Nurturing in children a sense of self, a passion for learning, community, and childhood.
Learning Community Profile
Learning Community Profile
History of The Attic
In the spring of 1999, a group of educators and parents began brainstorming their vision of education. Influenced by the research into and practice of developmentally-appropriate education, as well as by their own children's educative experiences, the group came up with what remain key tenets: developmentally-appropriate education, no rewards or punishments, multi age classroom, child-centered curriculum, and time for childhood.
The Attic Learning Community was established as a non-profit, non-membership Corporation in the State of Washington on August 23, 1999. The Attic opened its doors in the fall of 1999, with 16 students, and has now grown into a thriving community of over 70 students. The Attic received its Federal non-profit status, 501(c)3, in May of 2002.
A description of The Attic would not be complete without touching upon the invaluable role played by the Attic parents and extended family. At the core of the Attic is community. Attic parents, and many grandparents, play a vital role at The Attic, supporting it in a variety of ways.
Attic Staff
Pat Orrell, a leading educator in the field of developmentally-appropriate science education, was among those founders and continues to lead The Attic as Executive Director. Lee Rottweiler serves as the Director of Secondary Programs. The Attic staffs on a 8:1 student to teacher ratio, keeping our class size low and allowing for a very individualized experience for every student.
Board of Directors
The Attic is governed by a Board of Directors consisting of current Attic parents and staff, as well as advisers from the greater educational community.
Pacific Northwest Homeschool College Fair
The Attic is proud to host the annual Pacific Northwest Homeschool College Fair each year in October since 2007. The College Fair has been hugely successfully, growing in attendance each year. Check out www.pnwcollegefair.com for further information.