35 years of doing school differently.
Founded 1989. Still going strong.
KapKa was founded by Ladell Black, botanist and educator, with a group of parents who believed elementary school could be something more. The school was built on three tenets: respect for self, respect for others, and respect for nature. Those roots still run through everything we do.
Read the UW article about our founder →
Respect for Self
Students develop confidence and self-awareness through meaningful learning experiences.
Respect for Others
Community care and understanding are woven into the fabric of daily life.
Respect for Nature
Environmental stewardship and outdoor learning are foundational.
A school that grew with its community
KapKa's Founding
Ladell Black founds KapKa Cooperative School with a group of parents. Starts as K-2, sharing space with University Co-op at a church in Seattle's University District.
First Grads
KapKa graduates its first class of 2nd graders, affectionately called the 'Elder Elders.' One even returned as a parent years later.
Helping Found Salmon Bay
KapKa families help found what is now Salmon Bay K-8, an option school within Seattle Public Schools.
A Little Red House
KapKa finds a new home near the Woodland Park Zoo, expands outdoor components and learning experiences.
KapKa Expands to K-5
Moves to current location on 50th St across from the Zoo. Full gymnasium, art and woodworking spaces, full play yard, 7+ pocket parks within walking distance.
First Trailblazers
The 4th/5th grade pod graduates its first class. Focus on leadership, mentorship, and middle school readiness.
Co-op for Modern Families
New membership model expanding how families can participate with flex years, allowing more families to experience the co-op model.
Student Author Summit
KapKa launches its yearly Student Author Summit, where 2nd-5th graders write, illustrate, and bind their own books, then share them with a guest author.
If I were to show the school to a new parent, frankly, the only thing that I would do is show them the fifth graders. The confidence, the poise, the language, the vocabulary.Gus, class of '25
KapKa got me ready for middle school by teaching me to stand up for myself and to stand up for others.Sam, class of '24
Understanding the history is one piece
Here's what most families explore next.