Frequently Asked Questions About Cascadia
Whether you're exploring schools for the first time or diving deeper into what makes Cascadia special, we've gathered answers to the questions families ask most. From our educational philosophy to daily schedules, tuition details, and admissions—this guide covers what you need to know about joining the Cascadia community. If you don't find your answer here, please email our Community Manager who will be happy to help.
Click on an FAQ topic below to jump to the relevant section:
General Cascadia FAQ
Q: What grades do you serve, and is there a half-day Pre-K option?
A: Cascadia serves Pre-K through 5th Grade with full-day programs designed to meet each developmental stage. We believe consistency throughout elementary years builds strong foundations, which is why we don't offer half-day options—every child benefits from our complete daily experience.
Pre-K students must be age four by September 30th.
We don't accept new 5th graders to preserve the culminating year experience, where students practice leadership and mentorship.
Q: What are your core values and how do they show up daily?
A: Our five core values guide everything we do:
Bold Belonging: Students practice inclusion, celebrate differences, and create a community where everyone feels valued
Finding Your Voice: Children learn to express themselves confidently, advocate for their needs, and contribute meaningfully to discussions
Empathetic Inquiry: Students ask thoughtful questions, consider multiple perspectives, and show genuine care for others' experiences
Wonder & Experimentation: Learning happens through exploration, creative problem-solving, and embracing mistakes as growth opportunities
Growth Mindset: We celebrate effort over perfection, learn from challenges, and believe abilities can be developed through dedication
Q: When does school start and end each day?
A: Our staggered schedule helps ensure the flow of traffic is manageable in the neighborhood as we strive to be good neighbors. Our staggered schedule is:
Pre-K & Kindergarten: 8:45 AM - 3:00 PM
1st & 2nd Grade: 8:30 AM - 3:00 PM
3rd, 4th, & 5th Grade: 8:15 AM - 3:15 PM
We include before-school supervision from 8:00 AM and after-school care until 6:00 PM because we aim to support working families with reliable, stress-free transitions.
Q: How many students are in each class?
A: We maintain an average 9:1 student-to-teacher ratio because meaningful relationships drive learning. Small classes ensure your child feels truly known and valued, while teachers can adapt their approach to different learning styles and respond to individual needs throughout the day.
Q: What makes Cascadia's approach to learning unique?
A: Our whole-child philosophy recognizes that learning looks different for every student. We provide multiple ways for children to engage with content, express their learning, and develop their strengths while building foundational skills. Learning happens through exploration, collaboration, and real-world connections rather than just traditional instruction.
Q: Does Cascadia have a lunch program or do families pack lunches?
A: Families provide packed lunches, giving you control over your child's nutrition and dietary needs. We provide healthy snacks during the school day and aftercare because proper nutrition supports learning, but lunch decisions belong with families who know their children best.
Q: What is your absence policy? Can our family take extended trips?
A: We ask families to limit absences to 10 days per year because consistent attendance supports your child's academic progress and classroom relationships. This 10-day limit is designed primarily to accommodate typical childhood illnesses throughout the school year.
When planning discretionary trips, remember that this limit includes sick days your child may need later in the year. Our collaborative learning approach builds on daily discoveries that students share together, so extended absences impact not just your child's learning but the entire class dynamic. For families facing extended illness or unusual circumstances, we work individually to support your child's continued connection to our community.
Q: What's your weather policy for outdoor play?
A: We're all PNW kids here—pack the Gore-Tex because we play outside rain or shine! We believe fresh air and outdoor play are essential for children's development, so students go outside for recess and PE in typical Pacific Northwest weather. When conditions become particularly stormy or unsafe (heavy winds, ice, severe thunderstorms), we transition to indoor activities.
Q: What is the daily schedule for my child’s class?
A: Each grade's schedule reflects research-based best practices for that age group. Younger students need more movement and exploration, while older students benefit from longer focused work periods. All grades receive weekly art, PE (2x), Spanish, and theater because we believe creativity and physical development are as important as academics.
A Typical Day at Cascadia
Morning Arrival: Students arrive and transition into the day with quiet activities, morning work, or informal conversations with classmates and teachers. This gentle start helps everyone feel welcomed and prepared for learning.
Morning Meeting/Community Circle: Each day begins with a community gathering where we share news, discuss our learning goals, practice social skills, and set positive intentions for the day ahead.
Academic Learning Blocks: Our morning is dedicated to focused academic learning, with integrated blocks that allow for deep exploration of topics while honoring natural attention spans and learning rhythms.
Lunch and Recess: Students enjoy lunch together and have time for free play, fostering social connections and providing necessary physical activity and relaxation.
Afternoon Learning: Our afternoon continues with academic learning, often incorporating more hands-on, creative, or collaborative activities that benefit from community building.
Reflection and Preparation: Each day ends with time to reflect on learning, organize materials, and prepare for home activities or after-school programs.
Specials Classes (All Grades)
Art: 1x per week
PE: 2x per week
Spanish: 1-2x per week
Theater: 1x per week
LEARNING & SUPPORT FAQ
Q: How do you support students who need extra help?
A: We meet every student where they are and help them grow from there. Our small classes allow for individualized attention, and we collaborate with families to create support plans that honor each child's unique needs while building confidence and skills. We believe all children are capable of amazing things in their learning journey—sometimes they just need different approaches or more time.
Q: What is your homework philosophy?
A: Homework reinforces learning by allowing students to practice independently and share discoveries with families. Assignments encourage curiosity through family discussions and real-world connections rather than repetitive practice. We believe homework should complement and strengthen the learning during the school day, not create stress.
Q: How do you assess student progress?
A: We focus on individual growth rather than comparison to others. Through portfolios, conferences, and ongoing observation, we celebrate progress, identify next steps, and help students develop self-reflection skills. Assessment helps us understand how each child learns best so we can adapt our teaching.
Q: What technology policies do you have?
A: We teach digital citizenship, creative problem-solving, and responsible use. Students in grades 2-5 receive iPads as learning tools, with guidelines that balance digital literacy with healthy boundaries and face-to-face connection. Technology enhances learning but doesn't replace human interaction.
COMMUNITY & BEHAVIOR FAQ
Q: What are your classroom expectations?
A: Students learn to include others, communicate respectfully, and persevere through challenges. We create environments where children feel safe to take risks, make mistakes, and grow. Clear expectations help everyone contribute positively to our learning community.
Q: How do you handle behavioral issues?
A: We use restorative practices that help children understand the impact of their actions, repair relationships, and grow from mistakes. When conflicts arise, we guide students through reflection and problem-solving rather than just imposing consequences. This approach builds character alongside academics.
Q: How do you handle conflicts between students?
A: Conflicts become learning opportunities. We guide students to understand different perspectives, express their feelings respectfully, and work together toward solutions. This builds social-emotional skills while strengthening relationships in our community.
BEFORE & AFTER SCHOOL CARE FAQ
Q: What are the hours for before and after school care?
A: Drop-off begins at 8:00 AM regardless of class start time, and pickup is available until 6:00 PM. This flexibility supports working families without the stress of precise timing—because supporting families means supporting students.
Q: Do I need to register my child or notify the school when I use before or after care?
A: No registration needed—all students are automatically enrolled. We eliminate administrative barriers because reliable childcare should be seamless for busy families.
Q: Are there additional costs for before and after school care?
A: Before and after school care is included in tuition because predictable costs support family planning. Optional enrichment classes from outside vendors do have additional fees, but we provide advance notice so families can choose what works for them.
Q: What happens during after-care?
A: After-care balances structure with relaxation because children need both after a full school day. A typical day looks like:
3:00-4:00 PM: Outside snack and play for all grades
4:00-6:00 PM: Age-appropriate activities—Pre-K/K enjoy crafts and friendship time
4:00-4:30 PM: Grades 1-5 have quiet homework time with staff support
4:30-6:00 PM: Grades 1-5 transition to social time and creative activities
4:00-5:00 PM: Optional enrichment classes available daily
Q: Is there childcare offered for staff days, and holidays?
A: We don't offer programming during staff development days or holidays because our teachers need dedicated professional growth time. We do provide summer camps in June and July (9:00-5:00) to support families during longer breaks.
ADMISSIONS & TUITION FAQ
Q: What is the Early Commitment Application?
A: Early Commitment is for families who know Cascadia is their first choice. Apply by December 19th, receive our decision by February 1st, and secure your spot with a 25% enrollment deposit. This process demonstrates a serious commitment to our community while providing earlier certainty for family planning.
Q: How does Early Commitment differ from Regular Application?
A: Early Commitment is for families that know Cascadia is their number 1 choice. We do offer limited seats to ensure space remains available for all families in our community.
Q: What if I'm not accepted through Early Commitment?
A: You will either be placed on our wait-pool and then be reconsidered in our regular admissions process with March 20th decisions, or if there isn’t a good fit, you will receive a deny, in which case you won’t be reconsidered. There's no penalty for demonstrating early interest—we appreciate families who know they want this type of education for their children.
Q: If my child is offered admission, how soon do I have to make my decision?
A: Once you receive an offer, you will have 4 days to decide, sign, and pay the deposit for Early Commitment decisions, and 7 days to decide, sign, and pay the deposit for regular decisions. This timeline ensures admitted families can make thoughtful decisions while allowing us to offer seats to waitlisted families promptly.
Q: What are my tuition payment options?
A: Tuition is $30,430 for 2026-2027. After your enrollment deposit, you choose payment timing that works for your family:
Option 1: Full balance due May 1st
Option 2: Split into two payments (May 1st and December 1st)
Option 3: Ten monthly payments (May through February) We offer this flexibility because families have different financial planning approaches.
Q: What does "all-inclusive tuition" mean?
A: No surprise fees. Ever. While most independent schools list one tuition rate and then add costs throughout the year, Cascadia's $30,430 covers your complete annual investment:
All field trips (including overnight camps for grades 4-5)
Personal iPad for each student in grade 2 and above
Software, textbooks, and materials
Transportation fees
Daily snack
Unlimited after-school care
This transparent approach means you can budget confidently from day one—what you see is what you pay.
Q: Do you offer discounts for siblings when they are ready to apply?
A: Older siblings receive 10% tuition reduction while enrolled with younger siblings. This discount recognizes families who choose our community for multiple children.
Q: Is tuition insurance required?
A: Tuition insurance is required for payment plans but optional for full payment. It protects families from unexpected circumstances that might require withdrawal, acknowledging that life sometimes brings unforeseen challenges. This insurance is offered during the enrolment process via Dewar, the cost is approximately 2% of tuition.
Q: How does tuition insurance work?
A: Tuition insurance provides financial protection if your child needs to withdraw after attending at least 14 days of school. If withdrawal is necessary due to medical reasons or school dismissal, the insurance covers 70% of unused tuition. For other circumstances like family moves, financial hardship, or voluntary withdrawal, coverage is 60% of unused tuition. Families remain responsible for the remaining 30-40% respectively. This safety net helps ease the financial burden during already difficult situations while acknowledging the real costs schools face when students withdraw mid-year.
Admissions Wait-pool FAQ
Q: Why was my child placed on the wait-pool?
A: Wait-pool families are strong candidates we'd offer admission to if we had space. As a small school with minimal year-to-year attrition, seats are naturally limited. Each year, we have more applicants than we have seats available, so inevitably, exceptional students are placed on the wait-pool. While wait-pool placement doesn't guarantee admission, family plans do change, and we typically admit several wait-pooled students each year.
Q: Are wait-pool students ranked?
A: We don't rank wait-pool students. All are considered strong candidates who we reconsider as seats become available. Our decisions focus on creating balanced classes rather than simple ranking.
Q: When will we know if a seat opens?
A: Wait-pool seats can move anytime after decision notifications through the start of school. We'll contact you immediately when seats become available—no need to follow up with us.
Q: What if we've already deposited elsewhere when you offer us a seat?
A: We understand wait-pooled families may need to secure backup options. If we offer you a seat after you've committed elsewhere, let us know your situation and we'll discuss timing flexibility where possible.
Q: What should we do while waitlisted?
A: Secure your backup choice—we encourage wait-pooled families to accept offers at other schools rather than wait without alternatives. If we later offer you a spot, you can make the best decision for your family at that time.
