The Bridge School Cooperative Elementary will close at the end of the current school year, according to a letter released by the school’s Board of Directors.
In a message addressed to alumni families and friends of the school, board members said the decision came “after much discussion and careful consideration” following ongoing financial challenges.
According to the board:
“Like many independent schools across the country, we have experienced significant challenges in recent years due to rising operational costs and declining enrollment. Unfortunately, these pressures have impacted our small school especially hard, and despite tremendous efforts from staff, families, and supporters, we are no longer able to sustain the program financially.”
The board said the school is working to complete its final year “with stability and care for our students, teachers, and staff,” but acknowledged that it is facing a serious budget deficit as it prepares to wind down operations and close out the nonprofit organization.
To help address those costs, school leaders announced a final fundraising effort and appealed to the broader Bridge School community for support.
“Any contribution, no matter the size, will help us carry the school through these final weeks with dignity and care,” the board wrote.
The letter also reflected on the school’s legacy, saying:
“The relationships, learning experiences, traditions, and care that have defined The Bridge School are something we will always carry with us. We are deeply proud of what this school has been and the impact it has had on children and families throughout its history.”
The Bridge School Cooperative Elementary is a small, independent, nonprofit K–5 cooperative school in White Center that was founded in 2010 by educators and parents seeking a more community centered approach to elementary education. Built on the traditions of parent cooperative preschools, the school emphasizes multi age classrooms, hands-on learning, outdoor education, the arts, and strong family involvement. Over the past 16 years, The Bridge School has served generations of South King County families.
Below is full text of the letter:
“Dear Bridge School Alumni Families & Friends of the school,
“It is with heavy hearts that we share some difficult news with our alumni community. After much discussion and careful consideration, the decision has been made to close The Bridge School Cooperative Elementary at the end of this school year.
“Like many independent schools across the country, we have experienced significant challenges in recent years due to rising operational costs and declining enrollment. Unfortunately, these pressures have impacted our small school especially hard, and despite tremendous efforts from staff, families, and supporters, we are no longer able to sustain the program financially.
“This community has meant so much to so many families over the years. The relationships, learning experiences, traditions, and care that have defined The Bridge School are something we will always carry with us. We are deeply proud of what this school has been and the impact it has had on children and families throughout its history.
“As we work to finish this final year with stability and care for our students, teachers, and staff, we are facing a serious budget deficit. We are considering many strategies to address this, but we need your help to ensure we can conclude the school year strong and smoothly wrap up the non-profit.
“To help make that possible, we are organizing a final fundraising effort and reaching out to the broader Bridge community for support. Any contribution, no matter the size, will help us carry the school through these final weeks with dignity and care.
“We know this news will be deeply felt by many members of our community. Thank you for being part of The Bridge School story and for the many ways you have supported this school over the years. We are profoundly grateful.
“With appreciation,
“Board of Directors
“The Bridge School
“Tony Benson
“Jessie Jacobs
“Jeremiah Job
“Zoe Kraus
“Sara O’Hern”
School Holding Community Garage Sale June 13
The school will host a community garage sale and popsicle playdate as it prepares to close its doors. The event is scheduled for Saturday, June 13, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the school, located at 10300 28th Ave. SW (map below). Organizers say the sale will feature books, musical instruments, art supplies, curriculum materials, toys, learning resources, furniture and more, with proceeds helping support the school during its final chapter. The event is open to the public, and organizers encourage the community to stop by as “everything must go.”
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