Northwest Children's School

Director's Message

Our school was founded 22 years ago by Pam Koons, the former owner and director. Pam had a dream to start a school in this area that would touch every aspect of a child's life. The classrooms that were created were not only larger in size (approximately 1500 square feet each), but they were filled with personality and a quality curriculum that stretched a child's imagination to learn, play and grow into a person with values, pride in accomplishments, and strong, positive relationships with peers. This balance teaches a child to not only have high self esteem, it also teaches them to reach for their dreams while laying a strong foundation of skills to face the future. As the current owner and director of N. W. Children's School, I share that vision with Pam. I take pride in having a staff that is not only highly competent but shows compassion, caring, and patience by using creative educational ideas. All of our staff have had extensive training and continue to develop their teaching technique by attending seminars and workshops to expand their professional growth. Our entire staff has had voluntary background checks, and are First Aid/CPR certified.

I invite you to come and tour our school and see for yourself how wonderful it is to have a school in the area that is truly dedicated to continuing the dream of being “all about the kids”. I hope to see you soon.

Kathleen Ruesken
Owner/Director

Meet the Staff

NWCS takes pride in having an extremely competent, caring, creative, compassionate, and dedicated team of teachers.

Kathy Ruesken - Owner/Director

Jody Holley
"I first discovered Northwest Children’s School many years ago when I was looking for a quality school for my two children. I so admired what I found here that after sending my youngest child off to kindergarten, I returned! Every year is a truly exciting and rewarding experience, seeing our students learn and grow. You will see me in the office as well as the classroom. I look forward to another wonderful year!"

Linda Schoen - Curriculum Director
"After teaching for several years at the elementary level, I found my way to Northwest Children's School. Early childhood education is dear to my heart and I wanted to enrich children's lives early. NWCS has a quality program which enables children to grow socially and academically, with care and understanding."

Mary Janda

Our entire staff has had voluntary background checks, and is First Aid and CPR certified.

The Facility

Our spacious and brightly decorated in located in the Smokey Point area or Arlington, Washington (see map). Our classrooms are very large, leaving ample room for learning centers, a library, an art center, a home center, a building center, and a science center. There is also an area with tables for teacher-guided instruction in pre-reading, writing, puzzles, and pre-math activities. All or our teachers (and children) keep their rooms colorfully decorated with artwork and current projects, and filled with books, learning games and activities, art supplies, and everything else imaginable to support an environment for creative and hands-on learning. Outside, there is a large, fenced-in play area, which includes slides, swings, sandboxes, and climbers, as well as some seasonal fun like bubbles  We go outside every day, weather permitting.

What Parents Say About Us

"I spent some time looking at schools before I found NWCS. When came in for a tour, I knew this was the perfect place for my son  There was such a warm feeling, and I knew he would have a very good experience here. The creative projects are ALL keepers, and he learned so much from being here  He went from being very shy and not wanting to leave mom at all to a child who excitedly enters the classroom each day to see what new adventures await. I think his favorite adventure has been learning all about space. He even got to be an astronaut in class  He has made some very good friends here, and I have too." 

-J. B. (pre-kindergarten parent)