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Discover Tilden
At Tilden, we are passionate about the foundational experience of elementary education. We know that among the great kids in our incoming kindergarten class we have future writers, engineers, musicians, leaders, and scientists. Because the pathway of each student is unique, we provide a rich and vibrant program that builds each student’s academic, artistic, social, organizational, emotional, and physical skills to prepare them, as exiting graduates, to succeed on the path of their choosing.
Dedicated to small class sizes with a low student-to-teacher ratio, we offer a rich and rigorous program that carefully balances tried-and-true methods, such as an emphasis on phonics and spelling in mid-grades, with the latest-and-greatest in education, such as typing and research skills.
We work to ensure each student receives essential foundational academic skills, a creative mindset, critical thinking skills, and a depth of character that honors friendship, kindness, and community. We graduate confident, capable and thoughtful young scholars who are poised to succeed at any Puget Sound area Middle School.
Mission & Philosophy
At Tilden School, our mission is to provide an exceptional elementary education to each student, in an environment rooted in values that promote kindness, community, friendship and accountability.
Tilden's History
Tilden was founded in 1985 by Whitney Tjerandsen. Like many parents, Whitney was searching for a school for her kindergarten-age son. After visiting over 25 schools, Whitney decided that the only way to get both the strong academics she loved, and the kindness she felt was crucial, was to start her own school. Many of the foundational elements of the Tilden experience created by Whitney remain critical elements of Tilden today.
Though she has transitioned to a vibrant retirement filled with travel, music and a grandchild, the impact of Whitney's talents and gifts on our school inform our work each day. Whitney taught second and third grade, oversaw the reading progression of every student, created and ran the Thursday Story Writing program, supervised lunch recess, taught all-school vocal music while strumming along on her ukulele, organized concerts and school events, attended parent-teacher conferences, managed staff and programming, and much, much more! She is a joyful force, imbued with an educator’s soul.
Over the span of her career, Whitney carefully evaluated trends and research, and new approaches and innovations. Even though much has changed - with projectors and whiteboards replacing chalkboards - there remains a core set of educational principles and techniques that work, and that we carry forward. We see that the old skills matter just as much as the new: breaking down the fundamentals of reading, focusing on phonics and roots, practicing skills, learning and exhibiting patience, keeping a low student-teacher ratio and small class sizes, celebrating student successes, effective written and oral communication skills, and expressing oneself as an individual and as part of the community. Above all, we know that kindness matters and ensure that each and every student leaves our school kind.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I invest in a private, independent education compared to other education options?
There are many wonderful educational options in our area, and every family must determine if a public, parochial, or independent school is right for them. Independent schools are an investment in a child’s future, allowing your dollars to directly inform your student’s education and bring you into a smaller, tight-knit community of like-minded families. At Tilden, we take our responsibility as both educators of your children and stewards of your tuition monies seriously. The overwhelming majority of our operating budget directly supports the staffing necessary to deliver rich programming while maintaining a low student-to-teacher ratio. Our goal is to ensure that we honor your choice of selecting Tilden School by allocating our financial resources in ways that have a direct impact on your student’s learning - from the first day of kindergarten until their last day of fifth grade.
How do I know if Tilden is the right fit for my student?
We invite you to join us for an open house, tour, or phone conversation to really dig into evaluating this question for your family. We are also happy to connect you with other Tilden families, either from among the current or alumni community, to answer any questions you may have on general or specific topics that are important to you.
What is the process to be admitted to Tilden?
Similar to other independent schools, each family submits an application for their prospective student. The annual admissions cycle starts in fall and early winter, with tours and open houses. During this time, interested families complete the admissions application, due in early January. Notifications for new families are provided in early-to-mid March. Upon acceptance, a non-refundable tuition deposit is due to reserve your student’s place in their class. Please see the Admissions page for additional information.
My student still has a couple of years before they will be old enough for kindergarten. Do you have an interest list or wait-list?
Yes, we do. Please call (206-938-4628) or email (info@tildenschool.org) and we can add you to the list.
My student’s current experience isn’t working well for our family. Do you ever have openings during the school year for transfers?
Yes, we sometimes do. We encourage you to call (206-938-4628) or email (info@tildenschool.org) and we can tell you if we have openings in your student’s grade. If we do, we will guide you through the transfer application process, which will include a classroom visit for your student. In the event that your student does transfer, we work very hard to ensure they are seamlessly welcomed into the community and set up for success.
Are siblings automatically accepted?
If your family has an older sibling who attends Tilden, younger siblings do have a priority allocation for their incoming grade. Nevertheless, younger siblings do need to complete the application process as each student presents with their own educational, social and emotional needs, which is part of the information we collect on student application materials. We accept siblings for the rising kindergarten class in January, prior to general admission notifications in March.
How much is annual tuition?
For the 2024/25 school year, annual tuition is $17,000. The Board of Directors review operating costs annually and announce tuition adjustments each February. Tuition can be paid in a single payment or allocated on a monthly schedule.
Do Tilden students take standardized tests?
We do not build in any standardized testing to our curriculum. We feel that standardized tests take away significant instructional time, impose a narrow focus on curriculum that ignores student interest, and are unfair to students who do not test well in that format. We gather information on the progress of each student using informative assessment practices each and every day. The absence of standardized testing has not diminished our students’ ability to successfully gain admittance to the Middle Schools of their choosing.
Do you have late arrival or early dismissal each week?
No, we do not. We are grateful for every minute of instruction time we have available to us. School hours are Monday – Friday, 8:40 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Do you have a cafeteria?
Students each lunches and snack in their classrooms or outside as weather permits. We do not have the facilities for a cafeteria. Students do enjoy having these breaks with their entire class as it builds more community and camaraderie.
Where is recess?
All Tilden students have 45 minutes of supervised free-play recess after lunch each day. Younger students have an additional morning recess, and all students have some kind of break mid-morning. We believe that physical, imaginative play is important to developing a well-rounded student, especially in the interpersonal skills around playing together and with students of different ages. We use our fenced-off parking lot, as well as Dakota Place Park across the street, as playground areas. Prior to each recess, additional gates are set in place for safety around the parking lot. A wide variety of play equipment is available for lunch recess.
Do you have before- or after-school care for students?
We currently offer an after-school enrichment program for current Tilden students, from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m., Monday through Thursday. Please see our After School Enrichment page for details.
What are your volunteer requirements?
We welcome parent participation, but do not require it. The Tilden Association of Families and Alumni (TAFA) is a parent and alumni volunteer organization that partners with school administration to organize special events that include opportunities for parents, guardians, and alumni to volunteer.
Where do students go after Tilden?
Our graduates have been accepted and welcomed at every private, parochial, and public middle school in the area. Please visit our Alumni page to see examples of the interesting places and areas of study chosen by Tilden grads.
Is there any affiliation with the church you rent space from?
There is no affiliation; we just rent our space from the church.
What are some traditions that are unique to Tilden School?
Each school has its traditions and events that make it stand out. Tilden is built on numerous traditions that students look forward to each year, including our annual Halloween Carnival. This treasured tradition is put on entirely by parents, complete with a unique and top-secret theme, taking place on the last Friday in October prior to Halloween. On that special day, the pure joy that comes with costumes, classic carnival games, treats, and more takes over the school. Other traditions include Field Day, Poem-in-your-Pocket Day, a Learning Celebration in the spring, two all-school concerts, the annual Read-a-Thon, and various community service events that are organized through the TAFA team.
There are unique grade-level traditions as well. Please see our Tilden Traditions page to learn more.