outdoor exploration day camps for young campers held on the Seattle campus and the 20-acre Methow Campus in Mazama, WA.
• Blazer Athletic Camps: Sport-specific training camps (including basketball, volleyball, ultimate frisbee, and tennis) focused on skill development, strategies, and teamwork.
• Academic Enrichment & Skill Building: Specialized workshops including College Essay Writing and High School Study Skills led by Bush faculty.
• Specialized Interest Camps: Targeted enrichment options such as competitive Debate Camp for upper elementary and secondary students.

These programs extend learning into the summer months, fostering creativity, outdoor adventure, and continuous skill development.

The Bush SKIBUS

The Bush SKIBUS is a signature winter tradition managed by parent volunteers and student interns, offering weekend alpine excursions for Middle and Upper School students.

• Regional Destinations: Coordinates full-day ski and snowboarding trips to premier Pacific Northwest resorts, including Crystal Mountain and Stevens Pass, from December through March.
• All Skill Levels Welcome: Open to beginners through advanced skiers/snowboarders in Grades 6–12, requiring beginner lessons for students new to snow sports.
• Student & Parent Leadership: Operated by parent volunteer Trip Managers and Chaperones alongside student technology interns who manage registration and express check-in platforms.
• Flexible Registration & Community Access: Offers Season Pass and A la Carte options covering transportation and lift tickets, with ticket-donation options available to support financial aid.

The SKIBUS program promotes outdoor recreation, camaraderie, and an appreciation for the Pacific Northwest alpine environment.

Notable Bush School Alumni

The Bush School prepares students to lead with curiosity, critical thinking, and a dedication to experiential learning. Graduates excel across diverse fields, including journalism, creative arts, health policy, and literature, reflecting the school’s mission to foster purposeful, community-minded global citizens. Notable alumni include:

1. Meg Greenfield (’48): A Pulitzer Prize–winning journalist and long-serving Editor of the Editorial Page for The Washington Post. Her distinguished career in political commentary highlights the school’s focus on deep analytical inquiry and articulate expression.
2. Dr. Risa Lavizzo-Mourey (’72): A physician, policy advisor, and former President and CEO of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. Recognized frequently on Forbes’ list of the World’s Most Powerful Women, her career embodies the school’s commitment to public service and health equity.
3. Dave Dederer (’82): A musician, tech strategist, and co-founder of the multi-platinum, Grammy-nominated alternative rock band The Presidents of the United States of America. His multi-faceted career reflects the creative and entrepreneurial spirit cultivated at Bush.
4. Claire Dederer (’85): A bestselling author, essayist, and critic best known for her acclaimed memoirs Monsters: A Fan’s Dilemma and Poser: My Life in Twenty-Three Yoga Poses. Her work demonstrates the reflective and artistic excellence fostered by the school’s liberal arts foundation.
5. Claire Alet (’96): An author, journalist, and documentary filmmaker who co-authored the internationally celebrated graphic novel adaptation of Thomas Piketty’s Capital & Ideology. Her work showcases the global perspectives and social inquiry emphasized in a Bush education.

These alumni showcase how a Bush School education empowers individuals to explore their passions, challenge conventional thinking, and make lasting contributions to society.

Maximize Your Child’s Admissions Potential with Cardinal Education

The admissions process at The Bush School is highly competitive and selective, requiring families to present a distinct, cohesive application that highlights their child’s strengths and alignment with the school’s progressive philosophy.

Cardinal Education works closely with families to maximize their admissions potential at every stage. From strategic test selection under Bush’s flexible testing policy to compelling parent statement and student essay development, our experienced consultants provide expert oversight to ensure your application makes a memorable impact.

Schedule a Consultation

Related Articles:
The Bush Methow Campus: Wilderness Education at Bush
Inside Bush’s Center Campus and Middle School Project

Frequently Asked Questions

Bush gave our son real ownership over his education, from the Methow Campus to his Middle School classroom. Cardinal Education helped us figure out which test scores would best represent his strengths under Bush’s flexible testing policy.

— Bush School Parent