The Cottage School's Inc. is a well respected program established in 1983 by Laura Thompson.
We currently operate childcare programs at three locations in Seattle.
Our philosophy of education is based on nurturing the whole child.
We provide a developmental appropriate program that encourages children to take a hands-on approach to exploring their environment.
This provides an opportunity for children to develop at their own pace.
The Cottage Schools, Inc, was established in 1983 and currently operates childcare programs at three locations in Seattle.
The original Cottage School was a small cottage located behind a Montlake residence near the University of Washington.
We moved to our current location to meet the growing needs of the community.
Quick Stats (2025)
- School Type: Early Childhood / Day Care
- Grades: Nursery/Preschool-Prekindergarten
- Enrollment: 22 students
- Application Deadline: None / Rolling
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)
Top Rankings
The Cottage School At Mountlake ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Washington for:
Category
Attribute
School Overview
School Type
Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades Nursery/Preschool-Prekindergarten
Student Body
Total Students
22 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
100%
State avg.: 30%
Students by Grade

Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
None / Rolling
School Notes
- The Cottage School's Inc. is a well respected program established in 1983 by Laura Thompson. We currently operate childcare programs at three locations in Seattle. Our philosophy of education is based on nurturing the whole child. We provide a developmental appropriate program that encourages children to take a hands-on approach to exploring their environment. This provides an opportunity for children to develop at their own pace. The Cottage Schools, Inc, was established in 1983 and currently operates childcare programs at three locations in Seattle. The original Cottage School was a small cottage located behind a Montlake residence near the University of Washington. We moved to our current location to meet the growing needs of the community.
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the application deadline for The Cottage School At Mountlake?
The application deadline for The Cottage School At Mountlake is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).
In what neighborhood is The Cottage School At Mountlake located?
The Cottage School At Mountlake is located in the Northeast Seattle neighborhood of Seattle, WA. There are 12 other private schools located in Northeast Seattle.
School Reviews
Endorse The Cottage School At Mountlake. Endorsements should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
- Academic or athletic awards
Recent Articles

A Parent's Guide To Understanding High School Teaching Methods
This comprehensive guide helps parents navigate the various teaching methods used in today's high school classrooms. By understanding these approaches, you'll be better equipped to support your teen's learning journey, communicate effectively with teachers, and create a complementary learning environment at home.

February 08, 2025
Social Emotional Learning: Education's Hidden SymphonyA musician's perspective on Social Emotional Learning reveals how this educational framework orchestrates success through five essential emotional competencies.

January 24, 2025
A Roadmap For Starting A Private SchoolUse this roadmap as a set of talking points with your trusted mentors and professionals to start the private school of your dreams. You're not alone. Over the years, hundreds of folks like you have had the same dream. From Quintilian to Maria Montessori to Lucy Madeira Wing, visionary educators have established schools to teach according to their beliefs and methodologies.