What I love about Overlake

Driving onto Overlake’s campus for the first time is an awe- inspiring moment. The stately tall firs interspersed with the green rolling hills and streams on Overlake’s 73 acres is nature at its finest. The fact that I can walk through this oasis on my way to work each morning is a real treat.

I recently learned one piece of data that illuminates just how varied and diverse Overlake’s students are, and the variety of life experiences they bring to our campus each day. Did you know that 55% of our current students are the first students in their families to attend a middle or high school in the United States? That wider world perspective is a wonderful educational opportunity for everyone.

Healthy, high-functioning schools have strategic goals to further the organization for the benefit of the community. Overlake’s strategic plan, with our commitment to well-being, diversity, equity & inclusion, attracting and retaining top employees, and executing on our institutional identity, positions us to continue our excellent work while continuing to improve and iterate for the benefit of the community.

To say Overlake students are well-rounded is a bit of an understatement. Our students embrace what it means to learn in a comprehensive environment, where involvement in academics, as well as athletics, arts, outdoor education, and service learning is encouraged and nurtured through a student calendar that embraces these disciplines by committing time to them in the student’s day.

This cornerstone program at Overlake has been a steadfast part of an Overlake student’s experience since the early days of the school in the 1960’s. It remains a highlight for students and is often brought up by Alums as one of their favorite memories. The commitment that it takes from the adults at Overlake to put this endeavor on each year is impressive. Also, I love how students from different grades interact during this week, and it reminds us that learning takes place out of the classroom. 

While I have only been able to experience one graduating class at Overlake, I am glad to have known the mighty Class of 2024! Here’s an example of their tremendous impact. This group of sincere, well-meaning students brought back the idea of building community by instituting the Owls Nest, which is an opportunity for Upper School homerooms to partner with Middle School homerooms to mentor and tangibly build lasting community friendships.

Overlake is fortunate to reside within a diverse community of families who come from all around the globe, but through work and life experiences, have found their home here. Having a variety of life experiences within our community at Overlake makes for a dynamic learning environment for everyone.

Overlake’s tradition of Upper School students calling their teachers by their first names is unique and something that I have not experienced in any other school. This signals to me the respect and partnership that is cultivated between students and their teachers at Overlake that translates to healthy student advocacy and growth. Oh, and the fact that adults and students all eat together in the Campus Center is another great example!

The faculty and staff model life-long learning for our students. They are continually thinking about how to improve their skills and content, and they are accessible and interested in cultivating and nurturing student interests. They are “all in,” and students know that the adults at the school are excited to work with them.

Overlake has smart, kind, and joyful students who love to learn. They are after all, the reason all of us adults come to work each day! And what a joy to be involved in their growth and development into terrific young adults.