Belonging by Percy L. Abram, Head of School

There is not a more dynamic, creative, and robust working environment than working in schools. And none more so than The Bush School. The rhythms of the year, the synchronous laughter in the faculty room, the promise of new beginnings, the opportunity to shape the hearts and minds of children, and then to be awed by what they accomplish fills me with immense joy. To work among engaged students and inspired teachers daily seems like quite a luxury, primarily because it is. 

In 2014, as I transitioned from the beaches of Santa Cruz to the majesty of the Pacific Northwest and The Bush School, my sense of wonder and hopefulness was equaled only by an uneasiness about beginning life in a new school, a new state, among new colleagues, and in a community so grounded in tradition. The school was entering into its ninetieth year in Seattle. As I explored the city that first summer, it seemed as if every person I encountered had a connection to Bush. Its alumni were omnipresent. Its influence was ubiquitous. In all honesty, it was quite intimidating. 

I wasn’t certain how those first few days would go, how the community would receive me and my family. Immediately, those fears proved unfounded. The Bush School is not only a revered educational institution with a rich history of experiential learning and academic distinction. It is also a school that believes deeply and invests earnestly in building a sense of belonging. I felt it from the first moment that I stepped onto campus. I continue to feel invigorated by the palpable energy that is everywhere, from parents eating breakfast with their students in the Commons to the Seventh Grade students inexplicably running laps around the Middle School Courtyard to the frenzy and excitement of club day in the Upper School. The Bush School community is truly sui generis. It is a living organism that is reflective, generous, and constantly on a path to improvement. Bush is a beautiful contradiction. It is both forward-thinking and steeped in history. It is both modest and meritorious. Like most venerable institutions, its success comes from its history of great leadership, timely strategic decisions, and caring community members. 

The past decade has ushered in immense change in the world and on campus as well. As Seattle’s population grew, so too did our community, welcoming students from across the city— from new zip codes, communities, and backgrounds—all with unique and compelling stories to tell. Over those years, Bush’s enrollment increased by 25% to 715 students, and we graduated its largest class ever—eighty-six—in 2023. The school’s footprint expanded during the decade, adding the Upper School South building on the Seattle campus and a satellite campus in the Methow Valley. These two transformational projects made the school more representative of the demographics of Seattle and connected the school more deeply to the institutions and people on both sides of the Cascade Mountains. 

Through each era of the school’s history there is one constant: change. The changes that took place prior to my arrival set the school on a course to become this current, best version of itself. We are a smarter, more generous, and more inclusive community today. We’ve cultivated a sense of belonging for students of diverse backgrounds and talents who will no doubt continue to blaze new trails and, hopefully, take the trail back home to Bush from time to time. It is a pleasure to serve this now century-old institution. As I complete year ten, the feeling of belonging has intensified; The Bush School is now part of my DNA. I hope a little of me is imprinted in the school as well.