Every aspect of the curriculum and instruction at Giddens School is excellent, in that it is designed to develop well-rounded, curious, and engaged learners. We provide an academic program that is rigorous because it supports the development of deep understanding through strong instructional practices. Our teaching methods include learning by doing (project-based instruction), collaborative learning (learning through social engagement), cross-disciplinary curriculum (learning across different subjects), and discussions (practicing democratic values).
At Giddens, our students are encouraged to engage learning through an inquiry-based approach organized around asking questions, thinking critically, and exploring the world around them. They are given ample opportunities to develop and apply skills, such as investigation, evaluation, and communication, fostering learning that is generative and growth-oriented.
As students journey through our program from preschool-5th grade, they are building skills they can apply to learning, understanding themselves as learners, being in relationship with others, participating as members of a community, and becoming agents of positive change in the world.
Supporting students in their social and emotional growth is woven into every aspect of life at Giddens School. We recognize that the ability to apply knowledge, share information, and acquire new understandings is dependent on strong skills in social and emotional realms. To apply what they know, a student must be able to access the appropriate knowledge, and adapt it to the situation. This requires strong self-regulation and adaptability skills. To share information, students must effectively communicate with diverse individuals, building on essential collaboration and problem solving skills. To acquire new understandings, students must assess their own knowledge and apply emotion management skills. From preschool through 5th grade, the work of developing these skills happens on a daily basis.
Giddens School uses the CASEL Framework and Restorative Practices to deliver high-quality, evidence-based strategies aligned with our mission and values. The CASEL Framework emphasizes the importance of equitable learning environments and coordination of SEL practices between school and home. Restorative Practices promotes a school culture and environment that is safe and equitable by building relationships and repairing harm.
Changemakers
In grades ECE through 2nd, we use a program and curriculum called Changemakers, which focuses on developing skills focused on safe relationships, self-regulation, awareness of self, understanding others, and advocacy. Each topic includes an "Equity Lens” and "Mental Health Lens,” acknowledging students' past experiences and unique identities.
#WinAtSocial
In grades 3rd-5th, we use a program called #WinAtSocial, which provides interactive “meet-the-moment” lessons and resources designed to engage students in open-ended questions about different topics and current events impacting learning and student well-being. These lessons teach modern-day life skills, including navigating common yet challenging social situations and inspiring positive decision-making. They include both group and individual work and incorporate technology.
At Giddens, we believe as progressive educators that it is our responsibility to help students develop social awareness and engagement. This is why social justice continues to be a central pillar guiding our work with children.
As an independent, progressive school, Giddens is inherently a privileged place and we expect and hope that our community will individually and collectively use that privilege to better the world around us. As a school community, we are committed to:
"As a society becomes more enlightened, it realizes that it is responsible not to transmit and conserve the whole of its existing achievements, but only such as make for a better future society. The school is its chief agency for the accomplishment of this end."
-John Dewey, Democracy and Education
At Giddens, we use the Learning for Justice Standards which provide a framework for anti-bias education. These standards provide a common language and organizational structure educators can use to guide curriculum development and make schools more just and equitable.Divided into four domains--identity, diversity, justice and action (IDJA)--the standards recognize that, n today's diverse classrooms, students need knowledge and skills related to both prejudice-reduction and collective action.
The Giddens School community believes in our shared, human experience and is committed to providing students with an education in which they are seen, valued, and respected, as well as with an education that expects them, along with all of us, to “learn justice” each and every day.
Notably, Giddens School is one of the most ethnically, economically, and socially diverse independent schools in the Pacific Northwest. Over 58% of our students are children of color, 43% of our staff are teachers of color and over 37% of our students qualify for our Family Individualized Tuition program (FIT) – far more than other independent schools in the greater Seattle area. Within this truly diverse community, tangible experiences shape the way students learn with and about each other. Our commitment to diversity coupled with our commitment to ambitious teaching ensures that all of Giddens students have opportunities to be active agents of their own learning.
