School Profile

Eastside Learning Community:

is an OSPI accredited alternative school in Bellevue, WA. ELC is conveniently located between 405 and 520.

 

 

We focus on idividualized academics and hands-on electives.

 

 

One-on-one teaching is offered in the morning by our highly qualified teachers and staff.

 

 

Educational social skills groups are held in the afternoon. We employ a direct and active learning curriculum.



ELC Affiliations

OSPI

Attention Deficit Disorder Resources

Lake Washington School District PTSA Special Needs Group

The National Center for Learning Disabilities

CAPE

PACER

LDA of Washington

Wrightlaw

Our Head of School

Laura Thompson

Laura has committed the last 30 years of her life to education and childhood development. Nearly half of that time was spent closely working with therapists and educational consultants within the fields of special education. An unwavering advocate of positive progression within the community, she believes that it plays a very important role in the development of a child's learning experience. Her goal with Eastside Learning Community is to take the positive aspects of both education and community and integrate them into a welcoming learning environment. Laura holds a Bachelor's Degree in Education from the University of Hawaii and a Bachelor's Degree in English from the University of Washington. She has spent the majority of her life in the Greater Seattle Area, and has many ties with the community.

Our Staff

The Eastside Learning Community staff is comprised of caring and competent professional educators who provide an individualized curriculum for middle school learners. Each specialized team member brings significant experience, ideas, and dedication to our community.

Because our program is driven by the Tribes philosophy and is dedicated to using multiple intelligences learning theories to achieve 21st century skill acquisition, our staff members function truly as a team of reflective practitioners. As a community, students and staff are self and other directed in our learning, and are continuously learning and problem solving.

Our team includes experienced administrators as well as certified educators and specialized content teachers. Our team comes from a wide variety of educational backgrounds, including school districts, mentoring programs, and residential treatment centers.

Philosophy

Eastside Learning Community teachers and staff utilize the Multiple Intelligences to ensure that students grow intellectually, socially, emotionally, and spiritually. Students will gain core academic information through well-proven active learning strategies. Furthermore, we incorporate the social, community building aspects of Tribes to provide students with the skills necessary to succeed in a group setting. Our approach adapts to each student's unique learning style, and provides them with the skills to succeed academically and socially.

Mission & goals

Eastside Learning Community seeks to:

 

        • Enable students to acquire knowledge in a lasting, global way.

 

  • Engage students in meaningful learning using the multiple intelligences unique to each individual child.

 

  • Nurture each and every student's sense of self.

 

  • Cultivate each student's appreciation, awareness, and involvement in their personal learning style.

 

  • Share in teaching students who have a sense of humor and joyfulness about learning, life, and community relationships.

 

  • Partner with families to best meet our students needs in an academic and social environment.